Warehousing

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2. Advanced WMS: An advanced WMS is capable of planning resources and activities that will then allow for the synchronization on the flow of goods within the warehouse. This WMS focuses on throughput, stock and capacity analysis.

3. Complex WMS: Complex WMS allows for the optimization of one or a group of warehouses. Information availability regarding each product in terms of location and destination are made available. This particular system allows additional functionality such as transportation, dock door and value added logistical planning; thus optimizing the warehouse operations.

Also WMS systems can be configured as stand-alone systems or integrated as modular systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or the supply chain execution suite. One must never forget that the sole purpose for the use of WMS is to control the movement and storage of materials within the warehouse. The system is designed to increase inventory accuracy which equates to improved efficiency and the reduction in labor costs.

AccellosOne WMS

The Elite Home Products Company of Saddle Brook New Jersey markets it full range of bedding products through top market retailers. Orders, may range from a few pallets of products to multiple truckloads. The company’s president and vice-president shifted their business strategy from that of a manufacturer to an importer. This change in their business strategy and plan net the company huge profits however their manual warehousing processes could not remain efficient with the increase of orders. The leadership decided to move to a more highly organized warehouse, as well as employing the Accellos WMS software. The new facility comprised of 60, 000 sq. ft. of storage space for their 4,500 SKUs. AccellosOne WMS is a scalable and flexible real-time WMS software system which streamlines operations and inventory management by utilizing paper-free processes and radio frequency (RF) communications. This particular WMS package allows for the tracking of stock into, out of and within the new warehouse. For picking and shipping operations, the program provides order receipt and fulfillment documentation via paper or wireless RF terminals. The product can also assist with customer complaint label generation and real-time integration to the company’s ERP software (Accellos, 2015).

Conclusion

The world of warehousing is constantly changing due to the increased pressures to improve overall supply chain performance. WMS plays a vital role in the planning and control structure in the pursuit of the desired high warehouse performance and efficiency. Utilization of a WMS can transform a company’s warehouse(s) into a more efficient operation and therefore transform your entire supply chain operation. Today’s warehouses differ from those of the past in that through the use of WMS, companies are no longer consider these facilities as unavoidable cost centers, which serve only as large stock-keeping entities. Warehouses of today are being designed or redesigned to include automation for high speed throughput rates allowing for products to remain upon the shelves or floor for short periods of time only.

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References

Accellos. (2015). Elite Home Products Case Study. Colorado Springs, CO.: Accellos.

de Koster, M., & Smidts, A. (2013). Organizaing Warehouse Management. International Journal of Operations and Production Management, 1-28.

Ramaa, A., Subramanya, K., & Rangaswamy, T. (2012). Impact of Warehouse Mangement System in a Supply Chain. International Journal of Computer Applications Vol 54-No. 1, 14-20.