Manufacturing journalist Thomas R. Cutler contributed to the current issue of The Machinist magazine; the feature titled, “Moving to the Fore” explains how a warehouse management system (WMS) aims to control the movement and storage of materials within a warehouse.

According to Cutler, WCS, warehouse control systems, directs real-time data management and the interface responsibilities of the material handling system as well as providing common user interface screens for monitoring, control and diagnostics. WCS systems must be entirely flexible and scalable.

Beyond software selection and implementation, there are mechanisms and tools for handling specific and measured process improvement. Selecting replacement, supplementary or new warehouse management software applications is a multi-step undertaking involving a wide range of skills. Finding the best fit will vary in every set of circumstances.

A checklist of WCS areas of expertise must include:

• Operations audits

• Supply chain strategy development and master planning

• Process analysis and optimization

• Location modeling, transportation, logistics, and distribution network analysis

• Inventory analysis and control

• Vendor/supplier collaboration

• Material handling equipment (MHE) requirements

• Analysis, specification development, and bid administration

• Warehouse management system (WMS) requirements

• Project management, systems integration, and implementation

WCS vendors must develop a strategic partnership with a manufacturing and distribution firm in which there is a clear understanding of the organization’s unique shipping needs, and actively assist in reaching and measuring cost reduction goals and service needs.

Warehouse control systems must address numerous challenges from multiple angles and perspectives, but if these are met they can produce benefits including a greater return on assets, increased operational capacity, reduced labor costs, increased inventory turns, an increase in picking and shipping accuracy, shorter process cycle times and improved customer satisfaction.

According to Jerry List, vice-president of QC Software (www.QCSoftware.com), “Implementation of a WCS system requires an experienced supplier who should be able to provide streamlined project cycle, single-point of accountability and have a deep knowledge of distribution operations. This can only be achieved through the experience gained from a history of successful projects.”

The solutions provided by QC Software enables companies to streamline their warehouse operations with the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry ensuring increased corporate profitability.