In today’s business landscape, companies are competing to find warehouses with the best systems to enable efficient business activities. Warehouse management systems (WMS) offer numerous benefits such as inventory management, improved customer satisfaction, streamlined tracking, and enhanced overall business productivity.
Here are the four types of warehouse management systems commonly found in warehouse services and fulfillment centers in Indonesia. Let’s discuss each one based on their characteristics and usage.
Standalone WMS
A Standalone WMS is a basic warehouse management system that operates independently without integration with other management systems. This system is specifically designed to oversee and control day-to-day operations within a warehouse, including tasks such as shipping, receiving, storage, and order picking. Compared to other types of WMS, the Standalone WMS offers limited features that focus solely on essential aspects of warehouse operations.
ERP System
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a comprehensive integrated system designed to assist companies in managing multiple aspects of their business in real time. It encompasses various areas, including financial management, production, inventory, logistics, and more. While WMS is a component of ERP, it is not the primary focus of the system.
Cloud-Based WMS
Cloud-based WMS has gained significant popularity as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution. This system offers efficient and seamless warehouse management, thanks to its flexibility and ease of integration.
Cloud-based WMS can be seamlessly integrated with other systems, including e-commerce platforms and ERP software. It’s important to note that this system relies on a stable internet connection to ensure quick access to data.
Supply Chain Execution Modules
The Supply Chain Execution (SCE) system is a vital component of Supply Chain Management (SCM) that plays a crucial role in optimizing the supply chain. It is closely related to supply chain management and can be integrated with other systems.
The SCE system empowers warehouses and fulfillment centers to enhance their supply chain operations in terms of time efficiency, cost reduction, and service quality. Furthermore, it offers capabilities such as demand forecasting and risk analysis. As a result, it is widely adopted by companies with complex supply chain operations, including those in the retail, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.
These are some common types of WMS used by warehouses and fulfillment centers. To gain more comprehensive insights into fulfillment centers, read our other articles in the Flexofast blog.
