Aug 05

What is a Warehouse Management System?

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A warehouse management system or a WMS, is a software solution that controls the movement and storage of the inventory in a warehouse. Some of the processes it would control include shipping, receiving, picking, and storage. Not all warehouses use a WMS; however all warehouses would benefit from the efficiency that results from implementing a WMS.

Benefits of a Warehouse Management System include a reduction in inventory, lower labor costs, rise in inventory accuracy, increase in customer service, and a WMS will even increase the storage capacity of any warehouse.

WMS software uses tools such as barcode scanners; mobile computers, wireless LANs, and some even use special tags that can track products through radio waves. Once these tools have collected all the warehouse data, the WMS can then provide reports and status updates on the entire inventory stored in that particular warehouse.

WMS does more than just supervise within the limitations of a warehouse today. Inventory organization, inventory planning, cost management, IT functions & communication technology are also all associated with warehouse management software. Effective warehouse management gives an advantage to any retail chain supply company. WMS systems also manage storage, and the loading and unloading of any inventory.  Warehouse management does not just start with receiving of material but it truly starts with the original planning when the package design is made for a product.

Check out supply chain companies such as 4Sight, who have expert WMS consultants who can provide you with all your questions about warehouse management systems!

 

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Jul 28

Warehouse Management and Barcode Dynamics GP Partner

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Supply Chain Management and its parts Warehouse Management System, Consignments, Shipment Picking and Packing, Delivery Trucks Route Optimization is based on Barcode scanning, RFID, real time or batch mode integration of scanned data with Microsoft Dynamics GP Distributions set of modules.  Distributions series in Great Plains include Sales Order Processing, Purchase Order Processing, Inventory Control and extensions to these modules, such as Purchase Confugurator (simple MRP solution).  When you are selecting WMS or another part of SCM, it is often reasonable to expect some customization budget, as in such processes as Sales Order Allocation, Merchandize Purchase Receipts companies have their own unique way of competing on the SCM network.  In this small paper we would like to emphasize how WMS could be realized for Microsoft Dynamics GP:
1. WMS as extension to Sales Order Processing, Purchase Order Processing and Inventory Control.  Sometimes you see also Bill of Materials (if you do picking and packing or simple manufacturing) or even several modules from Great Plains Manufacturing suite.  Inventory intersite transfers, physical count, adjustments are done in WMS by exposing Inventory Transactions to Barcode scanning.  Sales Order Fulfillment is typically done in SOP Sales Order by enabling manual line allocation via barcode scanning.  Similar in Purchase Order processing module, you expose to barcoding Purchase Receipt for WMS inventory replenishment functionality
2. Selecting WMS Technology Partner.  While Dynamics GP pool of resellers could include CPA oriented organizations, typically tuned to do Corporate ERP Software licenses sale and generic implementation – if your goal is real Barcoding, Logistics and WMS modules and logic implementation may require additional homework and background check in picking your Microsoft Dynamics GP VAR and ISV.  Barcoding itself is pretty challenging in such technologies as RFID, handheld devices, programming for Barcode scanner Operating System (fitting to small screen dimensions and scaling down WMS client).  You should be sure that your proposed Dynamics GP Barcode Partner has large number of SCM and WMS successful implementations under its belt
3. How to get additional info?  Please, call us 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918 or email us help@albaspectrum.com  We’ll try to do the best for local service in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, California, Texas, Georgia from our offices in Chicago, Naperville, San Diego, Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta

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Jul 19

Warehouse Management System For Microsoft Dynamics Gp Notes

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Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Consignment with intensive Barcode scanning automation usually requires business logic specific and customizable add-on for you Corporate ERP application.  In this publication we are reviewing solution for Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly known as Great Plains Dynamics and eEnteprise) coded in Great Plains Dexterity with MS Stored Procedures.  Module is powerful and flexible and could be further modified if required

