Warehouse management is a task that greatly affects the efficiency of logistics operations. For example, if there is an error in the number of items in stock or the delivery date in warehouse management, it will lead to complaints from customers.
However, by introducing a warehouse management system (WMS), it is possible to prevent the trouble and mistakes in conventional warehouse management.
This time, we will explain what a warehouse management system (WMS) is, the benefits of system introduction, and selection points.
If you are considering introducing a warehouse management system (WMS), please refer to this article.
Contents
- What is a warehouse management system (WMS)?
- Why You Need a Warehouse Management System (WMS)
- Basic functions of warehouse management system (WMS)
- Receipt management
- Inventory control
- Shipping management
- Inventory management
- Form/label issuance
- Returns management
- Advantages of introducing a warehouse management system (WMS)
- Reduction of man-hours and human error
- Real-time visualization of information in the warehouse
- Warehouse Management System (WMS) Comparison Points
- Check the difference in the form of provision
- Compatibility with the industry/industry
- Cooperation between external vendors and warehouses
- 3 Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)!
- W3 SIRIUS
- AiR Logi
- ci.HimAlAyAs
- summary
What is a warehouse management system (WMS)?
The warehouse management system supports the management of operations in the warehouse, such as managing incoming and outgoing warehousing, managing inventory, and creating delivery notes.
Warehouse management system is translated as Warehouse Management System and is also called WMS.
A warehouse management system (WMS) is often confused with an inventory management system, but they are different.
There is also an “inventory management function” in the function of the warehouse management system, but it is inventory management only in the warehouse. On the other hand, the inventory management system manages inventory including outside the warehouse.
Why You Need a Warehouse Management System (WMS)
The reason why a warehouse management system is necessary is to prevent visual or manual checking errors in warehouse management.
- Wrong product delivered to customer
- There is a mistake in the Excel table or handwritten bookkeeping, and the product you want to ship does not exist
Such situations are more likely to occur when warehouse management is done manually. By introducing a warehouse management system, you can prevent inventory management errors and shipping errors.
Basic functions of warehouse management system (WMS)
A warehouse management system (WMS) has the following six basic functions.
Receipt management
This is a function to check the warehousing schedule and manage the labels of goods received.
Inventory control
Centrally manage information such as inventory storage location, quantity, date of manufacture, etc.
Shipping management
You can manage the time of shipment in the same way as you manage incoming shipments. It has a delivery instruction function and a picking list creation function.
Inventory management
The stocktaking instruction function and input by scanner reduce the time and effort of stocktaking work.
Form/label issuance
Delivery slips, purchase orders, forms, and labels can be issued.
Returns management
Inventory fluctuates not only at arrival and shipment, but also at returns. By recording returns without missing, you can get an accurate inventory count.
Advantages of introducing a warehouse management system (WMS)
Reduction of man-hours and human error
In warehouse management, you may make a mistake if you visually enter information in the warehouse manually. Therefore, human error can be reduced by managing with labels and entering information with a scanner.
In addition, manual work such as visual inspection and manual input requires a lot of man-hours, but using a warehouse management system (WMS) can significantly reduce man-hours.
Real-time visualization of information in the warehouse
By using a warehouse management system (WMS), you can grasp the movement of goods in the warehouse in real time.
If there is a time lag, there is a possibility that the number of stocks on the data and the actual number of stocks will differ, resulting in an incorrect order.
However, with a warehouse management system, real-time monitoring allows you to respond appropriately and quickly.
Warehouse Management System (WMS) Comparison Points
Check the difference in the form of provision
There are two forms of provision: a cloud type that can be used as long as there is an Internet environment, and an on-premise type that owns the information system in-house.
Cloud-based warehouse management system
A cloud-based warehouse management system is characterized by its ability to be used anywhere.
In addition, the introduction cost is low and security support is provided by the service provider, so it will be easy to introduce.
However, please note that it cannot be used in the offline environment.
On-premise warehouse management system
An on-premise warehouse management system is a system in which you prepare your own server and install it on it. Because it is highly customizable, you can pursue the optimum system for your company.
However, the initial cost and operating cost are quite high, so the financial and personnel burden is heavy.
Compatibility with the industry/industry
Before introducing it, check the introduction examples on the website of the company that provides the warehouse management system (WMS).
If you introduce it with a simple idea that “It seems to be convenient!”
After having a firm grasp of the contents of the system, introduce a warehouse management system that suits your company’s intentions.
Cooperation between external vendors and warehouses
The presence or absence of cooperation with the core system of the head office is also important, but it is also important to be able to share data with external vendors and warehouses.
Also, if you share data via barcodes, you can save time and effort in exchanging data.
3 Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)!
W3 SIRIUS
“W3 SIRIUS” is a warehouse management system that can flexibly respond to business changes and contribute to the entire supply chain.
feature
- Multi-industry support
- Support both EC and wholesale
- Centralized viewing and operation
- Available anytime, anywhere
price
inquiry
Presence or absence of trial
not clear
AiR Logi
“AiR Logi” is a low-cost, cloud-based warehouse management system equipped with logistics professional functions that can be used without purchasing any equipment or performing wireless installation.
feature
- Low initial and monthly fees
- Logistics professionals support installation
- Perfect support system
- Customizable WMS
price
- Basic plan
Initial fee: 35,000 yen
Monthly fee: Inquiry - Dedicated Server Plan
Initial fee: Inquiry
Monthly fee: Inquiry
Presence or absence of trial
can be
ci.HimAlAyAs
“ci.HimAlAyAs” is a cloud-based warehouse management system equipped with about 170 standard functions necessary for warehouse management, such as warehousing, shipping, inventory, inventory, and billing.
feature
- Reduce costs with public and private clouds
- Compatible with all industries and occupations
- Abundant track record of cooperation with various systems and material handling
price
inquiry
Presence or absence of trial
can be
summary
This time, I explained what a warehouse management system (WMS) is, focusing on its basic functions, advantages, and comparison points.
