T
he word “automation” normally brings to
mind massive machinery installations,
huge capital expenses and radical process
overhauls. However, for the growing warehouse
facility, automation can – and often does – start
on a much smaller scale.
Automation can begin with something as simple
as using spreadsheets to track inventory, person-
nel or shipments. Then, as a facility continues
to grow, product traceability and staff efficiency
become driving forces behind larger automation
initiatives. This is where facilities would benefit
from using a warehouse execution system (WES)
to manage warehouse operations.
A WES includes a tightly integrated warehouse
management system (WMS) and warehouse con-
trol system (WCS) that helps manufacturers and
distributors direct, control and optimize internal
material flow and order picking. This two-in-
one solution performs the tasks of both systems
through a single interface.
Why a WES?
A WES gives warehouse staff the option to begin
integrating automation processes on a smaller
scale with the WMS’ warehouse inventory track-
ing control functions. When the company is ready
to introduce additional automation, the WES
helps automate repetitive, manual tasks through
integration with ERP, billing or ordering systems.
This increases staff efficiency and prepares the
facility for future growth.
With its modular design, a WES enables compa-
nies to use only the functions needed to handle
their immediate warehousing needs. This ranges
from managing invoices and tracking inventory to
fully automating the warehouse with an automat-
ed storage/ retrieval system (AS/RS). Moreover,
instead of having to purchase new software when
new pieces of automation are added, you simply
turn on the WCS features within the WES for
managing these new processes.
Further, by using a WES for warehouse man-
agement tasks, staff become familiar with the
software’s functionality and interface. So, as more
automation is added to the facility using the
warehouse control functions, staff can focus on
adopting new business processes instead of learn-
ing new software.
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Planning for the Future
Developing a long-term automation plan starts
with taking a look at your business today and
determining what you want it to look like three to
five years from now. From there, you can choose
a solution that will help your company achieve its
goals.
When determining what automation to employ
now versus five years down the road, it is essen-
tial to consider your goals for inventory, process
and warehouse management. Depending on the
complexity of these goals, this plan can take six
months or several years to fully evolve. This is
why finding an experienced technology partner
who will help support your long-term automation
goals is important.
Finding the Right Technology Partner
When selecting a WES, most companies know
to evaluate each solution’s functionality to make
sure it meets current and future technological
needs. However, it is also important to look at
the after-sales support for the WES. Is the vendor
going to sell you on a product and then leave you
to your own devices? Or, will their staff develop a
real partnership with your team?
A technology partner will sit down with you and
take the time to understand your business and
outlook for the future. With this insight, and
comprehensive knowledge of its own system, the
vendor should tailor a solution and processes
specifically for your facility.
Automation is no longer a luxury reserved for
large warehouses – it’s a necessity for any growing
warehouse. By implementing a WES, facilities
of any size can introduce automation into their
operations. Then, as the company continues to
grow, the solution will scale along with it, foster-
ing new efficiencies and improved processes while
ensuring ease of adoption from warehouse staff.
And when paired with an experienced, hands-on
technology partner, the solution will usher you
towards meeting your long-term business and
operational goals.
The Satellite Review
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