The e-commerce market has grown substantially and rapidly since 2020 and is showing few signs of slowing down. The demands of e-commerce are very different from those of traditional retail channels. Warehouse management and distribution operations must be continually tailored to reflect the changes. Automation is becoming commonplace. The adoption of new technologies has already proven to be successful. Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) and the use of hand-held mobiles are already improving operational efficiency and reliability. A warehouse management system (WMS) is becoming a necessity to optimise processes. There are many types of WMS in every price bracket that will support your e-commerce operation, whatever the size, according to the Supply Chain Consulting Group.
This article was first published in the October 1st 2022 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
A WMS enables management to ‘do more with less’, improving efficiencies without having to employ more staff, says Indigo Software. Using a WMS to direct workers through their daily task lists has a big impact on order completion volumes, with potential to achieve a 33% output increase. A WMS will automate and standardise all inventory movements and replenishment tasks based on pre-configured rules, so stock is always available to pick and produce never goes bad.
L.A.C Conveyor Systems have worked closely with IntegratedAIR on several automated turnkey solutions that not only solve today’s process needs but offer capacity for future expansion. IntegratedAIR systems was recently approached by a client building a new beverage can manufacturing facility who required a system for their trim and can scrap waste created in the production process. The IntegratedAIR solution collects bright aluminium trim and can scrap from multiple areas within the facility to one central place to be effectively processed for recycling.
The new LCAM 308 IP camera from Leuze monitors hidden areas on stacker cranes and conveyor lines. The camera records the 60 seconds prior to a fault in full HD, enabling events to be easily traced back. This is important if you want to rectify a malfunction quickly and efficiently.
Warehouse management software (WMS) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software expert Principal Logistics Technologies (Chess Logistics Technology) reports significant growth across all divisions following strategic business acquisitions and related hirings. The company entered the Brexit and Covid period with a headcount of 16 and now has over 70 highly experienced staff. The latest round of hirings includes specialist software developers, project managers, business analysts and technical consultants.
As the e-commerce market keeps growing, warehouse management software is going to be increasingly important to help warehouses keep up with demand.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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