A warehouse management system (WMS) is a kind of software that has a particular process to monitor and manage the materials and goods that enter and exit in the warehouse of the manufacturing and retail industries. The WMS mobile applications or Inventory management System Apps are designed to track all the inventories, improve order fulfilment, maximize space and increase efficiency and safety in the warehouse by implementing modern technologies. Hence, the demand of Warehouse Management System Software and apps are growing rapidly in the warehouses of different industries.
Role of Warehouse Management System Software and apps in Warehouses:
Warehouse Management System Software and apps control all the activities of a warehouse and here we discuss how they perform all those activities.
1. Warehouse Design
Unorganized warehouses waste space and make the pick-and-pack operation take longer. A good WMS solution can assist in customizing the picking logic and workflow to make sure that the warehouse is set up for efficient inventory allocation.
A WMS may even implement bin slotting to maximize storage space while taking seasonal inventory requirements into account.
2. Inventory Tracking
Inventory management System Apps monitor inventory data from barcode scanners and radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, updating data in the dashboard software. so the most recent information is easily accessible to anybody with permission. Additionally, it makes sure that items are simple to locate when they need to be moved.
3. Picking and Packing
Using a WMS, zone picking, wave picking, and batch picking can all be improved. Additionally, it can provide warehouse staff with lot zoning and job interleaving features to direct their pick-and-pack procedure most effectively.
4. Receiving and Put-away
Through pick-to-light (PTL) or pick-to-voice (PTV) technology, this feature, which is available with some Warehouse Management System Software, expedites the storage and retrieval of inventory.
- PTL: At every fixed pick point, light displays are incorporated into the shelving and storage racks. To indicate to pickers which order line to choose, the display units turn on one at a time.
- PTV: Pickers are guided to the proper spot using a headset and given directions on where to go and how much to pick, among other things.
5. Shipping
Inventory management System Apps create packing lists and invoices for the shipment, as well as send recipients notifications of the impending shipment in advance.
6. Labor Administration
Which worker needs to improve, and which merits a high five? Using key performance indicators (KPIs) that show that is performing above or below expectations; a Warehouse Management System Software may track the performance of its employees.
7. Yard and Dock Administration
WMS platforms can aid truck drivers entering a warehouse for larger operations by directing them to the appropriate loading docks. Some WMS solutions also include cross-docking and other inbound and outbound logistics services that businesses may use as they start to grow.
8. Reporting
Warehouse Management System Software can automatically provide reports that assist managers in evaluating the efficiency of warehouse operations, warehouse personnel, and other factors. They can identify areas for improvement and future issues as a result.
9. Boost Security
A WMS system aids in maintaining accurate inventory records by giving you user-specified logins and guaranteeing secure and safe product access.
Types of Warehouse Management System Software:
Warehouse Management System Software can be divided into the following 4 categories based on features-
1. Standalone:
To enable complete warehouse operations and inventory management, a standalone WMS is designed to offer best-in-class features. The system has all of the essential components that support any warehouse model. Some of the important features among them are as follows.
- Barcode Scanning
- Picking and Packing
- Shipping
- Receiving
- Returns
- FIFO or LIFO data management
- Cycle Counting
- Slotting
- DateTracking
A standalone Warehouse Management System Software is a simple version of the software that goes well with small and medium firms who are just starting and don’t have the funding for expensive business software, a standalone WMS is a perfect solution due to its functionality and cost.
2. Supply Chain Module:
A supply chain module can include customer service capabilities, vendor management, transportation management, material handling, inventory control, better user interface, and customer relationship management in addition to managing common warehouse management duties. In addition to other warehouse management systems, 3PLs frequently use this supply chain management system to check off the boxes for best practices.
3. ERP Module:
One of the finest solutions for warehouses or enterprises trying to develop and enhance their supply chain operations is an ERP, or enterprise resource planning module. An ERP Module may be the greatest option for 3PL companies looking to expand their operations because the tools it offers can help them organize their supply chain, accounting, human resources, and even customer interaction platforms.
