In line with the digitalisation of manufacturing lines, warehouses too are becoming more advanced. The traditional, manual process can be challenging for warehouse operatives and is prone to error. By adding digital solutions and intuitive User Interfaces, cognitive load can be reduced from staff and an audit trail can be used to track stock's movement.
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.
Screwfix opens Lichfield warehouse to support expanding store network
May 08, 2018 Comments (0)
Screwfix has officially opened its 4th warehouse in Fradley, near Lichfield, expanding its distribution base to meet the needs of its customer demand and growing store network.
Swissport Basel certified for pharma logistics by IATA
May 08, 2018 Comments (0)
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has awarded Swissport Cargo Services at Basel's EuroAirport with the CEIV certificate for particularly sensitive pharmaceutical logistics.
KNAPP installs second pocket sorter solution for ASOS
May 01, 2018 Comments (0)
KNAPP is supplying its pocket sorter technology at the Berlin distribution centre of leading online fashion retailer, ASOS.
Logistics director awarded company partnership
May 01, 2018 Comments (0)
A director at a Warehouse and Distribution Group has been made partner as the business continues to grow, prosper and diversify.
Indigo appoints new Group CEO and expands leadership team
Apr 09, 2018 Comments (0)
Indigo Software has announced that former COO, Darren Baxter, has been appointed as the company's new Group CEO, to lead a newly expanded executive team following the recent appointment of Tony Sweeney as Non-Executive Chairman.
Chep's improved customer digital experience
Apr 03, 2018 Comments (0)
Chep reports that its proprietary online customer portal known as myCHEP is receiving widespread customer acceptance throughout Europe and across Chep's global footprint because of its ease of use and time-saving features.
Blue Cube fulfils order for nine portable blast freezers from Rick Bestwick
Mar 27, 2018 Comments (0)
Rick Bestwick – part of the Magnavale Group – has recently installed three blast freezers from Blue Cube Portable Cold Stores at its state-of-the-art Warrington and Scunthorpe facilities.
GEODIS pilot project for robotic picking doubles productivity in its Indianapolis warehouse
Mar 13, 2018 Comments (0)
To address the record-low unemployment rate (~3%) and the strain on labour during peak seasons, GEODIS and a major online women's apparel client partnered to pilot collaborative each-picking using 30 autonomous mobile robots from Locus Robotics in a 139,000 square foot (13,000 sqm) warehouse in Indianapolis.
TGW realises first Mustang project in China
Mar 06, 2018 Comments (0)
International automotive parts supplier HELLA has ordered an automatic mini-load warehouse from TGW Logistics for a new intralogistics centre in Shanghai - the first order to be placed in China since the opening of a TGW production unit in the country.
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.
