Polish-owned, Indigo Nails, has appointed Walker Logistics to undertake fulfilment of orders for its range of nail care and home spa cosmetics products to its growing client base in the UK.
Warehouse Management Software, WMS, Warehousing Software, Warehouse Systems
A critical element within the wider supply chain, a warehouse management system (WMS) helps to manage the storage and distribution of goods within a warehouse or distribution centre (DC). The software stores and provides information on goods transactions such as receiving, putaway and picking and shipping, often based on real-time information related to bin utilisation. A WMS system also often incorporates the use of Auto Identification & Data Capture (AIDC) devices or systems – including barcode scanners, mobile computers, wireless LANs or Radio-frequency identification (RFID) – to help to optimise the efficient stocking and distribution of goods.
Covid compliant intralogistics
Jun 09, 2020
What intralogistics solutions can keep warehouses covid-compliant, allowing staff to work safely and productively? Edward Hutchison, Managing Director of BITO Storage Systems, makes some suggestions.
96% of SME logistics companies plan remote working post Covid-19
Jun 03, 2020
Over recent years, remote working has become increasingly popular, as technology has reduced the need for a physical office space for some industries. Many employers and HR professionals also advocate this way of working as an approach to enhance the work-life balance of employees.
Panther makes over 8,000 pallet spaces available to help meet increasing demand for warehouse space
Jun 03, 2020
Two-man delivery specialist Panther Warehousing has freed up over 8000 pallet spaces at its 215,000 sq. ft storage and distribution facility at Normanton, near Wakefield, Yorkshire at which it can provide a full e-commerce solution for large item sales.
Lydia Voice passes the test - Highly reliable voice recognition even while wearing a mask
Jun 01, 2020
The coronavirus has taken hold around the world, and all parts of the economy have a duty to help slow the spread of the virus. An increasing number of logistics firms are implementing measures to maintain operations and protect their workforce.
New date for ‘LogiMAT | Intelligent Warehouse’, Bangkok
May 26, 2020
In view of the continuing uncertainty in the industry because of the coronavirus disease, ‘LogiMAT | Intelligent Warehouse’ is being postponed to 7 – 9 July 2021.
inotec labels supporting COVID-19 pandemic response
May 26, 2020
Warehouse solutions and label specialist, inotec UK, has ramped up production of its labelling systems to support the medical, facilities and e-commerce industries during the coronavirus pandemic.
Total Distribution, Inc. completes renovation and expansion of North Carolina cold storage warehouse
May 26, 2020
Total Distribution, Inc. (TDI), a Peoples Services, Inc. company, acquired the Winston-Salem, NC cold storage warehouse back in December 2017. During the past two years, TDI has upgraded the facility to meet the increasing demand for cold storage.
SnapFulfil conjures up ninth Magic Gartner Quadrant
May 25, 2020
Synergy’s SnapFulfil has been placed on the elite Gartner Magic Quadrant (MQ) for Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) – for the ninth successive year.
Kardex acquires majority share in Robomotive
May 20, 2020
Kardex has acquired the majority share in the Dutch company Robomotive. Founded in 2011, the company develops and implements smart robot technologies.
Warehouse Management System
A warehouse is a commercial building used for the storage of goods and are usually cited in industrial areas. Warehouses are used by manufacturers, logistics companies, distributors, transport, freight forwarders, importers, exporters, wholesalers, etc. Warehouses usually have loading bays and docks and serve as a distribution centre for the loading and unloading of goods from trucks. Sometimes warehouses are designed for storage and despatch of goods directly from railways, airports or seaports.
A warehouse management system, or WMS, is a key part of the supply chain and primarily aims to control the movement and storage of materials within a warehouse and then organise and process all of the associated transactions such as shipping, receiving, put-away and picking. The systems also direct and optimise stock put-away based on real-time information about the status of bin utilisation. A WMS can be used by manufacturers in their own warehousing facilities or a logistics company (3Pl /4Pl) operating contracts for a number of clients and retailers.
Warehouses are an integral link in the modern supply chain, ensuring that the correct product is stored efficiently,delivered in the right quantity, in good condition, at the required time, and at minimal cost. It performs an integral role in managing goods movement and information exchange between manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
A good Warehouse Management System (WMS) manages all types of warehouse operations efficiently and effectively. It also enhances inventory management by increasing accuracy, improving order fulfilment and reducing order cycle time. Receiving and shipping are streamlined as well to facilitate cross-docking and expedite back-ordered products.
A WMS can automate picking, packing and shipping and it will minimise the number of moves per order. The WMS can improve the accuracy of every order, reduce safety stock, manage tasks and improve processes. An efficient WMS can consolidate orders to reduce transportation and shipping costs. Data is collected within the warehouse environment by data-capture technology such as barcode scanners, mobile computers, wireless LANs and Radio-frequency identification (RFID).
This information is then fed into a central WMS database to provide a real-time update on the overall inventory and specific SKU levels in the warehouse (stock keeping units). This information is then used to replenish the stock levels to ensure that there is sufficient flow of products. Once data has been collected, there is either a batch synchronization with, or a real-time wireless transmission to a central database. The database can then provide useful reports about the status of goods in the warehouse.
Bonded warehouses are specifically used as a secure holding or storage facility before duty is paid. Upon entry of goods into the warehouse, the importer and warehouse owner incur liability under a bond. Goods can be stored and held in a secure environment for a number of years before either being shipped on or released for distribution when the duty must then be paid.
