Warehouse Management System - The Complete Process & Implementation

A warehouse management system (WMS) provides critical information for company’s inventory, procurement, and logistics. It is an important tool to help streamline operations and improve efficiency. But implementing the WMS can be a daunting task. 

There are a number of factors to consider when implementing a WMS. First, you need to determine the needs of your organization. Is the system needed for budgetary reasons? Does the company need to optimize its inventory levels? Do they want to track orders? Once you have determined these goals of the WMS, you need to create an implementation plan.  

This article will help you understand all about a Warehouse management system. So, let’s dig in. 

What is a Warehouse Management System and What Does it Do? 

Warehouse Management System

A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software application used to manage and optimize warehouse operations. The primary function of a WMS is to control the movement and storage of materials within a warehouse, including the physical space and equipment used to store and move inventory. 

A WMS performs a range of tasks, including inventory tracking and management, order fulfillment, receiving, and shipping. It helps warehouse managers keep track of inventory levels, monitor the movement of goods within the warehouse, and ensure that inventory is stored and picked efficiently. 

Key Features of a WMS 

  1. Inventory tracking: A WMS allows warehouse managers to track inventory levels in real time, enabling them to make better-informed decisions about inventory management and reorder points. 
  2. Order fulfillment: A WMS helps manage goods-to-person fulfillment by identifying the optimal pick paths for order pickers, providing real-time inventory data, and automating the order fulfillment process. 
  3. Receiving: A WMS streamlines the receiving process by automating the process of receiving and verifying inventory and assigning appropriate storage locations. 
  4. Shipping: A WMS manages the shipping process by coordinating carrier pickups, creating shipping labels, and managing the documentation associated with outbound shipments. 
WMS can help improve warehouse efficiency, reduce inventory holding costs, and improve customer service by ensuring accurate and timely order fulfillment. 

Warehouse Management – The Complete Process 

The warehouse management process involves a series of steps to ensure that goods are stored, organized, and shipped efficiently and accurately. Here are the key steps involved in the warehouse management process:

  1. Receiving: The first step in the warehouse management process is receiving the goods. This involves inspecting the shipment for damage, verifying the quantity and quality of the products, and recording the information in the system. 
  2. Putaway: After receiving the goods, they are put away in the designated location within the warehouse. This involves determining the optimal location for the product based on its size, weight, and other characteristics. 
  3. Inventory management: Once the products are put away, inventory management is critical to ensure that the stock is accurate and up to date. This involves conducting regular cycle counts, reconciling any discrepancies, and updating the inventory records in the system. 
  4. Order picking: When an order is received, the warehouse management system will determine the optimal picking strategy based on factors such as product location, order volume, and delivery deadlines. The products are then picked and prepared for shipment. 
Inventory Management
  1. Packing: After the order is picked, the products are packed into the appropriate shipping container and labeled with the correct shipping information. 
  2. Shipping: The final step in the warehouse management process is shipping the order. This involves selecting the appropriate carrier, creating the shipping label, and ensuring that the order is delivered to the customer on time and in good condition. 
Throughout the warehouse management process, it is critical to have a robust warehouse management system in place to ensure that all the steps are executed efficiently and accurately. 

How WMS Can Help to Streamline Your Warehouse Operations 

Automating warehouse operations has never been easier. With the help of inventory optimization software, businesses can now streamline their warehousing processes and maximize efficiency. From automated warehousing solutions to stock inventory management software, these tools provide businesses with the power to reduce costs and improve productivity. 

A Warehouse Management System (WMS) can help streamline your warehouse operations in a number of ways, including: 

  1. Inventory accuracy: A WMS can help ensure inventory accuracy by providing real-time inventory data, minimizing the risk of stockouts or overstocking. This can help reduce the amount of time spent on physical inventory counts and improve order fulfillment accuracy. 
  2. Efficient order processing: A WMS can optimize order processing by identifying the optimal pick paths for order pickers and automating the order fulfillment process. This can help reduce picking times, minimize errors, and improve order accuracy. 
WMS for warehouse operations
  1. Improved space utilization: A WMS can help warehouse managers optimize the use of storage space by identifying the best storage locations for each SKU based on factors such as velocity, size, and weight. This can help reduce the amount of wasted space in the warehouse and maximize inventory capacity. 
  2. Better labor utilization: A WMS can help warehouse managers optimize labor resources by identifying areas where additional staff may be needed or where existing staff may be underutilized. This can help reduce labor costs and improve productivity. 
  3. Enhanced visibility: A WMS can provide real-time visibility into inventory levels, order status, and warehouse operations. This can help warehouse managers make better-informed decisions and respond quickly to changing business needs. 
Thus, a WMS can help improve warehouse efficiency, reduce operating costs, and improve customer satisfaction by ensuring accurate and timely order fulfillment. By streamlining warehouse operations, a WMS can help businesses improve their bottom line and gain a competitive advantage in their industry. 

