What is a WMS, or Warehouse Management System?

WMS, or Warehouse Management System, is a software program dedicated to the management of warehouse activity and logistics operations. Its main function is to ensure the complete traceability of the warehouse’s logistics activity, from the entry of goods to their exit, as well as all the internal processes for the management of these goods, such as stock management.

Improve customer relations

WMS makes it possible to supervise and standardize logistical operations to guarantee uniform execution. This standardization of activity reduces possible errors and ensures better coordination between the various actions carried out in the warehouse.

By reducing the number of possible errors, WMS considerably increases the quality of service. The end customer is also better served thanks to the contributions of WMS to streamlining and speeding up work in the warehouse.

Ensure good stock traceability

WMS allows for the storage of a wide range of information on stock items, thus creating full traceability from the manufacturer to the end consumer, including production data such as the factory of origin and the production batch.

In mass distribution, it is ideal for managing expiry dates or stock management according to consumption seasons. In the pharmaceutical sector, this traceability enables precise monitoring of the production batches of each medication.

Operate warehouse equipment

WMS integrates perfectly with the warehouse’s other tools and can control various pieces of equipment. It interfaces with the ERP for the financial part and integrates easily into automated storage systems, such as Exotec’s Skypod system.

In the event of a product recall, for example, the system can automatically block the stocks concerned and trigger the necessary destocking operations.

Adjust resources and reduce costs

A WMS provides a clear overview of the actions to be taken during the day, making it possible to plan work in advance. This makes it possible to adjust the necessary resources within the warehouse and to react effectively to the arrival of new orders or a temporary drop in activity.

More generally, WMS contributes to reducing the costs of logistical operations. It optimizes stocks according to the available space and can calculate ideal stock levels according to consumption and seasonal forecasts.

Finally, reducing errors also contributes to better profitability, particularly by reducing return rates.

Handling receptions and returns

WMS takes care of all incoming flows, both standard receptions and customer returns. This often complex point is also optimized: returned products are received, checked and can be reintegrated into stock to be available again for subsequent orders.

Manage and monitor stocks

The WMS ensures complete traceability of all stock movements, from receipt of goods to their dispatch. Once receipt has been validated, the stock becomes available in the WMS and the user has a precise view of it.

Prepare and ship orders

The preparation and shipping process is managed by the WMS, which guarantees perfect consistency between the location of the product and its picking. The WMS ensures the traceability of each product in stock. It can also interface with a TMS (Transport Management System), in particular for the creation of transport labels and the routing of packages to the end customer.

Optimizing storage space

Storage optimization through WMS adapts to the specific nature of your business. Fast-moving items can be optimally positioned in the warehouse, while those requiring more storage space are managed according to their characteristics.

Seasonality is also taken into account, and tidying rules can be defined according to the specific needs of each sector, whether it be food, pharmaceuticals or other areas.

Full WMS

Complete solutions such as that of Reflex WMS, a pure player in logistics management, are based on expertise developed over many years in the field of logistics. These solutions offer standardized and robust processes, the result of their strong logistics experience. This expertise ensures the high reliability of the processes chosen for your warehouse, while maintaining a high capacity for integration with automation systems, such as Exotec.

Cloud/SaaS

The Cloud solution is very flexible and allows access to the system via different terminals. This accessibility is invaluable: operators can use portable terminals to access information in real time and track their actions directly in the field, thus improving operational efficiency.

Integrated into the ERP

The WMS integrated into the ERP manages both the financial and logistical aspects. This solution often offers basic logistical functionalities. Conversely, a best-of-breed WMS, exclusively dedicated to logistics, offers greater adaptability to the specific needs of the company.

Open Source

Open source WMS solutions benefit from the developments made by an active community of integrators. They allow for unlimited customization. This approach is relevant in case of very specific needs, such as the integration of a particular manufacturing process in its supply chain.

Type of business

WMS is aimed at any type of company managing a logistics, inventory and shipping activity. It is particularly suitable for online sales, even in the start-up phase, traditional distribution companies, as well as third-party logistics providers (3PL).

Warehouse size

The flexibility of the WMS means it can be adapted to all warehouse sizes. Small organizations can opt for entry-level solutions that enable them to integrate the right reflexes of the logistics activity, while large warehouses can turn to more sophisticated solutions that meet their complex needs.

Number of orders

The volume of orders is a determining factor in the choice of WMS. To justify the investment in a more structured and established solution on the market, a volume of several thousand orders per month is generally necessary. However, lighter solutions exist for companies handling more modest volumes, allowing them to benefit from the advantages of a WMS on their scale.

Integrating a WMS with our Skypod system multiplies the power of your future system.

The WMS (warehouse management system) controls all the warehouse machines after it has been connected to the Exotec system. It manages order picking, conveyors and packaging. Everything is automated and synchronized to optimize each stage, from storage to parcel dispatch.

Before setting up this system, you need to choose your WMS carefully. The good news is that Exotec’s Skypod system is compatible with most of the WMS available on the market!

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