What Is a Warehouse Management System (WMS)?
A warehouse management system (WMS) is a management system that specializes in all operations performed in a warehouse, such as receiving/issuing, inventory control, and stocktaking.
Similar to the warehouse management system (WMS), an inventory management system is a system that manages the inventory and quantity of products.
A warehouse management system (WMS) is a system that specializes in overall management in a warehouse, not only inventory management but also more detailed management of operations performed in the warehouse, such as receiving/issuing history, inventory, product location, and personnel management. In particular, warehouse operations can be standardized.
Warehouse operations, in particular, can be effectively managed by this system to standardize and streamline operations, prevent errors, and reduce costs.
Uses of Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Warehouse management systems (WMS) are used in all industries that require inventory management, including the logistics and manufacturing industries. In recent years, they are also being used by retailers and restaurants, regardless of the size of their business, and there is a growing demand for more efficient warehouse management operations and IoT.
Traditionally, a warehouse management system (WMS) has been conducted using paper or Excel-based systems. However, such systems required manual input for every entry and exit of goods, and a great deal of labor was required to manage inventory locations. In addition, as the workload and number of workers increase, the number of errors, such as incorrect data entry or forgetting to enter data, tends to increase.
By implementing a warehouse management system (WMS), it is possible to reflect information automatically on incoming and outgoing shipments, including their location in the warehouse. Combined use of portable terminals, such as barcode readers, eliminates the need for data entry work and prevents errors such as mistaken entries.
Principle of Warehouse Management System (WMS)
A warehouse management system (WMS) generally includes the following functions:
1. Receiving Management
Receiving schedule and label management of goods to be received.
2. Inventory Control
Inventory control manages information, such as the number of items in stock, location, and date of manufacture.
3. Shipping Control
Manage shipping schedules, provide instructions for goods to be shipped, and create picking lists.
4. Inventory Control
Inventory display function and input assistance using a scanner are available. Inventory is managed in real time, reducing the time and effort required for inventory.
5. Bookkeeping and Label Issuance
Delivery slips and labels can be issued.
These functions can be further enhanced by input assistance using portable terminals, such as barcode readers and scanners, and by using tablets and other devices to simplify input and confirmation operations. A warehouse management system (WMS) can be integrated with other management systems, but it is often used as a stand-alone system.
This is because a warehouse management system (WMS) requires flexibility in the field, and the system and management methods must be flexible.
How to Select a Warehouse Management System (WMS)
When choosing a warehouse management system (WMS), it is important to consider whether the system has the features you are looking for, whether it is easy to use, and whether it can be integrated with other systems.
Although each industry handles different items, the functions performed by a warehouse management system (WMS) basically do not vary depending on the items handled. Most warehouse management systems are equipped with the basic functions necessary to manage parts, products, materials, food, and other items. On the other hand, some warehouse management system (WMS) specialize in parts, so it is important to decide which management functions your company will focus on.
Another key factor in choosing a warehouse management system (WMS) is whether it is easy to use and easy to view for the employees handling the system. For warehouse operations in a large site, some types of systems can be carried around on tablets, while others can only be handled on PCs. It is important to make a selection based on actual operations.
Basically, a warehouse management system (WMS) is usually linked to other systems. The main examples are procurement management systems, financial management systems, and other systems that manage people, goods, money, and information. The ability to link with such systems is another important point, and it is necessary to select one that allows centralized management.