1. Purchase Receiving.  Supports receiving against POs in Dynamics GP via wireless handheld scanners, labels auto-generation.  Lot numbers are captured by scanners during the receiving process.  Receiving transaction auto-generated in Dynamics GP.  It supports generating PO receipts directly from electronic files for mass receiving

2. Inventory Management.  Module supports site-to-site transfer transactions or bin-to-bin inventory moves; handle stock counts via barcode scanners; assign multiple barcodes to items in Dynamics GP using the barcode scanner

3. Sales Order Fulfillment.  Solution supports picking in batch or on an order-by-order basis. It generate route pick sheets, route delivery sheets and loading instructions.  Active Dashboard allows managers to monitor each scanner.  We support auto-generation of shipping labels containing customer information and order references, also printing labels with appropriate Lot numbers.  Lot numbers can be auto-generated or provided by the manufacturer

4. Technology. Barcode scanners upload their batches or online readings into Dynamics GP via custom Dexterity screens, procedures, tables.  Microsoft Dexterity is GP user interface core technology – it allows you to create screens within the same security realm and these screens have the look and feel, similar to standard Dynamics GP windows (icons, colors, scrolling windows, menus, etc.)

5. Targeted Clientele. Warehouse Management extension is targeted to mid-size and large organizations with extensive and demanding warehouse automation via barcoding with required integration to Microsoft Dynamics GP ERP system.  Solution is available Worldwide, where Dynamics GP is localized, including Middle East, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean basin

6. Similar functionality for other mid-market ERP applications, such as SAP Business One.  SB1 has similar extension, supported by Alba Spectrum M2D2 alliance.  SAP B1 is localized for broader range of countries, including Brazil, Russia, Germany, China, India, Korea, Japan

7. For additional info, please call us: 1-866-528-0577, internationally 1-630-961-5918,  or email us help@albaspectrum.com

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Jul 10

Dynamics GP Barcoding, Warehouse Management Partner in Michigan

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Modern Warehouse Management, Picking and Packing, Shipping and Receiving, Assembly or Discrete Manufacturing oriented enterprises in Michigan and USA nationwide often require Barcode Scanning automation.  In this publication we are describing Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly known as Great Plains Dynamics) Barcoding add-ons and technologies, in order to give you sort of orientation session. If you already have your Corporate ERP system implemented on Dynamics GP platform or if you in ERP and MRP system selection phase – this should be good initial info for deciding what is the next in your homework:

1. Dynamics GP and Supply Chain Management.  In Great Plains you have Distributions set of modules: Inventory Control, Sales Order Processing, Purchase Order Processing, Bill of Materials plus Manufacturing suite (which is good fit for generic discrete manufacturing).  SCM functionality is technically in the Distributions modules, however if you need SCM routines to be performed on the warehouse floor with barcoding – you do need either integrated External standalone WMS or various SCM system integrated with Dynamics GP Distributions modules, or the second option would be implementing Dynamics GP WMS, SCM extensions

2. External WMS or SCM versus Extensions.  External Warehouse Management Systems are typically more established and they have integration packages or connectors to major ERP applications, including such popular ones as Microsoft Dynamics GP, AX, NAV.  However external WMS might be a bit too complex and you would potentially need to pay for the same Supply Chain Management functionality, which you already have (and paid for) in Dynamics GP Distributions modules, for example.  External WMS also might be geared toward large Wholesalers, Retailers and Warehouse managing companies, as its integration may require pilot testing phase and further customization.  We are favoring WMS and SCM extensions versus recommending External Warehouse Management Systems

3. WMS extensions technology.  Barcode scanner is tiny device, which runs its own operating system, where WMS client application should be running.  This is one of the reasons to deploy very simple and conservative programming tools (pre .Net), such as Visual Basic.  WMS client talks to WMS Server – typically Windows Server or Workstation, which is in its turn connected to your office Ethernet (or Optical if you expect high level of Barcode scanning, or Wireless – if you are smaller operations) and communicates scanned records to Dynamics GP Server via ODBC connection and direct SQL feeding (we have special technology layer – Order Connector)

