subject: Warehouse Management Systems and Barcode Scanners [print this page] Warehouse Management Systems and Barcode Scanners
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.
