What is a Warehouse Management System (WMS)? A Plain-English Guide
In the last few years, the logistics landscape has changed dramatically. Explosive e-commerce growth, rising customer expectations, and a growing shortage of skilled warehouse labor have pushed fulfillment operations to their limits. At the center of this shift is the Warehouse Management System (WMS), once a simple inventory tracking tool, now the backbone of modern […]
Gamification of Your Warehouse
Playing games at work might not be what you immediately think of when it comes to improving productivity and engagement amongst your employees, yet that is exactly what is fast becoming an industry go-to. It is a technology known as as gamifying, and the gamification of your warehouse can not only improve your employees’ output […]
Inventory Management to Optimize Your Warehouse
Your inventory is the backbone of your business. As we discussed in a recent post, shortages erode customer loyalty and retention. At the same time, without proper inventory management, those same products on your shelf carry hidden liabilities. Heavily stocking your shelves for any eventuality can lead to a product sitting for a prolonged period of […]
The Costliest Warehousing Mistakes
There has never been a more demanding or challenging time to run a warehouse. Staying competitive means navigating supply chain issues, the demand of a booming online sales market, and expectations of speedy delivery. Each operation has unique quirks, however, there are a few costly warehousing mistakes that every facility risks falling prey to. Avoiding […]
Five Ways a WMS Improves Customer Service
A product’s journey might start with sales and marketing, but it is quickly in the hands of your warehouse. Ensuring that your customer has a hassle-free, convenient experience goes well beyond the point of sale. A warehouse management system is not just a crucial tool for operating your facility day-to-day. Let’s look at five ways […]
What is Cross-Docking
Last week we looked at how cross-docking can improve your productivity and reduce delivery lead times. But you may be asking, what is cross-docking? In its purest form, it is the process of moving inventory direct from a truck in receiving to an awaiting truck at shipping: You may already practice cross-docking when you take inventory […]
Cross-Docking: Faster, More Efficient Fulfillment
In a recent post we referenced that a manager’s tools available are labor, space, and equipment. For certain operations with the correct order profiles, there is a way to improve labor productivity and reduce delivery lead times which will help reduce costs and improve customer service, and potentially save space. This is a method known as […]
What Does A Warehouse Manager Manage
I recently spoke with a warehouse manager who bluntly told me the three things she has to control and manage: What Does a Warehouse Manager Manage? Labor has a big impact on budget and can be scheduled as needed at a local level. If you see projected inbound or outbound activity in the near term […]
WMS Benefit Classification
Along with the tangible and intangible characteristics, a benefit should be measured on management’s general level of responsiveness to the benefit. The level of aggressiveness to use in pursuing the benefit will vary by company and/or project. It is critical to discern, in advance, management’s willingness to consider the presented benefits. For example, improved customer […]
WMS Benefit Categories
Numerous benefit categories result from successfully using a warehouse management system (WMS). The categories have varying levels of savings associated with each and can be characterized as tangible or intangible. A tangible savings is a quantitative dollar figure directly related to a specific action or process impacted by the WMS. For example, hardware for a […]