4. How to request further information.  Please call us 1-866-528-0577, if you are located in Southern, Central and Eastern Michigan – we are serving you from our Benton Harbor/St. Joseph location.  If you are in USA Nationwide or internationally we are serving you from our Headquarters in Chicago, or San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County California, Houston offices

 

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Jul 09

Warehouse Management Systems and Barcode Scanners

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Combining mobile computers and desktops along with assorted software modules plus secondary interfaces, a Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) manages a yard completely or a warehouse. These systems are capable of locating inventory, making allowances for management requirements as well as work out shipping after which get the receipt of inventory. The complexity of the warehouse being served will determine the complexity of the WMS required to run it. Smaller operations perhaps require no more than an inventory locator and a counting module along with a simple shipping-receiving interface. In some cases there is no need for a WMS. Proper operation of a fully functional WMS system depends upon the know-how of IT professionals, so installing a WMS makes sense only if there is a significant cost benefit associated with its ownership. An all-inclusive WMS solution offering complex modules is vital especially when it comes to extensive operations with the warehouse with several stockyards or even product-related problems like shelf-life concerns. Increased accuracy, productivity and significant cost reduction for a quick ROI are some of the benefits to be looked at while a WMS is implemented. Additionally, a WMS usually brings down inventory amounts and labor costs particularly if used in conjunction with related data collection. A WMS also provides the possibility of adding automation tools which help substantially better the output of your warehouse laborers. For instance, if you add voice picking to the WMS will substantially increase accuracy and reduce error rates close to zero which is the norm. Such facts are evident through the ROI observations made by the early users of the voice-picking. The other WMS add-on which produces an ROI within18 months, is RFID. It is the first area where one sees quick returns on investment in RFID is in the sphere of tracking assets. Every warehouse has assets like totes, pallets and carts used to move inventory. Using rigid tags (passive) for monitoring the assets, the costing for the RFID system could quickly be recovered quickly by bringing down the losses of such assets. At the case level, RFID could also be made use of with disposable RFID tags (passive) but achieving an ROI is tougher unless RFID equipment is incorporated into a system that is multimodal. A Multimodal computing (mobile) begins in a handheld computer, which can be used for multiple peripherals at the same time. These peripherals include RFID, GPS, Bluetooth technology, barcode scanners, database connectivity, Voice technology such as Vulcan Voice by CTG, and others. When joined with software applications multimodal input and output software, the end product can be an exceptionally powerful cost cutting system. For streamlining a warehouse, implement a multimodal WMS system or think of adding multimodal functionality to the existing WMS system being used. RFID equipment can be used for detecting a check-digit location, track a case, a pallet, carts, PC’s and totes. A voice component will help in guiding the worker. While a multimodal system may need a direct design and consulting, in the long run, such systems would cut on your plant time and resources by offering a multi-functioning tool and the correct tool for every operation.

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Jul 08

Dynamics GP Los Angeles VAR Warehouse Management System

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With gradual recovery in the economy there is time to think about new ways to compete on the market, especially if your company is in traditional distribution, manufacturing, logistics industries.  WMS is one of the answers, and modern Warehouse Management System implementations have the trend to be tightly integrated with Corporate ERP and MRP applications.  The second trend is also visible – external WSM are facing higher competitions from the WMS solutions, working directly from your ERP application.  This publication is intended to Southern California business metro area, however the solution described below is applicable to the Warehouse related business across the USA, Canada and Internationally:

1. Warehouse Management System components.  Classic WMS include Sales Order Fulfillment, Merchandise restocking and inventory adjustments/moves.  All the above mentioned functionalities are apparently available in every Corporate ERP application (or available for addition as modules).  What makes WMS special is complete Barcoding automation

