What is a WMS?
WMS stands for Warehouse Management System and as it suggests it manages inventory in your warehouse.
A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is an automated system designed to support and manage the day-to-day operations in a warehouse. Businesses can control and administer warehouse operations from the time goods enter a warehouse until they leave – all in real-time.
Streamline Warehouse Management Processes
A WMS serves as a powerful solution enabling businesses to streamline their warehouse management processes and meet the ever increasing customer demands, particularly with Multi-Location operations and the rapid growth of online retail. Capturing the audit trail from goods-in to dispatch, a WMS automates all aspects of warehouse management, including tracking inventory, organising stock locations and managing the pick, pack & dispatch process. Implementing a WMS increases productivity and accuracy, replacing manual processes (prone to errors) with an automated, efficient and reliable system.
Real-Time, Multi-Channel Inventory Management
A modern WMS should deliver real-time inventory management across all sales channels, B2C and B2B.
As items are sold, ordered, received and stored, your WMS should pull and push data across all sales channels and locations in real-time.
Multi-Locations
For businesses with Multi-Location operations, a WMS plays a crucial role by providing a centralised system for managing inventory across various warehouses/locations. This ensures timely and accurate order fulfilment. With the rise of eCommerce and the shift towards online shopping, retailers are faced with the ever increasing challenge of managing inventory across multiple locations while ensuring swift delivery. That’s where a WMS can be of benefit, by offering real-time tracking and control over inventory across the various warehouses or branches. This results in a more efficient supply chain, reduced operational costs and improved order accuracy, ultimately leading to enhanced customer satisfaction – which is the end goal.
Run a Lean Inventory
If your goal is to reduce inventory and free up cash, a WMS may be the answer. Automating purchasing, replenishment to shops and streamlining sales order processing are all benefits of a sophisticated cloud WMS.
Integrate with other Business Systems
A WMS can be a standalone system but is often integrated with other systems for example eCommerce websites, eCommerce marketplaces, ePos, couriers, accounting software and custom reports. Cloud-based solutions are becoming increasingly popular due to their scalability, ease of implementation and real-time data flows.
Improve Business Efficiency
A WMS is crucial in today’s world of eCommerce and real time supply chains. In addition to automating warehouse processes more effectively, the right WMS will reduces errors, save money and help increase profits. As retail and eCommerce continues to evolve, the importance of WMS is set to increase, making it a necessity for any organisation serious about scaling a business and keeping demanding customers happy.
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Author: Iain Coplans CEO Stok.ly