Any system which is implemented for the proper functioning of the warehouse and successfully carrying out its operations to the satisfaction of everyone forms a part of warehouse management. Primary operations of a warehouse include:
· Inventory management on a large scale for a number of companies or one company in particular,
· Picking processes which include cross-loading, Transloading, transportation, shuttle services etc. and
· Auditing both for accounts and for the inventory maintained.
All the three processes can be defined in a single line but comprise of several micro-processes and functions which need to be individually managed successfully to ensure that the three processes are successful in their entirety.
WMS –a definition
In order to ensure the success of all the aspects of a warehousing company, one needs to mandatorily implement the WMS or warehouse management system. This is software consisting of processes that enable warehousing companies and organizations to monitor, control and administer the operations taking place within the premises of a warehouse from the time of the entry of products to its exit. Simply speaking the WMS, when implemented properly, ensures visibility of the warehouse’s inventory irrespective of whether it is in a facility or it is in-transit at all times and at any place. This system is also well-equipped to manage operations related to the supply chain from the wholesaler or manufacturer to the storage warehouse and subsequently to the distribution center or retailer.
The whole gamut of functions that need to be successfully executed by the WMS requires it to come in many different types, each having its own typeof implementation method. The type of WMS also depends on the size of the organization as well as its nature of business. Thus small organizations use a simple form of WMS which includes a series of spreadsheet files or hard copy documents. Larger organizations, however, require a much more complex type ofWMS.
Features of WMS
The WMS that is generally available contains the following fundamental features namely:
· Warehouse design so as to optimize the allocation of inventory by maximizing storage space allocation by customizing workflow and establishing a good picking logic,
· Inventory tracking isgenerally done using advanced radio-frequency tracking and identification, barcode scanning, automatic data capture, and identification, etc.,
· Receiving and put-away can be done in a much better manner by using technologies like the pick to light and pick to voice etc.,
· Picking, packing and shipping goods including zone, wave, and even batch picking and generating bills of lading, packing lists and even invoices along with sending shipment notifications to customers in advance are all handled by WMS,
· Labour management which is facilitated by monitoring labor performance using certain key indicators,
· Dock and yard management wherein truck drivers coming into the warehouse are able to correctly find their loading or offloading docks, Transloading, cross-docking, etc.,
· Reporting in any form as and when required.
Need for WMS
Although initially, warehouse services company might find it hard to understand the complexities of WMS and also quite expensive to implement, in the long run, it benefits the company in many ways by:
· Bringing about a reduction in labor costs,
· Improving the accuracy inventory maintained,
· Enhancing flexibility and also facilitating better responsiveness,
· Reduction in errors occurring in picking up and shipping of goods and types of equipment,
· Enabling greater customer satisfaction.
Since modern WMS operate using real-time data, they are able to utilize current information on such activities which relate to orders and shipments, receipts of goods and their subsequent movement, etc. This system, is thus, extremely helpful in enabling warehousing companies to manage the functions of a warehouse better and should thus be implemented immediately.