2. Barcoding and Microsoft Dynamics GP.  Theoretically Barcode scanner (or as it was introduced) is similar to computer keyboard, but it works ten or hundred times faster in entering whatever was scanned from Barcode labels (where you may have Item Number, Quantity, Price, Invoice number, Serial number and other important components, which otherwise got to be keyed in via keyboard).  Modern Barcode scanner is a way more advanced devise and it is in fact small computer with its LCD monitor, processor and operating system and its price might be over one thousand dollars (Symbol, Metrologic, HandHeld, DataLogic, etc.).  The power of the scanner allows you to enter and save transaction and then integrate it in either real time or batch mode to (if you have Standalone WMS) or through (if you have WMS extensions to your ERP application)

3. How WMS extensions work.  Order Allocation (also often referred as fulfillment).  WMS naturally enables SOP Order or Invoice (with manual allocation SOP type) for barcode scanning and entering item lines (lot number logic is supported as well).  Inventory Replenishment – this is done through POP purchase receipt window, enabled for barcoding.  And the third component – Inventory Adjustment and Transfer works in Inventory Control module of Great Plains Dynamics

4. WMS international business specifics.  Here you have to pay attention to such features as multicurrency.  Dynamics GP is localized for South America in Spanish and in Canada in French Canadian Quebec.  If you have presence in another area of the world, we recommend you to call us for options

5. Requesting further info.  Please, call us 1-866-528-0577 or 1-630-961-5918 or email us help@albaspectrum.com  We have local presence in Southern California: Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego; Houston, TX, Chicago, IL, Southwest Michigan (covering Grand Rapids, Holland, Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo)

6. Last flint.   For our International customers, or companies with subsidiaries abroad.  We are available to discuss with you your situation and possibly help you with Barcoding, WMS, SCM add-ons for Dynamics GP internationally.  We cannot officially promise you to help you worldwide, just due to the fact of Corporate ERP localizations (Microsoft Dynamics GP doesn’t support Unicode or Hieroglyphs efficiently and it is not localized to support required tax and government reporting in some countries)

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Jul 07

Warehouse Management for Great Plains Dynamics GP Nationwide Installation and Support

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If you have extensive Picking and Packing, Shipping and Receiving and other warehouse floor operations, where you plan to deploy Barcode scanners and integration, we would like to describe WMS extension in this small publication.  In our opinion Supply Chain Management partner selection should not be restricted to the companies with local offices, as initial installation consultants travel cost might be insignificant, comparing to WMS software licenses and consulting budget.  We are also giving you some highlights on External Warehouse Management System comparisons with the WMS, working directly as Dynamics GP SOP, POP and Inventory modules extension.  Please, note, that other ERP applications in Microsoft Dynamics family, such as Axapta Dynamics AX, Solomon (SL) or Navision (NAV) – even being united in one Corporate ERP family of products, still have different code base and business logic and rather at this time are similar by ERP user interface, so if you are looking for WMS for AX, SL, NAV – you can give us a call for directions, but at this time our WMS extension works with Microsoft Dynamics GP out-of-the-box:

1. Warehouse Management System functionalities.  Normally you should expect generic WMS to support Sales Order Fulfillment (also referred as allocation), Inventory Replenishment (merchandise restocking) and Inventory transactions, such as inter sites transfer, cycle count, adjustment

2. WMS extension vs. Standalone Warehouse Management application with connectors to Dynamics GP.  If you look at the paragraph #1 – all the classical features of Warehouse Management module are already available in Dynamics GP Sales Order Processing (Order Fulfillment is done in SOP Sales Order with manual allocation, and allocation is happening when you scan Barcode labels of the items to be picking from their bins on the warehouse floor).  Inventory replenishment is naturally tits to GP POP Purchase Receipt and Inventory Adjustment, Transfer and Physical count are supported in Great Plains Inventory control.  Plus, you can have such features as Lot Number.  If you decide to purchase Standalone WMS – you may expect to pay twice for the WMS functionality, already available in Great Plains SOP, POP and Inventory modules.  If you decide on WMS extensions, you are just extending the features you already paid for and just have Barcode scanner enabling

