Completed WMS projects
International trading company
Analysis of the processes, performance, functions and support of a warehouse management system
Branch
- Logistic service provider industry
- Textile industry (clothing, shoes)
- Freight forwarding industry
The team warehouse logistics was asked by an international trading company to analyse the processes, performance, functions and support of its warehouse management system (WMS). This company acts as broker between the consumer goods industry and the retail customer.
Motive and goal
The company aims at optimizing its logistics to ensure the best services and quality for its international customers,. i.e. the prompt, reliable supply of its broad range of articles at different destinations. In order to meet this challenge the company has invested in a modern high-bay warehouse and the respective IT. At that time the company had some doubts about the performance of its present WMS regarding reaction times and the functional support of work processes. During this project the as-is situation should be recorded and evaluated, failures, weak points and potentials for improvement should be identified and improvement and implementation concepts should be developed.
Process analysis
During the process analysis the as-is situation was recorded and evaluated, failures, weak points and potentials for improvement were identified and a course of action was recommended. Furthermore, the current material and information flows as well as the respective control strategies were recorded. To get the necessary data the logistic functions and sub-processes from order receipt up to the shipping were recorded. After an extensive weak points analysis optimization potentials were defined to ensure for smooth and efficient processes.
Performance analysis
During the performance analysis the reaction times of the WMS were checked at all work stations. After the "problematic areas"had been analysed correlating processes were identified and a measurement list was prepared to reduce the reaction times of the WMS regarding the complete system as well as critical work stations.
Function analysis
A complete analysis of the strong and weak points of the used WMS under consideration of present and current requirements allowed for an objective assessment of the functions compared to all systems currently on the market. The function analysis was based on the International Market Survey WMS where the functions offered by leading WMS providers are listed.
Support analysis
The team warehouse logistics analysed the maintenance, release maintenance, hotline and support contracts valid for the WMS and prepared a transparent documentation. Finally, it informed the company whether its acquired support meets its requirements or is over or under-dimensioned.
Result
The results of the consulting by the team warehouse logistics are:
- A catalogue of identified weak points, measurements and their effects
- A list of measurements to optimize the reaction times of the currently used WMS
- Assistance during the strategical decision making: Further use of the current WMS or exchange by a new system