The Different Types of Warehouse Management Systems Available for Businesses 

With the advances in technology, warehouses have begun to implement automated solutions to streamline operations. Automated picking systems, barcode scanning technology, and mobile data entry are just some of the ways companies are improving efficiency while reducing costs. From automated storage solutions to intelligent data entry, these advancements are helping warehouses increase productivity and improve accuracy. 

There are several different types of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) available for businesses, each with its own features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types: 

  1. Standalone WMS: This type of WMS is a self-contained system that manages warehouse operations independently. It can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud and can be customized to meet the specific needs of the business. 
  2. Integrated WMS: An integrated WMS is designed to integrate with other business systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and Order Management Systems (OMS) to create a seamless supply chain management solution. 
  3. Cloud-based WMS: A cloud-based WMS is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution that is hosted in the cloud and accessed through a web browser. This type of WMS can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection and is typically less expensive to deploy than on-premises solutions. 
  4. Open-source WMS: An open-source WMS is a free or low-cost solution that is developed and maintained by a community of developers. It is highly customizable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the business. 
  5. Industry-specific WMS: Some WMS solutions are designed for specific industries such as retail, manufacturing, or distribution. These solutions typically include industry-specific functionality and can be customized to meet the unique needs of the business. 

The type of WMS that is best for a business will depend on its specific needs, budget, and existing technology infrastructure. It is important to carefully evaluate each option to determine which solution provides the most value for the business. 

What are the Benefits of Implementing WMS in Your Business? 

Warehouse Inventory and Delivery Tracking

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) possess a lot of features. The benefits of Warehouse Management Systems are becoming increasingly popular for businesses that want to improve accuracy and efficiency in their warehouses. WMS can reduce manual labor costs, minimize errors, and save companies time and money. With a WMS, businesses can track inventory, plan the best routes for orders, and streamline the entire warehouse operation – leading to increased customer satisfaction levels. 

Tips for Choosing the Right WMS Solution for Your Business

Choosing the right WMS solution for your needs can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it is important to be aware of the features and integrations that are available to ensure you select a WMS solution that meets your specific requirements.  

  1. Define your requirements: Before evaluating WMS solutions, it is important to define your specific requirements, such as the number of SKUs, order volume, number of warehouses, and the level of automation needed. This will help you determine which solutions best suit your business. 
  2. Evaluate your current technology infrastructure: Before selecting a WMS, it is important to evaluate your current technology infrastructure to know whether the WMS can integrate with your existing systems or not, such as your Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system or Order Management System (OMS). 
  3. Consider scalability: As your business grows, it is important that the WMS solution you choose can scale with your business needs. Consider a WMS that can handle future growth and expansion without requiring significant changes to the system. 
  4. Look for industry-specific functionality: If your business has specific industry requirements, look for a WMS that offers industry-specific functionality to ensure that it meets your unique needs. 
  5. Check vendor support: Make sure the vendor you select has a strong track record of customer support and offers comprehensive training and support services to ensure that your team can fully utilize the system. 
  6. Consider the total cost of ownership: When evaluating WMS solutions, consider the total cost of ownership including upfront costs, ongoing maintenance and support costs, and any hidden costs such as customization or integration fees. 
  7. Get input from stakeholders: Involve stakeholders from various departments such as operations, IT, and finance in the selection process to ensure that the solution meets the needs of the entire business. 

By following these tips, you can choose a WMS solution that meets your specific business needs, is scalable and customizable, and provides a solid return on investment. 

Inlogsys – The Best Choice for Warehouse Management System

Inlogsys is one of the best players in supply chain and logistics, that provides warehouse management software solutions designed to help businesses manage their warehouse operations more efficiently than ever. Inlogsys’s solutions help in Inventory Management, Order Management, Warehouse Optimization, Reporting and Analytics, and Integration with other systems, helping businesses reduce operating costs, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction. 

If you are ready to implement a WMS, Inlogsys can help you get started. We understand the challenges that come with putting a new system in place and have years of experience helping organizations manage their warehouse effectively. Contact us today for more information about our warehouse management services!