Increase Operational Efficiency of Warehouses Using WMS and WCS

Logistics is a constant struggle – with time, distance and space. To make your logistics even more attractive, you can enhance the movement of goods by adding various services (i.e., value-added services), such as cutting, painting, packaging labelling, etc.

The quantity of goods that need to be delivered to a client or buyer is increasing. Customers’ expectations for faster delivery within a specific, preferably pre-selected timeframe, and the possibility of (free) returns of goods are a daily reality. There are growing requirements for minimal errors, reduced logistics costs and restrictions on the handling of loads, while the business environment – from economic to geopolitical conditions – is more and more unpredictable. How can we remain competitive in the fast-paced, demanding business world?

Solutions you cannot do without

Automation and digitalisation of internal logistics and warehouses are therefore no longer just a trend, but a necessity. The integration of properly selected machines and devices with software and technologies to perform tasks traditionally done by humans optimises the movement of inventory (goods) within a warehouse. While the volume of labour-intensive tasks is significantly reduced, the possibility of errors is reduced as well.

The Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software solution without which it is impossible to imagine the serious optimisation of all warehouse processes. The WMS is usually connected to other systems, such as ERP, and in the case of automated warehouses, also to the Warehouse Control System (WCS).

What are the benefits of an automated warehouse for you?

• Increased efficiency
  Warehouse automation significantly simplifies operations. By reducing manual work processes and limiting human error, orders are processed faster and you achieve better fulfilment times. Automated systems allow you to operate continuously, which increases productivity and enables you to meet growing customer demand for faster delivery. At the same time, you also increase the efficiency of employees so that they can work faster and focus on tasks with higher added value.
  
• Lower costs
  One of the most compelling reasons for automation is the potential for cost savings. With fewer employees required for repetitive tasks, you reduce both labour costs and operating costs. Efficient automation with improved management and more accurate inventory management also reduces storage costs. With accurate stock levels, you reduce errors in picking, resulting in the correct delivery of orders and higher customer satisfaction.
  
• Better use of space
  Automated storage systems improve the use of space in a warehouse. In conjunction with the WMS system, which analyses a huge amount of data, such as the type of goods, frequency of picking, etc., automation enables optimal inventory allocation, which reduces empty space and increases the availability of goods. Automated systems allow for quick adaptation and redistribution of goods in a warehouse according to changing needs and demand. At the same time, automated systems make it possible to expand the height of a warehouse (where possible) and increase its capacity.
  
• Adaptability
  As a business grows, so do its operational needs. Warehouse automation provides the adaptability you need to quickly adjust your operations based on the current demand. Automated systems can easily adapt to scale up your operations, which allows for growth without transforming the existing infrastructure.

The link between the WMS and warehouse automation

For modern logistics, the synergy between the WMS and warehouse automation is essential. The WMS provides real-time data management. Through visualisation, analytics, forecasting (artificial intelligence) and appropriate displays of information (reports), it makes it easier to take important decisions. The WCS, on the other hand, optimises the movement of goods within a warehouse, which ensures efficiency in processes.

Together, the two systems create a comprehensive overview that enables efficient tracking of and reporting on warehouse operations. This integration not only improves efficiency, but also increases overall operational performance.

Transformation is a process

Automation is already present here and now. The increased use of robotics and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) is becoming the norm. Together with the internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence, smart automated warehouses will soon become an indispensable part of everyday life.

Tap into the potential of available technologies. By choosing the right solutions that truly respond to your challenges, and by understanding how they work and how they can be connected, you can make the most of your warehouse capacity, so you can continue to be competitive and efficient in meeting future customer requirements.

Transformation is a process that requires constant care and updating. It is a journey focused on finding better ways to operate in order to meet the needs of your customers, and on creating better working conditions for your employees. The aim is to add value to everyday activities that really make a difference, including logistic activities.