Rather than upgrading or installing an all-new WMS to adapt operations as your business grows and/or adjusts to shifting demands, many DC operators, can achieve best-in-class performance faster by adding AI-based process optimisation and advanced execution software alongside their existing WMS.
In this approach, the WMS provides core warehouse management and inventory control functions that are extended by modular, flexible best-in-breed execution and optimisation software. This “good-enough” WMS strategy reduces risk, accelerates digital transformation, improves long-term flexibility, and gives companies immediate access to the technologies they need to compete for the long haul.
For example, several years ago, one Lucas customer, a leading distributor of branded medical, surgical and disposable products, predominately distributing to acute care or hospital facilities throughout the United States, was challenged to improve productivity and reduce the costs for picking low unit of measure (LUM) items, and to increase picking accuracy compared to their existing RF-based process. Utilising Lucas’ voice-directed, AI-driven optimisation engine Jennifer to supplement their legacy WMS, they were able to enhance overall DC productivity across all activities, including receiving, replenishment and other tasks that were unchanged, by greater than 10 percent.
Our experience among 500+ customers is that DCs can more readily optimise their operations using supplemental, affordable, integrated solutions rather than attempting to do it all in their WMS. Many customers have used our software to implement best practices across DCs using different WMSs, while others leverage Lucas as a means to prolong the life of an older WMS or as a bridge to a new system.
DCs looking to add advanced warehouse optimisation capabilities should explore seeking best-in-breed solutions that supplement their current WMS, rather than replacing or upgrading a WMS that otherwise meets their current needs. This “good enough” approach preserves significant previous investments in WMS systems, while gaining access to new capabilities that can be delivered more quickly and economically than a WMS upgrade.
By learning about alternatives to replacing their WMS, operators may be able to save time, reduce risk, and accelerate their return on investment.
About Lucas Systems, Inc.
Lucas Systems helps companies transform their distribution centre operations and continuously adapt to changing market dynamics. We dramatically increase worker productivity, operational agility, and customer satisfaction.
Our solutions are built on 25-plus years of deep process expertise and smart software using AI and voice technologies. Our solutions feature Jennifer™, the brain, voice, and orchestration engine that drives performance improvement gains. Make the smartest moves at the lowest cost with Jennifer™. For more information, visit www.lucasware.com.
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