5 Key Benefits of Implementing a WMS System in Your Warehouse Operation

Benefit 1 – Accurate Inventory Visibility

Accurate inventory visibility is the cornerstone of a good warehousing operation. Without the ability to track and monitor inventory levels in real-time, it is virtually impossible to run an efficient and competitive warehouse.

Proper visibility into stocks is your best line of defense against out-of-stock items, overstocks, and inflated storage costs. A WMS like SOLOCHAIN provides that precious real-time inventory visibility with accurate and always up-to-date information on stock levels and location. Once integrated to an ERP system, the data SOLOCHAIN provides can be leveraged to automate replenishment tasks and further reduce the risk of out-of-stock items.

Additionally, the system’s native MES capabilities empower manufacturers to fully integrate workflows across the production line and warehouse. With constant detailed visibility on the movement of components, parts, ingredients, and finished goods in their facility, manufacturers significantly increase the efficiency of their end-to-end operations.

Benefit 2 – Enhanced Order Fulfillment Accuracy

The evolution of eCommerce has put pressure on distributors and retailers to ship their goods faster and more accurately. In today’s market, it’s fair to say that order fulfillment accuracy is possibly the ultimate goal for most distribution operations—and a challenge in any warehouse. There are far more consequences to inaccurate orders than customer dissatisfaction, as it also leads to multiplied returns, wasted resources, and increased operating costs.

A WMS system like the SOLOCHAIN WMS/MES improves order fulfillment accuracy by automating the entire process. The Generix Group WMS supports warehouse employees by giving them instructions as they perform their tasks, which reduces the likelihood of errors.

Another advantage to streamlined picking and packing processes is that it reduces the time it takes for orders to be fulfilled and shipped to customers. This means a greater throughput, higher levels of satisfaction, and an improved perception of your brand.

Benefit 3 – Increased Productivity

A WMS increases the productivity of warehouse operations. By automating manual processes and nearly eliminating the need for paper-based documentation, a WMS saves time and gives your teams the opportunity to work more efficiently.

Warehouse workers can leverage SOLOCHAIN’s advanced features to quickly locate items in the warehouse—down to reserve locations—, which reduces the time they spend searching for components, parts, ingredients, or goods. As we’ve seen above, automating warehouse processes, such as picking and packing, is also a time saver. By fulfilling orders faster, employees increase their daily productivity.

In general, systems like the SOLOCHAIN WMS/MES enable operations managers to implement warehouse management best practices [OM1] in their facilities and across their entire network. Doing so not only impacts productivity levels but also your margins, as your operation can achieve more with fewer resources.

Benefit 4 – Minimize Deadheading

A best-of-breed WMS like SOLOCHAIN enables warehouse managers and DC operators to optimize their warehouse layout and reduce travel times. Generix Group’s SOLOCHAIN WMS/MES is a versatile solution that provides operators advanced tools and functions to minimize deadheading and maximize their employees’ output.

For instance, the system can analyze your warehouse layout and suggest slotting improvements based on item size, velocity, seasonality, etc. Not only does that minimize the workers’ travel times, but it also goes a long way towards maximizing a company’s use of its warehouse capacity and resources. SOLOCHAIN also gives warehouse managers the ability to benefit from task interleaving, which further optimizes a worker’s output by making the best of an employee’s location and available equipment relative to tasks that need to be performed.

Minimizing deadheading and optimizing storage capacity are sure ways to reduce operating costs and increase your company’s profitability. It’s also a great way to minimize dependence on a large workforce, something no operator can ignore in these times of great labor shortages.

Benefit 5 – Better Decision Making

A WMS gives warehouse managers access to real-time data and insights, which are essential for making informed decisions. The SOLOCHAIN WMS/MES enables data-driven decisions that enhance a company’s performance. It provides detailed reports and analytics, giving you the ability to identify areas of improvement.

For example: Generix Group’s warehouse management system keeps a record of data on order fulfillment times and worker productivity. With this information, managers can identify bottlenecks in their processes and take steps to address them.

By enabling better decision making, you create a more efficient warehouse operation and, ultimately, increase your company’s profitability. With a comprehensive understanding of your warehouse’s performance, you gain the ability to make more accurate forecasts and better plan for future growth.

Conclusion

A system like the SOLOCHAIN WMS/MES is a necessary solution for warehouse operators who are looking to:

1. Improve inventory visibility
2. Enhance their order fulfillment accuracy
3. Increase productivity
4. Minimize deadheading
5. Enable better decision making processes

Myths and misconceptions about automation and technology solutions such as a WMS often keep operators from leveraging the tools that they need to grow and remain competitive—you can read here to see if you’re a victim of such myths[OM2]. The truth is that, in the current context, almost no warehouse and DC operations can afford to ignore technology solutions like the SOLOCHAIN WMS/MES.

Because of its expertise in supply chain management and its commitment to providing industry-leading technology, Generix Group is the ideal partner for optimizing your warehouse operations and achieving long-term success.