WMS in an Automated Warehouse

A warehouse management system is a software designed to support and manage the operations in a warehouse. Implementation can take few months to over a year, depending on the functionality, scale and complexity.

Defining the boundaries between a WMS and WCS (warehouse control system) is key in an automated warehouse.

Key Activities Managed by a WMS

A WMS is responsible for the management of the processes in the warehouse and is integral to the following prime activities, in addition to many others.

Goods
Receipt

Putaway

Storage

Picking

Marshalling
& Despatch

Key risks of WMS implementations?

  • Selecting an inappropriate WMS software
  • Incorrect dividing line between WMS and WCS
  • Underestimating scale of IT changes & user training
  • Inadequate testing
  • Unrealistic implementation timelines & scope creep

The dividing line - WMS vs WCS?

WCS tends to be better at handling higher transaction rates and the level of automation determines the roles and responsibilities of each system.

The table shows a guide of where this dividing line should be for each function:

Functionality
Manual WMS Only
Automated ‘Thick’ WMS
Automated ‘Thin’ WMS
Automated WCS Only
PO Booking
WMS
WMS
WMS
WCS
Inbound Receiving
WMS
WMS
WMS
WCS
Putaway
WMS
WMS
WCS
WCS
Storage
WMS
WCS
WCS
WCS
Replenishment
WMS
WMS
WCS
WCS
Order Allocation Mgmt
WMS
WMS
WMS
WCS
Batch Picking/ Pickface
WMS
WMS
WCS
WCS
Order Sortation
WMS
WCS
WCS
WCS
Packing
WMS
WMS
WCS
WCS
Value Added Services
WMS
WMS
WMS
WCS
Despatch
WMS
WMS
WMS
WCS
Management Reports
WMS
WMS
WMS / WCS
WCS
Labour Management
WMS
WMS
WMS / WCS
WCS
Interface to Host
WMS
WMS
WMS
WCS
Interface to RF Network
WMS
WMS
WMS / WCS
WCS

To learn how to select the right WMS for your operation or for implementation support, contact our expert consulting team at enquiries@box-logic.co.uk

wms automated warehouse infographic

INSIGHTS