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Most big and small companies have their warehouse execution software. Some of them produce good results while others do not. It is not that the software is poorly developed if it is not producing good results, it is just that a proper warehouse execution software is not chosen for your business.

Every software or system first depends on the operations the company is performing. Each company has different requirements, some would like to keep the basic stock report whereas others would like it updated every minute. In such cases, it is important to first study your business and strategizes what exactly you want from your warehouse execution software. Nowadays, we also have autonomous mobile robots in a warehouse. This is a good option for companies that have physical work in the warehouse, such as replacing or working with the stock. 

The 3 basic features each company should think off before choosing a warehouse execution software are:

Ready to run:

It is important to consider whether your warehouse execution software is ready to operate with external and internal devices. A good warehouse execution software should include adevice to test, troubleshoot and debug the system or software prior to directly using it for operation. This device can be an external device enumeration, mainly to test the software prior to use. It is used to decide whether the components work exactly the same as they work in the field. The devices include a host interface, scanners, a PLC and other external devices.

Configurability:

In most cases, 70-90% of the functionality is processed by the warehouse execution software module, but in most cases, the software will offer the same functionality to all its customers. It is extremely rare that the software may develop a 100% functionality as per the operations. This may be repaired through change orders, but then change orders require additional time and cost to the deployment of the execution software. This is the reason why  configurability comes into the picture. The best software should have a flexibility that is frequently required to make the process easier and streamlined. 

Modularity:

Some of the industries became quicker after they brought warehouse robots into their workplace, to assist them. These days, almost every industry use warehouse robot, although in some industries they rely more on robotics than those in other industries. Electrical, metal, machinery, chemical, plastic, pharmaceuticals, textile, paper are just some of the branches where warehouse robots are used every single day.  

Growth in warehouse robotics adoption is very much driven by the “growing e-commerce industry" and the need for enhanced quality and reliability in warehouse operations. One of the most important warehouses is those which store food and beverages. By now, it's predicted that the warehouse robotics market in the food and beverage industry will continue to grow at a high rate through the next decade. Through time it will be easier for humans to control warehouses robots to get the work done in a short amount of time. 

There’s also a high demand for warehouse robots in the automotive industry, particularly the automotive spare parts sector. In contrast to the e-commerce food and beverage sector, automotive companies often invest in robots with heavier payload capacities to handle the spare parts that are too heavy for human workers to manage. By leveraging warehouse robots, automotive companies speed up the delivery of spare parts and increase their overall business productivity, which brings them more profit than usual. 

Since the demand for accelerated order fulfillment, order delivery, and increasing day-by-day efficiency, industry leaders are trending companies towards a new breed of warehouse operation systems as a whole. This new breed of automated solutions is called Warehouse Execution Software (WES). As companies try to do more with less, and as delimitation between WMS and WCS is less defined, agility is paramount for distributors.

Warehouse Execution Software:

The WES is a complete solution to align and automate entire order fulfillment processes within the four walls of a distribution center. WES is a modular, scalable, and flexible platform that seamlessly integrates with your existing systems, including your WMS, and provides you with the solutions and applications you need to optimize your warehouse.

The WES software bypasses the drawbacks of both WMS and WCS, especially if its solutions are productized '. WES can optimize the workforce and equipment to increase productivity, reduce capital expenditure, and improve return on investment.

Rather than allowing the customer to adapt its business rules to a set of limited operating options, here are the benefits of a properly executed WES:

There is a minimal risk that customers will be given a mass-customized delivery

Short system roll-out time

A wealth of features that allow the product to be wrapped around customer needs

Autonomous mobile robots in a warehouse:

Autonomous mobile robots in a warehouse (AMR) refer to any robot that can perceive and move its environment without being seen directly by an operator or on a fixed, predetermined path. AMRs have an array of sophisticated sensors that enable them to understand and interpret their environment, which helps them perform their tasks in the most efficient way possible and in the most precise way (building, rack, Work stations, etc.) and navigates around variables. Obstacles (such as people, lift trucks, and debris).

Are you looking for effective warehouse management solutions? There are numerous new technologies that are gradually becoming popular. Read this article till the end to have a clear idea about the latest solutions which you can adopt to make your business more cost-effective and well-organized.

A warehouse management robotic system is an application that deals with all the activities associated with the functioning of a warehouse in real-time. It works as a complete security system for the corresponding distribution facility. This application can be entrusted with the smooth operation of all the operations and also takes care of the activities of the workforce. This is a centralized system that doubles up as an interface to supervise various equipment and tools like carousels, AS/RS, sorters, palletizers, conveyor systems, etc. Following are the functions of warehouse management softwar.

Major Functions of warehouse control software

It serves as an appropriate interface for communicating with the upper-level system. All the information is shared to keep track of the everyday operations of the warehouse.

