subject: Public Warehouse Wms Contributes To Best Practices [print this page] Public Warehouse WMS is an important contributor to the best practices of effective public warehouse management. A sophisticated and cost-effective web-based public warehouse management software program improves accuracy, maintains efficiency and enhances the bottom line. Certainly there are a number of other activities that contribute to a well-run warehouse. Even in the face of industry differences or products stored and shipped that allow for some variance, there remain basic practices nearly all warehouses can adopt to improve their operations.
Basic Functions
Since most time, energy and staff is spent in the picking process, this can be a core area on which to focus for ongoing evaluation and improvement. It goes without saying that all public warehouses will want to minimize or reduce the time spent on picking orders. This can be accomplished in multiple ways. One of them is to position or store the most frequently picked items closest to shipping to reduce time required to complete the task. Part of the location issue will also include reviewing sales information to ensure storage of frequently picked inventory is remains steady over time. If adjustments are needed, inventory can be moved.
Layout
Frequently picked inventory practices are part of a much larger perspective operating in any well-run public warehouse management operation. Overall layout of each client's inventory should be periodically reviewed for storage within the warehouse from most picked to lest picked and housed in the appropriate ascending/descending order. This will improve productivity and efficiency and will be reflected in the public warehouse WMS reports.
Technology
Most warehouses operating today will periodically review their public warehouse WMS software system and the tools that are used along with it. The most advanced systems are web-based on-demand SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) programs that are user-friendly and operate as a 24/7 access on any computer's browser system. Typically, they offer scalable pricing for companies who do not need long-term contracts and are therefore extremely cost-effective: you only 'pay for what you use'.
In addition, most of these sophisticated systems rely on mobile scanners or RF devices, with some even using pick-to-light and voice recognition technology. In the pick-to-light technology, users scan barcode labels. A pick bin face will then display a digital read of the item(s) and quantity needed to be picked. It is becoming standard for well-run operations to incorporate pick-to-light applications for up to 20% of their bestsellers.
Voice picking provides pick directives through a headset staff wears throughout the day. Pick instructions are transmitted via RF or other applications through public warehouse management software. Voice picking can serve as a complimentary function for pick-to-light systems and eliminates the need for computer screen access or paper tickets.
Finally, even if a company is unable to afford all technologies, great benefit can be achieved through incorporating the SaaS WMS programs. They typically require little time for a company to 'install' and can be available in hours, if not days, depending on warehouse specifications. And, because of the scalable pricing scheme, most are far cheaper to subscribe to than outright purchase of an independent software program that requires software, hardware and consultants, all of which may take months to integrate into the warehouse.
