The October 2023 edition of Manufacturing & Logistics IT magazine features a Special Technology Report looking, in depth, at the latest developments in the world of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Voice-directed Picking.
Also included is a ‘Cover Story’: With automotive supply chains stabilising, focus on sustainability expected to rise back up automakers’ agendas.
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.
Manufacturing & Logistics IT October 2023 edition
Oct 24, 2023
Full AntwerpXL 2023 conference programme revealed
Oct 18, 2023
The award-winning conference for breakbulk, heavy lift and project cargo, has revealed this year’s programme
CHAMP Cargosystems and Metamaze collaborate to launch CHAMP A2Z Scan, transforming Air Waybill data capture and comparison
Oct 18, 2023
With more than 60 million Air Waybills (AWBs) typed and compared by hand, CHAMP Cargosystems has partnered with Metamaze to launch A2Z Scan to digitalize the processing of paper Air Waybills reducing the average human error rate and generating time savings of up to 80%.
Combi-CB70E wins Italian Terminal and Logistics Award (ITALA)
Oct 16, 2023
Combilift has won the Italian Terminal and Logistics Award (ITALA) for the new Combi-CB70E.
Exotec reaches over 100 customer sites accelerating the adoption of warehouse robotics and automation around the world
Oct 11, 2023
Exotec has announced its continued business expansion reaching over 100 customer sites globally. The company is on track to increase its global employee headcount 80% YoY by 2024 to support record business growth across APAC, Europe, and North America.
DISPEO's Evreux logistics site capitalises on SCALLOG Goods to Person robotics for agile, customised multi-activity logistics
Oct 11, 2023
With SCALLOG Goods To Person robotics, the 3PL DISPEO is meeting its objectives for stock consolidation, logistics performance and CSR at its Evreux warehouse.
Unlocking efficiency: AI’s transformative role in warehousing
Oct 10, 2023
Everybody is talking about Artificial Intelligence but what are its potential applications for warehousing and supply chain?
Edward Napier-Fenning, Sales & Marketing Director of leading supply chain software company Balloon, explores five key areas that can boost performance – including route planning, picking, labour management reporting and data entry.
South Africa’s first fully robotic parcel sortation system now operational at Johannesburg logistics hub
Oct 03, 2023
What is thought to be the first fully robotic parcel sorting system to be deployed in South Africa is now operational at the Johannesburg hub of the country’s leading e-commerce and logistics services company, BUFFALO Couriers.
Kammac’s ‘pop-up’ fulfilment service launch delivers for e-commerce start-ups & entrepreneurs
Oct 02, 2023
UK logistics specialist Kammac is taking the pain out of e-fulfilment with a new pop-up service, helping start-up businesses to outsource their operation within days.
Engineered racking: The foundation of warehouse automation
Sep 27, 2023
With continued e-commerce growth, now more than ever, companies must continually re-evaluate their inventory needs, so they can reliably fulfil orders quickly and efficiently.
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.
