Functions Of Warehouse Management System

The advent of warehouse management systems has completely revolutionized the functioning of warehouses like inventory control. Warehouses in modern SMEs are no longer reliant on cumbersome paperwork and thick registers, but have gone on to become a ready solution destination, where the required information is just a single click away. What's more, this information is easily accessible to all concerned persons in the supply chain, via a transparent interface, which streamlines the functions of the warehouse, leading to increased accuracy and productivity.

The major functions that are performed by a warehouse management system include-

• Scheduling and planning- The key to successful warehouse management lies in effective planning, which is made possible through modern warehouse management software. This software utilizes advanced technology to perform vital functions like reserving dock time for different trailers. This is done by taking into account important data such as the availability of the trailer, delivery time, availability of products, etc. 
• Supervision- One of the most important functions of a WMS is to supervise the products during material handling. In the absence of such a system, a large amount of manpower is required to effectively monitor in-process tasks. Not only does a WMS cut down on the cost required to employ these personnel, but it also eliminates the chance of human error. 
• Warehouse tracking- The task of tracking items in the warehouse is greatly simplified by the presence of modules in a WMS which make it possible to perform a quick search for the required item. This function can further be expanded by making use of features like multiple location search, and replenishment alerts. 
• Inventory picking- This is a function that needs to be performed with immense accuracy to ensure that there is no scope left for error. Inaccuracies during inventory picking can amount in great losses in the long run. Using a WMS makes sure that no scope is left for error, by ensuring that the amount of items picked at every stage of the supply chain are accurate. 
• Shelf-life alerts- A WMS is an invaluable asset for organizations dealing with perishable items. Features in the WMS enable it to keep track of the shelf-lives of different items, ensuring complete customer satisfaction and company goodwill. 

These are just some of the functions performed by a WMS. SMEs can choose from a wide range of additional features such as report generation, inventory counts, database updating, etc. depending on their requirements.

The Warehouse Management System provided McLane Logistics Technology allows you to manage your inventory in a more productive and economic manner. To order, visit them at Central Pointe, Parkway, Temple, TX 76504 or call at 1-800-989-7568.

Planning And Controlling Your Inventory

Inventory is one of the most important assets that most businesses possess as the turnover of inventory represents the primary sources of revenue generation. Proper control and planning of the inventory is crucial for ensuring adequate stock in hand for the amount of sales being generated. Possessing a high amount of inventory for long periods can be detrimental to a business as it runs the risk of losing out on potential sales and potential market as well. Inventory management and strategies can help minimize inventory costs because goods will be created or received as inventory only when needed.

Inventory control involves tracking all parts and materials purchased, products processed and products stored and ready for shipment. Modern inventory management processes are very effective in inventory reduction and minimization. Emphasis is kept on keeping the inventory down so as not to consume too much cash. Most of the inventory control problems arise due to using poor processes, practices and antiquated support systems. A little planning can go a long way in ensuring the inventory is well managed and a business saves on its costs of managing excessive inventory.

There are many methods that can help you accurately judge the customer demand and calculate the inventory you will need to meet your level of customer service. The main processes of inventory control management are as follows:

• Sales and operations planning
• Sales forecasting
• Finished goods inventory deployment planning

Material requirements planning ensure that the inventory is planned and ordered to effect the delivery of materials. Inventory optimization techniques are used to mathematically calculate where the inventory should be deployed to satisfy the predetermined supply chain objectives. Businessmen also resort to physical inventory control to keep a track of the inventory that has been received, its movement, stocking and the overall physical control of inventories.

Inventory represents the second largest expense in businesses and business owners create internal policies and procedures for inventory control and planning. This results in the generation of higher profits for businesses. It limits the amount of obsolete inventory in the company which leads to fewer losses. Inventory policies and procedures also cut down on the employee abuse of inventory. Loose work environments result in stolen inventory which lead to financial losses. It’s important for business owners to consider implementing business technology to help manage the inventory. These days, the access to business and accounting software provides business owners with electronic methods of ordering, receiving, managing and selling inventory which saves on their time and significantly increases their productivity.

McLane Logistics Technology provides customized Inventory Management Software system to efficiently manage the respective inventory of different businesses. For more details visit McLane Logistics Technology, 4001 Central Pointe Parkway, Temple, TX 76504 or call us at 1-800-989-7568. 

Inventory Management Software - Inventory Management System

Know About Physical Inventory Tracking

Physical inventory tracking systems are vital for all companies and distributors who wish to keep a proper record and exercise control over their inventory. Keeping an accurate track of the inventory is required in order to organize the proper management of stock levels and to predict future demand trends pertaining to a particular product. It can also be used to pinpoint the exact location of a certain item in the distribution process thus helping fix responsibility to distribution channels. There are several additional elements or tools that can be used to conduct successful inventory tracking like tags identifying the products, barcodes fitted on items, etc. Scanners can be used for speedy identification of diverse products.

Radio Frequency Identification devices can also be used for shipments that are delivered directly to the places from where they have to be sold to the ultimate consumers. RFID devices are basically scanners that can help generate a proof that a certain item has been delivered. Such information can be communicated to the original place of production. This scanner examines the bar code that is affixed on each product. The bar code on each product is completely tamper proof and cannot be read by individuals. It can only be read and understood by a computer system consisting of the necessary software to be able to do so. This kind of scanner can help reduce any errors in the distribution systems that are bound to creep in if human beings are personally responsible for the tracking process and if checking is conducted by hand.

Such software can also aid in several other processes and ensure that they are conducted smoothly and completed without any hassle. Some of these processes include receipt of goods, shipment of items, etc. Bar code scanners are unique identification devices that can be effectively used to recognize all kinds of items including processed foods, industrial tools, consumer durables, etc. The coding information is automatically generated by a computer system and is placed as a sticker on each product. There is a distinctive code that is accorded to each item that forms a part of the distribution system.

McLane Logistics Technology provides customized Inventory Management Software system for businesses to effectively manage their inventory functions.

Inventory Management Systems - Physical Inventory Systems