4. Cloud-Based System:
A cloud-based platform is likely to be the greatest choice for quick integration and enhanced convenience. There are many advantages to using cloud technology in the warehouse, including better security, reduced need for IT maintenance, and lower costs. The integration and management of the WMS become much simpler and less expensive with cloud-based systems because they operate on a server and system outside of their business.
Other important features of a cloud-based platform are-
- User-friendly
- More scalable
- Increased security
- Highly flexible
- Data and disaster recovery
- Competitive
- Consolidation
Third-party logistics, which currently outsource a large portion of their warehouse operations, will frequently choose and use cloud-based technologies. The cloud can assist in bringing all facets of their organisation together in a simple-to-use platform. Therefore, if you are a 3PL warehouse manager, you can go to any top-notch Mobile App Development Company to design these types of WMS for your business.
Key Features of Warehouse Management System Software and Apps:
It is quite challenging to choose the right one among the huge variety of WMS solutions. Hence, here, we’re discussing some key features that need to include in any good Inventory management System Apps.
Automation:
The must-have feature of any WMS is Automation of the each process in any major operation to reduce error and cost.
Tracking and Barcode Scanning:
Tracking all the delivery goods at the time of receiving supplies and automatic restoring the stocks by barcode scanning at the time of unloading is very important for the Inventory management System Apps.
Order management:
For performing better order management, many Warehouse Management systems Software use CRM to obtain all order data and manage huge orders in less time.
Digital Documentation:
A WMS platform should have a digital documentation feature to manage and track the order to reduce paperwork, and human error and save time.
Easily Accessible Reports:
For any business analysing statistical data and dynamics are very important for growth. So, Warehouse Management System Software needs a feature to produce easily understandable reports based on the data collected from the software.
Cloud-solution:
Inventory management System Apps should have a cloud solution that assures well-organized and secure storage of data and remote access from any place any device.
Technologies for Warehouse Management System Software & Apps:
Let’s dive into the tech trends of Warehouse Management System Software and apps. The smart technologies used in the WMS platform automate warehouse tasks and optimize warehouse processes.
• Voice technology
WMS voice technology frees up workers’ hands and is easily understood, lowering the likelihood that a worker may misinterpret information. It is capable of understanding verbal instructions and providing delivery confirmations.
• M2M technology:
Machine-to-Machine technology allows data to be sent between computers and Warehouse Management System Software. WMS collects and handles information from warehouse machines with the aid of this data exchange.
• Machine Learning:
Forbes describes machine learning as a “promising but young” technology for WMS. Machine learning will allow WMS to acquire business insights, forecast how long certain procedures will take under specific circumstances, and give robots commands. The wait will be worthwhile.
• Barcode scanners:
The barcode scanner like Mobile devices and tablets can accurately maintain a pick list of the materials used for each order and track shipping information. RFID helps warehouse workers locate products more efficiently by displaying their physical locations. This type of technology helps warehouse employees or equipment to transmit data from anywhere and is valuable and necessary in today’s world.
• Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT establishes a communication channel between devices and the Internet. IoT’s application to Warehouse Management System Software and Apps makes forecasting, data analysis and pallet tracking simpler. Sensors, Internet connectivity, and computer processors are the essential elements of this technology, and the latter is also responsible for preserving each device’s identification.
Cost to develop Inventory management System Apps:
The cost to develop Inventory management System Apps highly depends on their complexities, added features and functionalities and developers’ rate per hour. However, the estimated cost to design an Inventory management System App is $30,000. Although the whole cost may range from $20,000 to $50,000. An inventory management app with fewer features (often referred to as a “minimum viable product” or MVP) will be less expensive than one with all of the expected functions.
Final Thought:
The above discussion about the Warehouse Management System Software and apps tells how much it is important to run a warehouse of any business on a digital platform. For this reason, many businesses are moving to the digital WMS solution from the traditional way of maintaining a warehouse. Thus the demand for innovative Inventory management System Apps is increasing day by day. Hence, investment in Warehouse Management System Software is no doubt a wise move. If you have a plan to develop such Inventory management System Apps for your business, you need to contact a reputed Mobile App Development Company that can build the app based on your requirement at the best price.
