A smart warehouse consists of automated workflows, robust analytics, and IoT-enabled devices that work together to streamline inbound logistics, storage, and outbound logistics. By embedding smart technologies across the warehousing value chain, companies can make their supply chains more nimble, responsive, cost-effective, and efficient.
A warehouse management system has the potential to save your company money and help improve warehouse efficiency.
1. Makes social distancing possible
A warehouse management system can make social distancing — one of the most important concerns in warehouses today — simpler.
Warehouse management software can account for worker distance requirements when assigning various tasks. The software can also design inventory placements and routes so warehouse employees have little to no physical interaction.
2. Offers real-time inventory data
A warehouse management system’s data gives workers the inventory information they need when they need it.
A WMS can read serial codes and track each item from the time it enters the warehouse through its movement on the floor.
A warehouse management system’s inventory data can also help a company improve its reputation.
A WMS’ scanning improves pick accuracy, which in turn can help lead to customer satisfaction and takes tasks off the to-do list.
A warehouse management system can also reduce a business’s workload.
3. Reduces operating costs
A warehouse management system can also help a business reduce its bottom line.
A warehouse’s operating expenses are offset if staff can use a WMS to calculate the best locations for products, materials and equipment.
A warehouse management system’s insight into inventory can also help reduce costs.
Better inventory visibility can lead to reducing a business’s just-in-time inventory. A company saves money because it doesn’t need to store the items. A WMS can also cut down on waste by implementing a first-in, first-out rule so the oldest perishables go out first.
4. Improves demand forecasts
A warehouse management system can give a company more insight into future demand.
Because a WMS provides better inventory visibility, a company’s demand forecasts can become more accurate. In addition, a WMS can draw on current inbound and outbound movement of materials and historic trends for a forecast. When a warehouse has an accurate demand forecast, warehouse operators can maintain optimal levels of inventory.
5. Creates efficiencies for specific goals
A warehouse management system can prioritize what’s most important for a given project, for example, putting the best people in the most effective location, creating the most efficient warehouse routes or target for a particular time deadline.
A modern WMS includes floor simulators, which managers can use to plan the warehouse layout more efficiently. A warehouse management system can prioritize the most important goals, whatever those are.
6. Improves traceability
A company can implement a warehouse management system’s tracing capabilities during a crisis.
Businesses can use warehouse management systems to trace their inventories using lot numbers and serial numbers. Companies need that data if recalls occur.
That information can be particularly crucial for certain industries.
7. Improves employee morale
A warehouse management system can improve the employee experience.
Automation has the potential to make employees happier because they can use their time more efficiently, which reduces overtime.
Employees can go [to] their jobs and know what they’re supposed to do and know how long it’s supposed to take and get it done.
8. Enables digital transformation
Companies can use a warehouse management system to modernize operations in a way that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. But that doesn’t have to happen all at once.
A company can choose to implement its WMS in phases so the company can get the latest technology and operate as efficiently as possible.
The second phase of a WMS implementation could involve integrating it with other technologies, such as the ERP system or the MRP [material requirements planning] system, so it can share data, enabling the company to better refine its warehouse operations.
If an organization’s WMS is cloud-based, the software can update automatically, which can enable real-time visibility and efficiencies.
f you are planning a WMS system and would like to schedule a free consultation to see if YGL WMS is right for you as your next potential Warehouse management system.
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