Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) are software that control and direct the automation equipment (e.g. ASRS, sorters, conveyors, pallet / tote stackers etc.) in a warehouse or distribution centre. A WCS can control the end-to-end product flow in a fully automated warehouse or a specific type of operation (e.g. storage and retrieval or packaging) in a semi-automated warehouse.

Typically, a WCS is installed by the vendor that has implemented the automation within the warehouse. This changes when there are multiple automation providers in a single site. Modern warehouse control systems are also now able to function as a WMS. In a warehouse which has both systems, it is important to define the dividing line clearly and, in a way that allows both systems to complement each other. This is often challenging, and many implementations fail to get this ‘dividing line’ right.