Warehouse Management Software: A Modern Warehouse Mastermind
Modern warehousing has changed dramatically with the advent of substantial and sophisticated automation techniques
. In numerous ways, it has affected how products are stored and shipped. Warehouse Management Software that supports a thriving and robust warehouse enterprise functions much like the brain; communicating and giving directions to all component parts that it effectively manages.
The Systems, Networks and Processes
In general terms, warehouses function as storage and logistics facilities for commercial enterprise. In today's world, public warehouses and 3PL's provide inventory management for multiple businesses' housed under one roof. Entities and networks that participate in warehouse activities include wholesalers, manufacturers, importers, exporters, businesses, transportation networks and customs.
Since the warehouse's primary function is to store and move goods in and out of their domain for clients and customers they serve, they typically have multiple loading docks and cross-docking capabilities to load/unload goods from trucks. Occasionally a very large 3PL serving many international customers may be located near or with direct access to railroads, waterway ports or airports.
Some of the largest facilities use cranes to load and offload product. They all use forklifts to manage loads once they are inside the warehouse facility, moving items from pallet to shelving or bulk storage areas.
Storage and Picking-for-Shipping Basics
Frequently, modern warehouses use pallet racks, which offer a number of options like selective, drive-thru, pushback and the like. Some use vertical lift modules and horizontal or vertical carousel systems, among others.
Picking can be conducted in a number of ways. Some of the more frequent and common pick activities are piece pick otherwise known as pick/pack, over-pack, each pick, split-case picking and broken case picking. In each instance, product is selected (picked) and packed as a discrete unit and placed in cartons for shipping. This style of warehouse picking is done mostly for/by retailers.
Clients fulfilling product on a wholesale or stock inventory level are performing similar functions except that in their case, they may be shipping multiple full or partial load cartons to be sent to a distribution center, a retailer or a manufacturing entity for production.
As mentioned above, the brain managing all of these functions is a Warehouse Management System (WMS). The warehouse management software is designed specifically to maintain accurate inventory level counts that will then interface with users as inbound replenishment requests, outbound order fulfillment, storage and logistics functions occur.
Warehouse Optimization through Automation
Notably, most warehouses have some form of automated warehouse management software in today's world. Some are entirely automated, only needing 'operators' to perform physical tasks; with others performing computer tasks. Either partial or entirely automated warehouses may use conveyor belts to move product and operate automated storage, even retrieval functions.
Warehouse slotting is key to an optimized warehouse operation. Slotting provides details on how a product is stored and subsequently picked; from pallet rack or carton. Additionally, technological tools that 'speak' or record transactions are included in the process, whether pick-to-light, pick-to-voice to-paper.
All of these automated tools are run by the warehouse management software system. It is easy to see how mechanization that reduces labor while increasing efficiency can optimize any modern warehouse and contribute to a healthy bottom line. Further, some of the strongest, most accurate systems are web-based with easy access for all relevant users.
by: John V
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