Warehouse Management & Process Integration

Warehouse Management Solutions

Your company needs to meet the needs of online shoppers. To do that, it must manage distribution operations efficiently. An ecosystem of software solutions allows you to optimize your warehouse operations and keep processes running smoothly.

Types of Warehouse Management Software

Four components make up the warehouse management software solution ecosystem. Although distribution professionals often use the names and terms for each type of software interchangeably, there are distinct differences between each one.

Knowing how each type of software interacts with the others means your business is more likely to unlock its full potential. You’ll experience greater efficiency, improved accuracy and higher levels of customer satisfaction.

The four types of distribution center software are:

1. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software: An ERP is an integrated and comprehensive system that automates and manages your core business processes across departments. Its functions go beyond the warehouse and include human resources, finance and procurement. ERPs typically serve as a centralized platform used across an organization.
2. Warehouse Management Software (WMS): A WMS aims to optimize and manage warehouse operations. Its functions include order management, inventory management and distribution center reporting. It helps your warehouse make the best use of space and ensures accurate inventory levels. It also helps streamline order fulfillment. A WMS can interface with your organization’s ERP.
3. Warehouse Control Software (WCS): A WCS focuses on optimizing and controlling automated systems and material handling equipment within a distribution center or warehouse. It coordinates physical devices, including conveyors, robots and sorters, to keep materials flowing smoothly and efficiently. Typically, a WCS system will interface with Warehouse Execution Software to provide updates on equipment availability and status.
4. Warehouse Execution Software (WES): Think of a WES as the bridge between the WMS and a distribution center’s physical processes and equipment. The software can segment and prioritize the tasks that need to be performed to sort inventory and fulfill orders. A WES works along with a WMS and WCS to optimize tasks, information and material flow. It allows a distribution center to complete its work in the most efficient manner possible.

How the Software Solutions Work Together

ERP, WMS, WCS and WES all play distinct roles in optimizing a warehouse or distribution center’s operations.

An ERP is a centralized platform for decision-making, process automation and data sharing across an organization. Meanwhile, the WMS provides the backbone for the warehouse’s operations. It ensures inventory accuracy, efficient use of space and streamlined order fulfillment. It can sync with other systems to create a seamless operation across a warehouse.

A WCS is concerned with controlling equipment and automation systems. When used with a WES, a WCS delivers real-time updates about a distribution center’s equipment. The WES is the bridge between the WMS and WCS. It tracks key performance indicators and ensures tasks are properly executed.

Whether your company needs each type of software or just a few depends on your needs. You can maximize your distribution center’s potential by choosing the systems that work together to improve operations and enhance decision-making.

Benefits of Warehouse Optimization Software

Warehouse automation software and optimization tools offer several benefits, including the following:

• Increased flexibility: You can choose one or more solutions that work together to optimize your warehouse systems. Siggins works with you to help you select the management systems that will best meet your needs.
• Better communication: Warehouse optimization software can improve communication throughout your warehouse by connecting all your systems and minimizing errors.
• Scalability: Your optimization solutions can scale as your facility’s needs change and your business grows.
• Improved inventory management: Warehouse optimization solutions can link with your procurement and order systems, ensuring you never run out of product or have excess inventory.
• Increased visibility: With warehouse optimization solutions, you get insight into employee performance and regular equipment performance reports.

Solutions for Common Challenges

Using warehouse optimization software helps you solve several common challenges facilities face, such as:

• Making the best use of facility space: Warehouse control systems allow you to maximize your facility’s space, ensuring that you can fit the most product onto your shelves as possible.
• Inventory issues: Too much inventory is just as much of a problem as having too little. Warehouse automation software helps you get control over your ordering processes so you don’t run out of a popular product or face stock-outs during the busy season. Your warehouse optimization solution also ensures an accurate inventory count and helps reduce missing or stolen products.
• Packaging problems: Keeping the right packaging in the right place is crucial for smooth facility operations. Your warehouse control system can direct packaging to the correct location. Improving packaging speeds up the shipping process, creating a better customer experience.
• Miscommunication: When each component of your warehouse solution software communicates with the others, you can avoid errors or omissions due to communication concerns.

Why Siggins for Warehouse Software Solutions

When you choose Siggins for your warehouse software solutions, we’ll help you analyze your product needs and requirements to select the best operating system for your facility. We’ll be by your side throughout the installation process and beyond, ensuring efficient performance at all times.

We’ve been in the material handling industry since 1946 and have worked with operations and facilities across North America. Our software solutions are just one example of our dedication to evolving and adapting as the material handling and distribution landscape changes. When you partner with us, we build an ongoing relationship to support you as your facility works to achieve its goals.

Contact Siggins for Warehouse Management Solutions Today

Whether you need a warehouse management system, warehouse control system, warehouse execution system or a combination of the three, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our software solutions and for assistance choosing the solution that will best serve your facility.