3 Major Benefits of a Warehouse Management System

Online retail technology is trending among businesses of all types and sizes. By leveraging the right technology, you can create a powerful e-commerce strategy and take your business to the next level. To remain competitive in today’s business situation of integrated logistics and same-day delivery, you need an efficient Warehouse Management System (WMS).

A sound warehouse management system can help you introduce micro warehousing features, leading to efficient monitoring and controlling of warehouse operations. You can centralize the various tasks related to warehouse management to achieve operational efficiency and ease of use, even for complex supply chains.

There are three significant benefits of using the right WMS for your business. These are:

Space Allocation
Automated WMS Operation Using technology
Artificial Intelligence and IoT

Space allocation Any warehouse with a cramped space can spell disaster for the growth of your business. You must have ample space, not only to manage current operations but also to plan and manage future expansion prospects. Resourceful space management is vital for creating a dark store model for any logistics business. It can boost efficiency and lower the cost of operations.

The best WMS automated solution can help you manage space allocation better through:

BFL (Best Fit Location)
FFT (First Fit Location)

BFL

In this option, the WMS suggests a location based on configured criteria. The most frequently picked items are placed at the nearest point in the warehouse to minimize the distance traveled to pick them. It also ensures proper rotation of products by establishing the first-in, first-out, last-in, first-out, or the first-expiry, first-out practices.

FFT In this option, the WMS system recommends using the first available location without considering the standard warehouse rules or criteria. Automated WMS operation using technology Warehouse management is a complex operation that involves optimizing and controlling the operations and storage of products. When there is a continuous movement of supplies into and away from the warehouse, mere human interference cannot help. That’s where automation plays a key role. Some key elements of automated warehouse operations are:

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV)
Sensors
Wearables

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV)

Automated guided vehicles are the robotic versions of forklifts, towing systems, carts, and conveyors. They can be incorporated into any warehouse management process without the need to make any major changes to your existing systems and infrastructure. AGVs work faster, more efficiently and save you loads of money and time.

Sensors

Sensors are designed to help you gain better control over the merchandise inside the warehouse and even outside it. By integrating sensors into the supply chain, you will have a grip on your intra-city logistics and track goods minutely as they move along the delivery process. You can even monitor vitals, such as the temperature and humidity inside the truck, by using advanced sensors. Sensors can be of immense help in reducing supply chain-related risks.

Wearables

Warehouse managers and employees can use wearables such as smartphones, glasses, tablets, light-to-pickup, and head-mounted systems to access accurate and instant data within the warehouse. They can come in handy in managing warehouse operations such as shipping, placing and picking orders, routing, and replenishment. Managers can keep a close watch on the individual performance of employees through such wearables. They can also monitor the health of employees with such devices.

Artificial Intelligence And IoT

Warehouse managers can utilize the power of modern technologies, such as intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), to automate routine tasks, consolidate information, and provide detailed analytics. It can help improve overall warehouse management and boost operational efficiency. By using AI, warehouse managers can handle simply many complex tasks. They can:

Ensure that robots use the most efficient route for storing or picking products
Choose the most appropriate packaging box size based on package type, weight, density, etc.
Improve warehouse security by identifying internal and external thefts proactively.

IoT can be utilized within a warehouse to connect all internet-enabled devices seamlessly. This helps achieve faster communication between technologies and can consequently help establish an inclusive management system for the entire warehouse.

Blowhorn is India’s leading integrated fulfillment platform for warehouse management. It is designed for speed and scale and to keep pace with the growing demand for faster and more efficient delivery of goods. Get in touch with us to solve your last-mile logistics problem.

3 Major Benefits of a Warehouse Management System

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