3. WMS technology architecture.  It has two tiers: WMS Server and client.  The server runs on Windows Server or Workstation, connected to your Fiber Optic (huge number of barcode transactions), Ethernet (moderate level of Barcoding), Wireless (low level of Barcode scanning) network – this application talks to Dynamics GP company database via ODBC connection.  Warehouse Management Client application runs directly on the Barcode scanner (Symbol, Zebra, etc.) and it is coded in Visual Basic to fit Barcode scanner tinny computer limited capacities

4. WMS sales cycle and installation.  We are committed to the idea to sell, implement and support Warehouse Management Systems, Supply Chain Management extensions, such as Consignment USA, Canada nationwide and internationally.  As our business model proved to be efficient, we recommend you to call us for reference in your region, including internationally.  We move you through sales cycle with our sales force in Chicago, San Diego, Los Angeles and Michigan and when we are ready to begin implementation, our consultant flies to your location and does initial installation and user training.  Call us 1-866-528-0577, 1-269-605-0330 (Michigan and Northern Indiana customers) or email us help@albaspectrum.com

5. Custom features implementation for WMS extensions.  Modification is natural for larger organization, custom requirements often allow you to succeed on the market with your unique knowhow.  Microsoft Dynamics GP has rich functionality and most of the objects and transactions in Great Plains could be opened to Barcode scanner integration:  Bill Of Material, Manufacturing, Field Service Suite, Fixed Assets, Microsoft CRM to name you few examples.  We are ready and happy to provide software programming services, based on our Warehouse Management System Source code, as well as via our Microsoft Dynamics GP Dexterity Software Development Factory, where we do eConnect, SQL, Modifier with VBA, Integration Manager programming, Crystal Reports, SSRS, Report Writer, FRx reporting design.  We also have Dynamics GP eCommerce extension, integration with such popular shopping carts as Magento, ASP .Net Store Front

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Jun 29

Microsoft Dynamics GP Michigan Support: Warehouse Management, Logistics, Barcoding

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Standard new Accounting System implementation might be too little for modern Corporate ERP customer.  We assume that it is the fact, that most of Microsoft Dynamics GP Partners do CPA oriented job in Setting up General Ledger, Taxes, Customers, Vendors and train your users.  However in our opinion it is very important to locate Dynamics GP Reseller, who is able to go beyond modest accounting system implementation boundaries.  This publication should give you orientation in enabling Great Plains Dynamics for Barcoding, which is crucial in Supply Chain Management, Retail and Point of Sale, Light Manufacturing and Assembly on order, Picking and Packing, Shipping and Receiving, Consignment and other Barcode scanner based business activities

1. Barcode Scanner integration with Microsoft Dynamics GP.  Technically Barcode scanner is similar to computer keyboard if it is set to send scanned barcode label directly to the computer.  Having said that – you may simply try to have Dynamics GP client application loaded on tiny netbook computer with barcode scanner attached and connected to your wireless network.  Then you walk through your warehouse floor and open relevant GP window, place cursor on the field to be scanned (SOP Transaction Entry Item Number for example in the case or WMS order fulfillment), then scan the barcode label of the item – and scanner will do the job.  However this ideal situation may be too unrealistic, as Barcoding operators typically have limited knowledge of Dynamics GP functionality and their time is very limited as they need to scan maybe up to three hundreds of labels in one minute.  You need Barcode extension to Dynamics GP, where Barcode scanner works in batch scanning mode and does all the work offline or in real time connection and then uploads the whole batch of documents or the whole document (if it is working in real time integration mode)

2. Supply Chain Management, Warehouse Management, Logistics and Distribution in Dynamics GP.  In Great Plains Dynamics you have Distribution set of modules: Sales Order Processing, Inventory Control, Bill of Materials, Purchase Order Processing, where substantial stratus of SCM functionality is already available.  WMS extends these modules for Barcoding, especially SOP Order Fulfillment (WMS Fulfillment), POP Purchase Receipt (WMS Inventory Replenishment), Inventory Transaction: Adjustment and Transfer (WMS Cycle Count, moving ordered parts from warehouse to another)

