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Closely related to the distribution functions, an effective Warehouse Management System (WMS) can quickly cost justify itself in lower inventory carrying costs, greater picking efficiencies, fewer mis-shipments and improved customer service.
Inventory can be received by order, product, or container. The directed "putaway" feature allows for optimal stock placement. In-warehouse manufacturing, packaging and value-added operations are supported and finished goods may be assembled from sub component products.
Stock is allocated and rotated according to your configuration rules, such as FIFO, LIFO, size, lot, serial number, expiration date, velocity, and so on. Replenishment functions ensure that inventory is always available to fill orders, while demand management tools reduce your reliance on safety stock and allow for just-in-time purchasing.
Wave picking allows individual pickers to process several orders at a time, and to pack products directly into final shipping cartons — all in a single pass through the warehouse. Multiple pickers can also work on a single order simultaneously.
The WMS can automatically print product labels, shipping labels, pack slips, bills of lading, and other documentation in conformance with manufacturing and shipping standards such as UPC/EAN, or you can create custom label types according to your, and your partners', business requirements.
