Warehouse Control System (WCS)

While an effective warehouse management system (WMS) is a vital part of inventory management and supply-chain functions for many distribution facilities, it often requires a comprehensive warehouse control system (WCS) to tie the operation together. A WCS manages your warehouse’s activities by directing the movement of your automated material handling equipment and robotics solutions in real time. Its primary goal is to optimize and orchestrate the flow of materials, equipment and labor in your facility.

At Siggins, we offer innovative WCS solutions that link seamlessly with your WMS and other systems to maximize your facility’s performance. Because of its modularity, our WCS can adapt to nearly any distribution environment and quickly scale up or down based on your production needs. Our expert team will stand by your side throughout implementation to ensure a smooth and effective installation. 

How Warehouse Control Software Works

One of the primary responsibilities of a WCS is to manage and interact with the robotics and automated equipment throughout your facility. These interactions include directing the performance of devices like automatic storage and retrieval systems, palletizers, conveyor system solutions and autonomous lift trucks. Besides communicating with this equipment, a WCS performs other critical functions like:

• Exchanging information with other applications — such as a WMS — to track production and balance workflows.
• Controlling your material flow and determining the most efficient routing for products through your facility.
• Using order processing information to monitor and maintain accurate inventory management.
• Offering analysis and fast diagnostics when automated equipment malfunctions.

Benefits of Implementing a Control System in Your Warehouse

One of the primary benefits of a WCS is keeping your warehouse organized while minimizing the costs of traditional management practices. A WCS is especially useful for operations with complex picking and packing requirements that rely on the performance of automated equipment.

Additional benefits of a WCS include the following:

• Coordination: A WCS partners with the WMS or other software to regulate your warehouse’s essential functions, from shipping and receiving to order processing and fulfillment.
• System balance: The controller assigns duties to subsystems and secondary processes to ensure the completion of all necessary tasks.
• Increased visibility: You’ll be able to see insights and reports on equipment and employee production.
• Improved performance: Your system will choose the ideal material routing and optimal tasks to execute each job.
• Space optimization: Using a WCS maximizes warehouse capacity and storage space for cost savings and efficiency.
• Streamlined packaging: These systems will direct cartons to the proper packaging locations.

Advantages of Choosing Siggins for a WCS Supply Chain Solution

When you select Siggins for your WCS, you’ll receive a software solution you can quickly implement into your existing system, offering you a cost-effective option for improving your operation without any significant hardware or equipment upgrades. Our WCS solutions are entirely scalable, allowing you to modify your system as your distribution demands increase or decrease. 

Our engineers will work closely with your team to ensure a smooth transition and peak functionality before, during and after installation. We strive to give each client the attention they deserve, regardless of the size of their operation.

Contact the Professionals at Siggins Today

If you’re ready to take the next step in optimizing your operation with a high-performance warehouse control system, our team is prepared to help. Connect with us online today to get started.