An organisation's inventory control systems have a significant impact on its ability to compete in different market sectors. Manual inventory control may impact productivity and sales performance as omnichannel retailing operations have become more common. It is always a race against time to manage distribution and warehousing operations.
This is where a warehouse management system (WMS) comes in handy, manages inventories, and improves the effectiveness of the supply chain procedure.
From reducing errors to improving system efficiency, a WMS has numerous advantages, impacting operational productivity. Modern WMS technologies go beyond conventional warehouse functions to cover every stage of the product lifecycle. From accurate tracking in the warehouse to stock input, it manages every step. To maximise productivity and increase operational efficiency throughout the supply chain, it has now become imperative to leverage technology-driven WMS solutions. Additionally, it boosts customer satisfaction and gives a competitive advantage in today’s fast-paced business world.
Here is an overview of how WMS has revolutionised inventory control.
Inventory tracking and optimisation: Inventory control is recognised as a defining feature of warehouse management systems. Here is where WMS's real-time location information helps with inventory management. Benefits include scrap material handling, a return material handling module for sales, a system-directed cycle count for quicker inventory checks, and vendor returns. Also, it incorporates a multi-location administration module and granular zone classification to enhance storage capacity. WMS thus puts a stop to chaos in the warehouse, with accuracy and efficiency at every stage.
Inventory Visibility and Data Management: WMS integrates with ERP, TMS, and CRM applications to collect extensive data analytics for operational improvements. Advanced data science applications are built on top of this, allowing companies to plan production, estimate demand, and maximise capacity. Businesses can use these trends and patterns to identify delivery lead times, supplier capabilities, and internal load swings.
As a result, they can provide intelligent inventory order recommendations, which help to maintain more formal inventory control. This data-driven approach empowers organisations to make informed strategic decisions, ultimately enhancing their competitiveness and agility in the market.
Seamless integration with automation and AIDC technologies: The most transformational feature of WMS is its seamless interaction with automation, and Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technologies, like AMRs, ASRs, barcode scanners, and RFID tags. This integration enables efficiency and accuracy in inventory control. For instance, AMR works alongside human pickers, efficiently transporting goods within the warehouse based on WMS instructions.
Optimising space utilisation with WMS: Effective WMS helps to improve warehouse space usage by carefully planning and analysing the floor plan. It minimises excess warehouse space and cuts operating costs. WMS streamlines operational processes by determining the best storage areas according to item demand, movement patterns, and transportation logistics, resulting in cost savings.
Labour and resource management: Warehouse management systems streamline operations by allocating labor and resources as efficiently as possible. Depending on staff capabilities and available resources, workers schedule shipments, picks, and transfers using WMS-based planning tools. WMS also identifies the ideal picking methods to save effort and congestion. Along with that, it assigns tasks according to employee location to increase the output. Departmental integration leads to integrated yard management and vehicle tracking, which cuts down on idle time.
Revolutionising Inventory Control!
In the current high-tech era, warehouse management solutions are critical to inventory control. The WMS provides a comprehensive solution to meet the changing demands of modern supply chain management. From improving inventory control and raising transparency to maximising space usage and streamlining processes, it supervises everything.
Moreover, it also minimises the struggle of physical inventory with system inventory in the ERP, providing unmatched visibility and transparency. Thus, with its revolutionary potential, scalability, and flexibility, WMS is essential for businesses aspiring to stay ahead of the curve and boost operational efficiency.
—The author, Vikas Wadhwa, is Chief Operating Officer, Bar Code India. The views expressed are personal.
This is where a warehouse management system (WMS) comes in handy, manages inventories, and improves the effectiveness of the supply chain procedure.
From reducing errors to improving system efficiency, a WMS has numerous advantages, impacting operational productivity. Modern WMS technologies go beyond conventional warehouse functions to cover every stage of the product lifecycle. From accurate tracking in the warehouse to stock input, it manages every step. To maximise productivity and increase operational efficiency throughout the supply chain, it has now become imperative to leverage technology-driven WMS solutions. Additionally, it boosts customer satisfaction and gives a competitive advantage in today’s fast-paced business world.
Here is an overview of how WMS has revolutionised inventory control.
Inventory tracking and optimisation: Inventory control is recognised as a defining feature of warehouse management systems. Here is where WMS's real-time location information helps with inventory management. Benefits include scrap material handling, a return material handling module for sales, a system-directed cycle count for quicker inventory checks, and vendor returns. Also, it incorporates a multi-location administration module and granular zone classification to enhance storage capacity. WMS thus puts a stop to chaos in the warehouse, with accuracy and efficiency at every stage.
Inventory Visibility and Data Management: WMS integrates with ERP, TMS, and CRM applications to collect extensive data analytics for operational improvements. Advanced data science applications are built on top of this, allowing companies to plan production, estimate demand, and maximise capacity. Businesses can use these trends and patterns to identify delivery lead times, supplier capabilities, and internal load swings.
As a result, they can provide intelligent inventory order recommendations, which help to maintain more formal inventory control. This data-driven approach empowers organisations to make informed strategic decisions, ultimately enhancing their competitiveness and agility in the market.
Seamless integration with automation and AIDC technologies: The most transformational feature of WMS is its seamless interaction with automation, and Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technologies, like AMRs, ASRs, barcode scanners, and RFID tags. This integration enables efficiency and accuracy in inventory control. For instance, AMR works alongside human pickers, efficiently transporting goods within the warehouse based on WMS instructions.
This frees up valuable human time for more complex tasks. Furthermore, WMS can manage Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), maximising storage space in high-bay warehouses. It also minimises picking times with cranes and elevators that move on command. In essence, WMS becomes the brain of a smoothly functioning warehouse operation, resulting in unparalleled efficiency and accuracy.
Optimising space utilisation with WMS: Effective WMS helps to improve warehouse space usage by carefully planning and analysing the floor plan. It minimises excess warehouse space and cuts operating costs. WMS streamlines operational processes by determining the best storage areas according to item demand, movement patterns, and transportation logistics, resulting in cost savings.
Labour and resource management: Warehouse management systems streamline operations by allocating labor and resources as efficiently as possible. Depending on staff capabilities and available resources, workers schedule shipments, picks, and transfers using WMS-based planning tools. WMS also identifies the ideal picking methods to save effort and congestion. Along with that, it assigns tasks according to employee location to increase the output. Departmental integration leads to integrated yard management and vehicle tracking, which cuts down on idle time.
Revolutionising Inventory Control!
In the current high-tech era, warehouse management solutions are critical to inventory control. The WMS provides a comprehensive solution to meet the changing demands of modern supply chain management. From improving inventory control and raising transparency to maximising space usage and streamlining processes, it supervises everything.
Moreover, it also minimises the struggle of physical inventory with system inventory in the ERP, providing unmatched visibility and transparency. Thus, with its revolutionary potential, scalability, and flexibility, WMS is essential for businesses aspiring to stay ahead of the curve and boost operational efficiency.
—The author, Vikas Wadhwa, is Chief Operating Officer, Bar Code India. The views expressed are personal.
First Published: May 30, 2024 8:18 AM IST
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