VDI Guideline 3601

Warehouse management refers to the control, monitoring, and optimization of warehousing and distribution systems. This encompasses inventory management (including quantity and bin/storage location management as well as material handling control and dispatching), comprehensive methods and tools for monitoring system states, and a selection of operational and optimization strategies. The primary objective of a Warehouse Management System (WMS) is the guidance, management, and optimization of intralogistics storage and conveying systems. To fulfill these tasks, the subordinate system layers (such as Material Flow Systems / programmable logic controllers) must deliver the requisite throughput, data quality, and system stability. The guideline outlines the functional scope and operational responsibilities of an IT system designed for warehouse management. It establishes standard terms and abbreviations, defines the administrative and functional environment, and explains the integration of a WMS into higher-level enterprise systems (e.g., ERP) and subordinate control systems.

The guideline was developed by the »warehouse logistics« community. More than 90 experts and companies from two VDI Technical Committees and the »warehouse logistics« advisory board contributed to its creation.