Warehouse Execution System (WES) functions like a traditional Warehouse Management System (WMS) in that the Warehouse Control System (WCS) provides control over warehouse operations. Warehouse execution systems (WES) can be used to coordinate labor and equipment to enable dynamic optimization. Using the Warehouse Execution System (WES) reports, the warehouse operator can optimize distribution center operations.
Warehouse Execution Software (WES):
WES’s are software systems designed to manage, optimize, and control the physical operations of warehouses and distribution centers (picking, replenishing, receiving etc.). These systems are usually integrated with WMSs, ERPs, and IMSs (inventory management systems).
There have been warehouse execution systems since at least the early 2000s. DCs can take advantage of both automated and manual material handling processes thanks to them. WES systems add capabilities for sophisticated process optimization to WMS systems, whereas WMS systems are primarily used for picking, replenishment, and other functions. Core DC activities are effectively streamlined, more efficient and more productive with WES.
Warehouse Execution Software: Types and Functions:
Automated and manual WES systems are the main types of WES.
1) Automated Warehouse Execution Software
WCS, an existing warehouse control system, is the source of many of today’s WES products. Totes, cases, and pallets are moved using the WCS software in warehouses.
AWES provides work planning, release, and management capabilities in addition to warehouse control systems. Automated handling and movement of products are coordinated and synchronized through these systems.
WES products, although they may work with systems for picking up or putting off light, do not typically manage people’s work. We are more likely to direct manual picking and other processes through a WMS or other system.
2) Manual Warehouse Execution Software
Unlike manual warehouse execution systems, warehouse execution systems automate end-to-end processes like receiving, storing, sorting, loading, auditing, replenishing, calculating cycle counts, and scheduling.
In this example, orders, inventory, and tasks are tracked in the DC’s inventory planning system (WMS), and existing WCS systems (and automated WES systems) are reused and extended.
In addition to coordinating and optimizing resources across IT and automation networks, manual warehouse execution systems facilitate the coordination and movement of people, robots, and inventory throughout DCs.
How is this softwares designed?
Developers usually design these softwares to meet their specific needs. Due to this, you are not required to invest in expensive software packages that include modules that don’t serve your business needs. You can choose modules that suit your particular needs and interchange them.
- This solution is hardware independent and allows you to purchase the equipment you need for order fulfillment and material handling.
- The ability to quickly adjust to different communication protocols while designing a batch or real-time interface is enabled by the modular architecture.
- Work can be viewed in all areas with clear visibility, and remote monitoring is possible.
- You’ll need to incorporate equipment and software modules relevant to the equipment you wish to integrate with your host system or ERP.
- With a color-coded graphical interface that is user-friendly and intuitive.
- Diagnose, graph, and report features are built-in.
- As you grow your business and demand increases, an easy and less costly expansion is possible.
How Does it Work?
Using manual warehouse execution systems, such as the Warehouse Optimization Suite, businesses can adjust to changes in consumer demand by improving employee productivity, improving management effectiveness, and improving efficiency.
1) Improve throughput and productivity –
Utilize intelligent batching and path optimization to minimize travel and maximize productivity. Distributors are able to overcome the current labor shortage with the help of AI-based optimization tools that help warehouses pump more products out the door with less personnel.
2) Increase employee morale and efficiency –
Warehouse workers can work faster, easier and more fun with mobile applications that are easy to use. Mobile apps employ voice directions, speech recognition, barcode scanners, display technologies, among other technologies, to improve hands-on tasks.
3) Reducing the training time-
By using speech recognition technology instead of voice training, you can reduce the time spent training and onboarding new warehouse workers.
4) Optimize robots and people –
By coordinating work simultaneously between people and robots, intelligent work orchestration can optimize productivity.
5) Inventory optimization –
Utilize dynamic slots (reducing travel time) to determine the most efficient location for inventory. AI-based slotting solutions allow managers to plan ahead for changing conditions by making efficient slotting moves.
6) Improve accuracy –
Enhance auditing criteria and pick-and-put validations to increase accuracy rates to 99.99%.
7) Extension of current systems –
Enhance and re-use the capabilities of current systems (ERP, WMS, WCS, LMS).
8) Ensure worker safety –
Voice-directed applications that are hands- and eye-free improve worker safety. The number of accidents tends to decrease when voice solutions are used.
9) Reduce labor costs –
Utilize predictive workforce planning to minimize labor costs.
10) Enhance the performance of managers –
Management dashboards help managers see and control operations in real time, boosting their effectiveness.
Do you need Warehouse Execution?
In the warehouse and DC operations area, many companies offer services to assist in conceptualizing and executing optimal processes, determining execution options, and estimating productivity and accuracy gains.
A warehouse optimization assessment will help us identify any areas within your facility in need of improvement.
Along with the new technologies (voice, scanning, and device displays), they will examine other technologies (such as batch algorithms) for improving the process. To be successful, visit the SRSI site where you can learn more about warehouse execution software.
Final Words:
A warehouse execution system (WES) is a software application that automates the processes that take place within a distribution center. All warehouse resources, including equipment, devices, and employees, are organized, sequenced, and synchronized in real-time by the WES. A continuous flow of orders is possible with this proactive solution. Once the conditions for a part of the process change, the system reprioritizes work to ensure that fulfillment is expedited.