Allocating tasks to various departments and sub-systems, to maintain a healthy work environment and complete assigned tasks within the stipulated time.

It displays the real-time status of the various processes and equipment to the operators and controllers. It helps in estimating the time required for completing certain responsibilities.

This application uses a set of advanced algorithms to sort cartons according to order/routing information fed by the host.

It can prepare reports/files by assessing the data uploaded by the host into the system.

It collects statistical data which is a clear representation of the performance of the system this enables operators to understand the working condition of the machines and facilitate maintenance accordingly.

These applications are programmed to effectively link the functions of the various departments to a host system which is also accessible to the lower level of the hierarchy. It reduces the need for work-force screening and equipment control.

Things to look for in warehouse management tool

When employing a warehouse control systems you must look for features like enhancing the efficiency of the system, Tracking real-time material handling operations, providing end-user with all necessary information, supervising case, pallet and item routing, etc.  The warehouse control system uses a PC to take care of all the physical activities in a sorting facility. The basic functions include a stock allocation to dispatch department, inter-location movement control, material handling equipment, inter-zone routing, equipment (cranes, conveyors, trucks, carousels, sorters) control using the internet, infrared or radio communication interfaces. 

Warehouse Execution Software becomes an essential part of the supply chain. The task of storing and sorting different commodities physically becomes a lot easier for businesses. Having a computer-guided sophisticated management and tracking system of the goods as they are received and dispatched from the warehouse. 

Seeing the need of the hour, the industry is stepping forward in bringing about change through automating warehouses with a range of systems with the power of meticulous artificial intelligence. To overcome these challenges, companies are investing for their future by implementing automation systems for their future. The automated picking system in warehouse is a warehouse that is a collaborative effort that can be incorporated by all types of enterprises (from SMEs to large ones). This is the best solution (easy to customize as per your requirement) to add value to your existing picking process. And that too without the need for months of downtime to achieve ROI. Let’s dig to learn more..

What is an automated picking system in a warehouse?

Automated picking systems in warehouse means the implementation of robotics or semi-robotic technologies capable of enhancing the work of a human picker. Although, the coliseum of warehouse automation solutions is flooded with options to choose from, the most effective automation tools actually work and work with the players on your team. They are easy to integrate into available store processes and originals.

They are also able to reduce running time and shorten picking routes. In addition, it can also integrate with your available WMS and support precise picking and packaging. The system can be used across a broad spectrum of industries such as manufacturing, retail, transportation, e-commerce, medical equipment, food and beverages and more.

How is automated picking system in a warehouse beneficial?

We have already touched on some of the advantages that come with the inclusion of automated picking systems. Now, let us go deeper to find out what effect can be had on all types of store operations.

Super-quick productivity:

Mobile automated warehouse technologies are playing an important role in reducing the picking time. These collaborative robots have the ability to move across the entire warehouse floor quicker than humans. In addition, they have the ability to keep moving throughout the day, without the need for breaks or changes.

Flexibility:

Where traditional warehouse automation systems are heavy, anchored in-place, consume a lot of space and make it difficult to modify the complete layout of a store, modern automated picking system in warehouse makes it more flexible. Collaborative robots offer a tailor-made approach with flexible rental pricing to help accommodate seasonal demands.

Warehouse Robots:

Today's distribution and fulfillment centers need to add scalability, flexibility, and less dependence on the temporary labor force to meet their operational needs. And, to help them with the same, order the latest development of warehouse robots and fulfillment technology to make the whole process more customized and automated.

Technological advancement has brought a significant change in the way warehouse management systems are managed. It is being improved constantly at the same time to make things even more convenient. Primarily Warehouse management robotic system consist of robot forklifts which are laser-guided and warehouse management systems (WMS). There are a number of storage options that have been developed for better space utilization and efficiency. A variety of racking systems is adopted although it depends completely upon cost.

 Pallet Tracking System

Pallet racking is the cleanest and most efficient method of storage in the warehouse that requires very little maintenance. The pallets are sturdy and can be reused which makes it perfect for moving goods. Often refurbished or used pallets are purchased to cut down on expenses.

Pallet stacking also has a couple of disadvantages. A huge assortment of pallets is necessary in order to move heavy commodities. There is height limitation as forklifts can only reach up to a certain height.

Modern methods of managing a warehouse

A number of methods like mezzanine storage systems, ASRS (Automated Storage Retrieval System) used for the arrangement and storage of goods in a warehouse. Mezzanine storage technique involves the construction of an additional structure between the floors that serves as a space for storing different tools, supplies, etc. ASRS is a fairly modern system that is slowly gaining popularity; it simplifies the way materials are recalled by storage locations with the help of computers. However, the man power requirement is low but the initial cost of installation is quite high.