3. Bonus Michigan Great Plains Support topics: version upgrade, data conversion, integration, reporting.  If you are currently on outdated Great Plains version, such as Dynamics GP 8.0, 7.5, 7.0, 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.0 including Great Plains Select on Pervasive SQL 2000/Btrieve or Ctree; Great Plains Accounting for DOS, Windows or Mac 9.5, 9.2, 9.1 or earlier, Microsoft Small Business Financials 7.0, 7.5, 8.0 or 9.0 – you can upgrade all the way to current Microsoft Dynamics GP version 2010.  If you have to stick to your legacy Corporate ERP application and wait for better time (recession was especially hard in Michigan with high pressure on Auto Makers and respectively on their auto parts suppliers)

4. Requesting further info.  You can call our office in St. Joseph, MI 1-269-605-0330, chances are high that all the Dynamics GP consultants are in the fields, then call our Nationwide number: 1-866-528-0577 or email us help@albaspectrum.com.  We travel to you in Benton Harbor, New Buffalo, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, South Haven, Holland, Muskegon, Grand Haven, Lansing, plus we support you via web session across the whole state of Michigan and USA Nationwide

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Jun 28

Barcode Interface for Microsoft Dynamics GP: Warehouse Management, Distribution, Logistics

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Barcoding in Supply Chain Management, Retail, Warehouse Management, Picking and Packing, Shipping and Receiving is possible even in native ERP application interface, at least in theory.  Originally introduced barcode scanning was similar to entering numbers and letters directly through computer keyboard.  However modern barcode scanner (one of the most popular comes from Symbol) has its own LCD screen with operating system and by its retail price this device may exceed the price of the laptop Mac or PC computer.  This complexity opens in its turn numerous opportunities, and for such Corporate ERP applications as Dynamics GP Great Plains, SAP Business One it means that Barcode scanner needs client application, or WMS client software, which in turn will talk to ERP and MRP screens or directly with the database.  Additional complication, Warehouse Management System may have tiers in its architecture, where WMS barcode scanner based client talks to WMS server computer via wireless, or RFID technologies.  And the WMS (or SCM, as Barcode based software may have broader functionality, crossing the limitation of Warehouse Management and entering into broader Supply Chain Management concept) Server talks to the ERP application directly, being located on the same computer network (wired Ethernet for integration performance optimization).  Server integration technology could be SQL Stored Procedures (ODBC interface, or native SQL client), eConnect and even Dynamics GP Integration Manager (when real time integration is not required).  Here we would like to give you introduction into WMS for Great Plains Dynamics:
1. WMS functionality.  Typically it is in Sales Order Allocation (also referred as Fulfillment), Merchandize Receipts (Inventory Replenishment), and Inventory Quantities management and transfer between warehouses.  Each matured mid-market Corporate ERP application usually has these functionalities available for application user to enter directly in native user interface.  Dynamics GP, for example has these features in Sales Order Processing Order Entry with manual item allocation, Purchase Order Processing Receipts and in Inventory Control Adjustment, Transfer and Cycle Count.  And likely that your organization already purchased Dynamics GP Distributions set of modules and you do not want to pay second time for pretty much the same functionality in External Warehouse Management System
2. Opening Dynamics GP Screens for Barcoding.  There is some challenge here, as you do not want to tab through all the editable fields, and rather prefer to trigger integration when everything is scanned and ready to go for the scanned document (if we are talking about barcoding real time integration).  Or even scan the whole batch of documents into Barcode scanner memory and then upload it into ERP application as the batch (batch mode integration)
3. Crossing US Border and going internationally with Barcoding, WMS, Discrete Manufacturing, Logistics, Freight Forwarding.  If you are multinational corporation and you are expanding or changing Corporate ERP platform for you Headquarters and overseas subsidiaries, please do your homework to understand such required concept as Corporate ERP localization for the targeted country or region.  ERP localization might be minor concern, when your subsidiary is in small country, where local GAAP is really copying US or international GAAP.  If local language support and tax compliance is a concern, please give your local Microsoft office a call to see if Microsoft Dynamics GP is localized for your country.  As far as we know from Microsoft Business Solutions official press releases, Dynamics GP is localized in English speaking countries (USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, South Africa), plus in South East Asia and Oceania where English is the language of business, plus in Latin America in Spanish (except Brazil as Brazil is Portuguese speaking country).  And finally in Arabic for Arabic peninsula, and Northern Africa.  There are several Dynamics GP Add-ons, enabling Great Plains for such languages as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, German, Dutch, French (France, as it is already localized for Quebec Canadian province).  More languages are coming including Russian, Persian, Dari (Afghanistan, Kabul), Urdu, Polish
4. How to request additional help in your sales cycle.  Feel free to call us 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918 or email us help@albaspectrum.com  Local service is available in Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, San Diego, Orange County California, Atlanta (SAP Business One only).  Our consultants are speaking multiple languages: English, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, Filipino

