Running warehouse logistics and operations efficiently without some type of warehouse management system (WMS) is time-consuming, error-prone and unlikely to satisfy business objectives. The right WMS solution will reduce operating expenses, provide clear visibility into the storage and movement of goods, increase security and strengthen relationships with suppliers and customers. According to Gartner, although the WMS market is mature, competition is growing. Offerings continue to improve in usability, adaptability, intelligence, scalability up and down market, and life cycle costs. Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), and the increased connectivity of tools such as voice, augmented reality and robots will continue to be embedded in the latest offerings. Emerging WMS vendors are also challenging established leaders by offering a compelling total cost of ownership, adaptability and new flexible deployment models.
This article was first published in the July 15th 2022 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
According to Eric Carter, Indigo Software’s Solutions Architect, a natural progression for WMS software will be to incorporate more integrations with sensors and automated devices, using Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities. Whilst sortation devices are expensive they can remove enormous amounts of time when goods are being processed through the returns stages, they are also making huge inroads into volume picking processes. Once warehouses start to implement 5G coverage, the WMS will have more scope to perform AI functionality and to predict when bottlenecks could occur.
The redPILOT software solution has been developed by redPILOT GmbH, a start-up company within the KNAPP group. Powered by artificial intelligence, redPILOT is designed to optimise warehouse logistics during each and every operating hour. The solution helps warehouse operators to use all available resources – such as systems, personnel, energy, space and materials – dynamically and intelligently.
As manufacturers face rising energy bills, SICK has launched the FTMg with Monitoring App, an Industry 4.0 solution that helps them see the data they need to reduce energy consumption through better control of compressed air. The SICK FTMg with Monitoring App enables production and maintenance teams to monitor compressed air continuously so they can reduce leaks, improve operating efficiency, and cut costs. Using data from strategically-positioned SICK FTMg flow meters, the cloud-based SICK FTMg Monitoring App visualises a wealth of both real-time and historic data about compressed air usage.
Implementing OrderWise Ecommerce enabled Sam Turner and Sons, a large multi-channel retailer specialising in farm and country equipment, to automate core processes and integrate the data across the department. Before, multiple tools and platforms were used to manage the different marketplaces – now everything is under one system and the active customer base has increased by 100,000. In addition to their website, the software integrates with Sam Turner’s third-party sales platforms, Amazon and eBay which has seen a huge boost in online orders peaking at 15,000 a month – a 700 per cent increase on previous years.
As warehouses seek to meet the ever increasing demands of their customers, the innovations in I.T. will become even more important.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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