Let’s talk a little bit about implementing a warehouse management system.

WMS (warehouse management system), is a solution for automating processes and operations performed by warehouse employees. The purpose of WMS application is to minimize decision-making by warehouse logistics specialists (loaders, storekeepers), to optimize warehouse operations performed by them (receiving, placing) and fix their performance (number of collected lines, volume of shipped SKU). Simply put: The goal of any automation system is to reduce or mitigate the impact of human error.

All automated control systems for warehouse logistics, as a rule, are software and hardware complexes, which consist of software, IT-equipment for storage and processing of information and equipment for the direct performance of logistics operations.

In general, the architecture of the WMS looks like:

– application server;
– database server;
– terminal server;
– A cloud server for the SaaS version.

The infrastructure is usually covered by the customer’s server capacity or placed on a “cloud” server company provider or developer of WMS. For shift supervisors (WMS operators) any “machine” of basic office equipment (desktop) or a simple laptop is enough. Data collection terminals (DTCs) and label printers are needed for warehouse operations.

In any case, this is a capital investment, some of which become permanent (maintenance, purchase of consumables). Therefore, the implementation of the WMS system can be a waste of money if the work to prepare for the implementation project will not be carried out.

The application of a complex software product or an integrated solution is work in a new environment, where you often have to change the “vision of the work processes” of both personnel and warehouse equipment, it may be necessary to change the conditions of work with customers and suppliers.

What risks may be encountered in the process of implementation:

• Incorrect goal of implementation.
• Lack of opportunity to change the existing order of work.
• Lack of competence of the staff.

What are the possible errors in the process of launching the WMS system in combat mode:

• Missing or incorrectly collected data on goods, SKU, warehousing conditions.
• There are no described work regulations or business processes, there is no accurate understanding of strategies.
• Incorrect configuration of data exchange with enterprise accounting system (ERP).

To ensure quality preparation for the implementation of the WMS system in the first place is necessary:

• Carefully plan the work of the warehouse, describe the required strategies of placement and conditions of acceptance, storage and selection of inventory.
• Work on the selection of a contractor, both for the supply and implementation of warehouse management system that will best meet the requirements and peculiarities of logistics business processes.

What follows:

• Create a working (design) group, which should include experienced logisticians and IT-specialist from the customer.
• Outline (form) the requirements for the future system and describe them in the terms of reference.
• Describe the structure of the warehouse or warehouses – general topology.
• Conduct an analysis of all processes occurring in the warehouse (you can use an external audit – involve experts in the field of warehouse logistics).

Personnel and their training.

After the WMS system is implemented or undergoes final testing, it is necessary to train all personnel in the warehouse (sometimes other employees who work closely together). Each employee or specialist (storekeeper, loader, carpenter) must know their functions and responsibilities in the overall logistics business process and understand their role in the team. During the training phase, there may be new demands on the staff, such as a higher level of discipline, where the reward and motivation is a higher level of financial reward for a higher volume of completed operations.

In this article you can learn more about all the functional features of WMS Tocan.