Other Functionality/Considerations
- Wave Picking/Batch Picking/Zone Picking: Support for various picking methods varies from one system to another. In high-volume fulfillment operations, picking logic can be a critical factor in WMS selection.
- Task Interleaving: Task interleaving describes functionality that mixes dissimilar tasks such as picking and put away to obtain maximum productivity. Used primarily in full-pallet-load operations, task interleaving will direct a lift truck operator to put away a pallet on his way to the next pick. In large warehouses this can greatly reduce travel time, not only increasing productivity, but also reducing wear on the lift trucks and saving on energy costs by reducing lift truck fuel consumption. Task interleaving is also used with cycle counting programs to coordinate a cycle count with a picking or put away task.
- Automated Data Collection (ADC): Generally when WMS is implemented, automatic data collection is also implemented, usually in the form of radio-frequency (RF) portable terminals with bar code scanners. It is recommended to incorporate ADC hardware selection and software selection into a single process. Some WMS products have created specific versions of programs designed to interface with specific ADC devices from specific manufacturers. If this WMS/ADC device combination works, it saves programming/setup time else programming will have to be done internally which will increase the cost.
- Integration with Automated Material Handling Equipment: Automated material handling equipment includes carousels, ASRS units, AGVs, pick-to-light systems, or sortation systems. This is a critical area during software selection process.
- Advanced Shipment Notifications (ASN): Vendors should send advanced shipment notifications (preferably electronically) and attaching compliance labels to the shipments, which can be used by WMS to automate the receiving process. Verify the functionality, if the ASN’s have to be sent to the customers.
- Cycle Counting: Most WMS will have some cycle counting functionality. Modifications to cycle counting systems are common to meet specific operational needs.
- Cross Docking: In its purest form cross-docking is the action of unloading materials from an incoming trailer or rail car and immediately loading these materials in outbound trailers or rail cars thus eliminating the need for warehousing (storage).
- Pick-to-Carton: For parcel shippers pick-to-carton logic uses item dimensions/weights to select the shipping carton prior to the order picking process. Items are then picked directly into the shipping carton. When picking is complete, Dunn age is added and the carton sealed eliminating a formal packing operation. This logic works best when picking/packing products with similar size/weight characteristics.
- Slotting: Slotting describes the activities associated with optimizing product placement in pick locations in a warehouse. Slotting software will generally use item velocity (times picked), cube usage, and minimum pick face dimensions to determine best location.
- Yard Management: Yard management describes the function of managing the contents (inventory) of trailers parked outside the warehouse, or the empty trailers themselves.
- Labor Tracking/Capacity Planning: Here standard labor hours are set up , machine (usually lift trucks) hours per task and the available labor and machine hours per shift are set. The WMS system will use this information to determine capacity and load. The disadvantage is the need to factor in efficiency and utilization to determine rated capacity. Most WMS maintain enough data to create productivity reporting.
- Activity-based costing/billing: This functionality is primarily designed for third-party logistics operators. Activity-based billing allows them to calculate billable fees based upon specific activities. For example, a 3PL can assign transaction fees for each receipt, and shipment transaction, as well as fees for storage and other value-added activities.
- Integration with existing accounting/ERP systems: Its important for the WMS to have a specific interface with the accounting/ERP system to reduce costs. A lot of other modules are being added to WMS packages like full financials, light manufacturing, transportation management, purchasing, and sales order management. This is a unilateral move of WMS from an add-on module to a core system, but rather an optional approach that has applications in specific industries such as 3PLs. Using ERP systems as a point of reference, it is unlikely that this add-on functionality will match the functionality of best-of-breed applications available separately.
