WMS/WCS: what are they? What are they for? What are their advantages? Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about WMS/WCS.
In this article:
- WMS/WCS: what are they?
- Who invented the first WMS?
- WMS/WCS: What are they for?
- What are the advantages of our software?
WMS/WCS: what are they?
These two terms refer to different types of software for warehouses:
- WMS > (Warehouse Management System)
- WCS > (Warehouse Control System)
The WMS is a specialized software solution that controls the incoming, inside and outside inventory flow of a company. Warehouse management systems provide visibility into an organization’s inventory and manage a full range of logistics operations.
The WCS is a real-time integrated control software solution that manages various specific warehouse tasks.
Imagine a warehouse like the human body: if the agv, miniloads, conveyors or racks represent the skeleton, the WMS is the brain. Without it, no operation or movement would be possible.
WCS can be compared to the central nervous system, the part that receives inputs from the brain and translates them into commands to be distributed to the various limbs to make the body move. Without the central nervous system you can not walk, run or be on the move.
Who invented the first WMS?
Il primo WMS capace di lavorare in tempo reale fu inventato agli inizi del 1975 da un’azienda statunitense, la Logisticon. This was a turning point: with the software able to update the warehouse in real time, Logisticon reduced the time spent searching for items and could focus efforts on other areas to grow their business.
This was a turning point: with the software able to update the warehouse in real time, Logisticon reduced the time spent searching for items and could focus efforts on other areas to grow their business.
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WMS/WCS: What are they for?
WMS is used by companies to monitor all the activities that are carried out every day in their plants and through the stages of the supply chain, for example:
- Goods reception.
- Organization of the work of logistics personnel.
- Traceability of items and stocks.
- Consistent storage of items.
- Monitoring of operator missions and AGV.
- Management of order preparation.
- Control of shipments.
- Improvement of customer service.
- Analysis of results, statistics and implementation of analytical.
The WMS can be applied in a manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic warehouse and allows, for example, to control operations, to monitor stocks and stocks and to process orders. A WMS is responsible for managing logistics flows, inventory and user tasks: from the receipt of items to order processing and shipping.
In the specific case of a logistics or e-commerce company, the WMS is an essential tool for the management of returns and reverse logistics, for quality control operations or to manage packages containing defective goods. The total control function distinguishes the WMS from the WCS. The WCS is more likely to perform coordination functions, such as:
- Program the operations it receives from the WMS.
- Control and orient handling equipment, such as AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles).
- Collect data in real time.
- Monitor operations by sending notifications by email, SMS or other systems.
- Adjust and synchronize work.
What are the advantages of our software WMS/WCS?
Investing in warehouse software means significantly improving the management of logistics or intralogistics-related processes. Agilog, the WCS developed by our IT office, is able to implement the instructions received from WMS, coordinating the various devices and machines distributed in the plant effectively and efficiently. Relying on Agilog has the following advantages:
- Constant support. In addition to the use of cutting-edge technology, Errevi Elettric offers support before, during and after the implementation of the WCS.
- Modular. Agilog is modular, which means that if an entrepreneur decides to start with a soft WCS - therefore able to manage the flows, but without other functions - it is not said that at a later time can not add any other modules and implement algorithms for higher-level management.
- Optimization. Our Agilog software is designed to identify items in relation to expiration date, receiving assembly, packaging and shipping points, which means that inventory holding costs can be reduced.
- Traceability of operations. Agilog allows you to acquire information about warehouse activities. This allows you to track any product, simplifying problems in the event of unforeseen events along the logistics chain.
Errevi Elettric offers customized software solutions for every customer need. Contact us, an expert of our Sales Team will advise you on your next project!
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