Key features of a warehouse management system

Companies that want to be up-to-date in terms of logistics and storage use computer programs to manage all their SKUs. What are the features of a WMS?

Functionalities of a warehouse management system

The key features of a warehouse management system (WMS) can be summarized by its ability to intelligently assign locations, sequence tasks, and automate information flows. These inventory management systems provide real-time visibility and minimize the risk of error in logistics processes such as goods receipt, picking, and shipping.

In addition to meeting these needs, using a market-leading WMS offers other advantages:

• Easy implementation. Warehouse management systems can store information in the cloud (SaaS) without the need for companies to host any hardware.
• Integration with other systems. WMSs interface with the main ERPs and are compatible with automated warehouses and robotic solutions such as AMRs or picking robots.
• Continuous updating. Thanks to specialized developers, WMS functions stay current through updates that keep them competitive.

What are the core capabilities of a WMS?

A WMS includes key functionalities that enable warehouse control and support supply chain management.

Goods receipt

A WMS verifies that the stock that arrives at a company’s facilities matches what was expected. It manages inbound orders, assigns docks and receiving buffers, facilitates unit-load labeling, and can be used for inspection, quality control, and inventory blocking.

Cross-docking

When goods received are directly assigned to outbound orders, the best WMSs make it easy to ship these products without storing them on the racks. This approach follows the cross-docking strategy, in which merchandise spends a short time in the facility before advancing on its journey to the customer.

Putaway

Warehouse management systems are capable of assigning optimal locations through criteria such as item type, turnover, or owner. They can also apply rules like the ABC analysis when determining where SKUs will be slotted.

Replenishment

These programs ensure a continuous supply of stock for picking. Their functionalities include configuring minimum and maximum levels for each SKU and managing replenishments in specific warehouse zones and stores.

Inventory counting and management

Using a WMS makes it possible to inventory stored goods in manual and automated warehouses in different ways, whether in blind, informed, physical, or guided mode.

Picking and packing

Warehouse management systems coordinate order processing, from the removal of items from the racks to their packing. Among other functions, they assign outbound orders to operators, distribute tasks, optimize routes, and generate packing lists.

Shipping

Once products are ready for distribution, the WMS manages outbound orders, routes, and vehicle loads, confirming the actions to the ERP. Shipments can be tailored to customer requirements.

Data analysis

Another benefit of incorporating a warehouse management system is that, unlike spreadsheets and manual stock counts, the WMS records the thousands of data generated in a facility. Analyzing this information enables organizations to monitor processes and make decisions that increase productivity. Some KPIs they collect are line and order fill rate, occupancy rate by location type, and orders delivered in full.

Features of a top-tier WMS 

Beyond its core functionalities, warehouse management software such as Easy WMS can be expanded through modules to adapt to each company’s needs. Here are some of the most advanced ones:

Multi-Carrier Shipping Software

Businesses can automate communication with the transportation agencies they work with through a WMS. In addition, these tools allow for selecting the optimal supplier based on criteria such as weight, size, or destination.

Labor Management System

This tool measures warehouse productivity, displaying performance indicators such as departments, shifts, and the time spent on each process.

Slotting for WMS

By analyzing prior SKU turnover, WMSs can organize distribution strategies based on forecasts. To prepare the warehouse, the software automatically generates relocation tasks.

WMS for 3PL

These software programs synchronize processes between 3PL providers and their clients. This way, businesses can access real-time information about their inventory at all times.

Yard Management System

Monitoring vehicles in the yard, loading docks, and warehouse management checkpoints helps improve the planning of receipts and shipments. Some WMSs manage delivery and pickup appointments.

WMS for Manufacturing

Warehouse management software also makes manufacturing environments more efficient by organizing picking tasks to supply production lines, manufacturing orders, consumption of raw materials, and stock of finished and semi-finished products.

Store Fulfillment

By synchronizing the warehouse inventory with that of a company’s stores, the flow of goods is managed in an integrated manner. WMSs are connected to point-of-sale (POS) terminals, and stores are replenished based on the stock available for each SKU.

Marketplace Integration

WMSs can synchronize online store catalogs with inventory in physical warehouses, reducing picking errors and facilitating deliveries within 24 hours.

Value-Added Services

For retailers offering customized orders, a WMS can help monitor additional tasks such as product hanging, stamping, screen printing, labeling, or packaging.

Control your warehouse with Interlake Mecalux’s Easy WMS

At Interlake Mecalux, we’re experts in warehouse automation and control through our Easy WMS software. This successful solution manages the logistics operations of more than 1,100 warehouses in 36 countries, helping companies maximize their supply chain efficiency. Additionally, we provide real-time visibility to large distribution networks through Easy DOM. Contact us to benefit from our extensive intralogistics experience, built up since 1966.