WES, WMS, WCS: How to Navigate the Different Logistics Software Solutions?

To optimise warehouse operations and keep up with increasingly rapid production rates, logistics automation has become indispensable. Various software solutions have been developed to enhance logistics management: Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Execution Systems (WES), and Warehouse Control Systems (WCS). What are their roles, features, strengths, differences, and synergies? How can they work together to improve warehouse productivity? This article provides the answers.

A Warehouse Execution System (WES) is software designed to optimise and coordinate handling tasks, workflows, resources, and equipment in a warehouse in real-time.

Often referred to as the brain of the logistics ecosystem, the WES plays a central role in orchestrating tasks. It manages automated systems (such as conveyors and robots) while guiding operators to ensure smooth order fulfilment, efficient stock management, and seamless supply chain operations, all within budget.

WES integrates seamlessly with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) to ensure continuous and efficient operations.

The benefits are numerous:

• Increased operational efficiency: by optimising workflows, a WES improves throughput and resource utilisation, reducing cycle times.
• Improved decision-making: data-driven insights enhance visibility across processes and enable rapid adjustments to operations based on demand

Flexibility and scalability: as warehouse needs grow, the WES adapts to maintain efficient operations.

A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software application designed to oversee and optimise warehouse operations. It manages essential tasks such as tracking inventory, receiving goods, processing orders, allocating operator tasks, optimising resource use (e.g., energy, paper), and generating analytical reports. All of these functions are integrated into one solution, improving overall warehouse efficiency.

With a WMS, companies benefit from:

• Real-time stock visibility: to prevent stockouts and improve order accuracy.
• Reduced errors and processing times.
• Enhancing operational efficiency.
• Seamless integration: the WMS integrates smoothly with other systems, such as ERP solutions, improving the flow of data across platforms.
• Improved customer satisfaction: by ensuring quicker, more accurate order fulfilment.

Additionally, a WMS can be customised with advanced features such as RFID, pick-to-light, put-to-light, kitting, and slotting, depending on the specific needs of the warehouse. This results in higher productivity, improved quality, greater operator and performances.

A Warehouse Control System (WCS) is specialised software for managing and controlling automated material handling equipment within a warehouse, such as conveyors, sorters, stacker cranes, and Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS).

Acting as an interface between higher-level systems (WMS and WES) and lower-level automated equipment, the WCS oversees the routing of goods and optimises real-time operations. In practical terms, the WCS controls the automated systems, ensuring they operate efficiently and without interruption. It collects real-time data to quickly detect problems and minimise disruptions. Additionally, the WCS synchronises operations planned by the WMS, ensuring smooth integration with other warehouse systems to support new automation technologies.

In a logistics warehouse, a WCS makes it possible to:

• Improve warehouse reliability: by optimising equipment efficiency and reducing downtime and bottlenecks.
• Increase process visibility: through real-time notifications, performance monitoring, and fault resolution.

Support warehouse automation: by transmitting data to the WMS for analysis and adjustment as required.

While WMS, WES, and WCS each serve different functions, there is some overlap in their capabilities.

A WES, such as Deepsky, is more than just an order fulfilment system. It includes some functionalities of both WMS and WCS, though not all. It’s important to note that a WES does not replace a WMS or a WCS. Instead, the three systems work in tandem to optimise warehouse performance.

These systems can also work in pairs. For example, a WES can exchange data with a WCS to control automated systems at the right time with the appropriate equipment. Another example: a WCS can collect real-time data and transmit it to the WMS, where it is analysed to visualise and improve the warehouse’s overall operation.

In a broader sense, the WES and WCS interface with the WMS, communicating essential information to optimise order processing, operator management, and stock control. By leveraging the synergies between these three systems, it is possible to synchronise warehouse management, material handling, and equipment control. This approach allows for data-driven decision-making, optimises warehouse operations, and ultimately speeds up the return on investment.