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Mar 19

Warehouse Control Systems Profiled by Manufacturing Journalist Tr Cutler in Supply & Demand Chain Executive

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Manufacturing journalist, Thomas R. Cutler, profiles “When it’s Time for a Warehouse Control System” in the current issue of Supply & Demand Chain Executive.  According to Cutler, “The primary purpose of a warehouse management system (WMS) is to manage the overall activity within a warehouse and process the associated transactions, including receiving, putaway, order selection and shipping. A WMS also handles the movement of materials from one location to another, physical inventories and cycle counting.”

 

Although WMS functionality differs from one vendor to another, all address the same basic needs of a warehouse operation. Warehouse management systems often utilize technology such as barcode scanners, radio frequency (RF) terminals, mobile computers, wireless local area networks (LANs), and potentially radio frequency identification (RFID) to monitor the flow of products. Depending on the scope and cost of the WMS, it may include advanced functionality such as cross-docking, labor management, yard management, slotting, transportation management and value-added services. Warehouse management systems can be stand-alone systems or modules of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Benefits claimed include reduced inventory, cost savings, improved space utilization, higher productivity and improved customer satisfaction.

 

Jerry List, vice president of QC Software (www.qcsoftware.com), based in Cincinnati, Ohio, devised a list of indicators of when to consider a WCS (warehouse control system). According to List, these are effective statements for supply and demand chain executives to investigate the efficacy of a WCS.

 

The current system is inefficient and it takes too long to get an order out the door.

The company is growing quickly and cannot handle the volume, especially during peak times.  The conveyor system looks like the freeway during rush hour (cartons everywhere, but going nowhere). The company is losing customers to the competition because orders cannot be shipped quickly enough. Back-orders are being created even though the product is in stock.  Products are being lost because there is no visibility of order status.  Products are being shipping to the wrong place.  Dealing with multiple material handling equipment vendors is causing support problems.  The company is concerned that the WMS is remote (off-site) and/or connectivity problems may bring the warehouse operations to a halt.  Continually modifying the WMS is too expensive.  The company wants to improve warehouse operations but cannot afford a new WMS or more equipment.

 

 

 

 

A company that could benefit from a WCS tends to have the following characteristics:

 

In excess of $50 million in sales

Warehouse of 100,000 sq. ft. or greater

Conveyor system with multiple sortation points

Multiple “islands” of material handling equipment

More than an average of three stock-keeping units (SKUs) per order

Greater than 1,000 orders per day

 

QC Software is the leading provider of Tier 1 warehouse control systems to the warehousing and distribution industries.   Since 1996, QC Software, utilizing state of the art technology combined with extensive research, development, and rigorous testing, has developed the QC Enterprise suite of products.  Designed to be modular in nature, easily configurable, and platform independent, this highly scalable solution satisfies the needs of any size warehouse. 

 

 

QC Software, Inc.

www.qcsoftware.com

Jerry List

JerryList@qcsoftware.com 

 (513) 469-1424

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