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WMS/WCS: what are they? What are they for?
In the context of warehouse management and logistics, choosing between a warehouse management system (WMS) and a warehouse control system (WCS) is crucial to optimizing processes and improving operational efficiency. Both systems offer advanced technology solutions, but their application varies according to the specific needs of a company. Understanding each other’s differences and advantages is critical to making informed decisions that can positively influence logistics operations and overall business success.
WMS and 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 and WCS
WMS and 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.
These two terms refer to different types of warehouse management software:
- WMS (Warehouse Management System) > Warehouse management software
- WCS (Warehouse Control System) > Software warehouse control
WMS is a specialized software solution that controls the flow of incoming inventory, inside and outside a company’s warehouse. 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 as the human body: if the agv, miniload, conveyors or shelving represent the skeleton, the WMS is the brain. Without it, no operation or movement would be possible.
The WCS can be compared to the central nervous system, that part which receives input from the brain and translates it into commands to distribute to the various limbs to make the body move. Without the central nervous system you cannot walk, run or be in motion.
Who invented the first WMS?
The first real-time WMS was invented in early 1975 by an American company, Logisticon. This was a turning point: with software that could update the warehouse in real time, Logisticon reduced the time spent searching for items and could concentrate efforts on other areas to grow their business.
Since 1975, WMS has evolved. Systems still support basic inbound, oubound, replenishment, picking and shipping functions. What has changed is the volume of transactions that systems support and the complex processes now used in fulfillment operations.
WMS/WCS: What are they for?
The WMS is used by companies to monitor all activities that are carried out every day in their plants and through the stages of the supply chain, for example:
Reception of goods;
Organisation of work for logistics personnel;
Traceability of items and stocks,
Consistent storage of items;
Monitoring of the missions of operators and AGVs,
Management of order preparation;
Control of shipments;
Improving customer service;
Results analysis, statistics and analytical implementation;
The WMS can be applied in a manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic warehouse and allows, for example, to control operations, monitor stocks and stocks and process orders. A WMS manages the 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, WMS is an essential tool for returns management and reverse logistics, quality control operations or to manage packages containing defective goods. The total control function distinguishes WMS from WCS. The latter is more likely to perform coordination functions, such as:
To plan the operations it receives from the WMS;
Control and orient handling equipment, such as AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles);
Collect data in real time;
Monitor transactions by sending notifications via email, SMS or other systems;
Adjust and synchronize work.
What are the advantages of our software WMS/WCS?
Investing in a warehouse software means significantly improving the management of logistics or intralogistics processes. Agilog, the WCS developed by our PC software technical office, is able to implement the instructions received from the WMS, coordinating the various devices and machines distributed in the plant effectively and efficiently. The advantages of using Agilog are:
Constant support. In addition to the use of cutting-edge technology, Errevi Automation offers support before, during and after the implementation of WCS.
Modular. Agilog is modular, which means that if an entrepreneur decides to start with a soft WCS – therefore able to manage flows, but without other functions – It is not said that at a later stage it will not be able to add any other modules and implement algorithms for a higher level management.
Optimization. Our Agilog software is designed to locate items in relation to the expiration date, receiving points of assembly, packaging and shipping, which means inventory holding costs can be reduced.
Operations traceability. Agilog allows to acquire information on the activities of the warehouse. This allows any product to be tracked, making it easier for the customer to deal with unexpected events along the supply chain.
WMS and WCS: what are they? What do they serve?
A screen of Agilog, our warehouse management software Errevi Automation offers customized software solutions for every customer need. Contact us, an expert from our Sales Team will advise you on your next project!
For more information on warehouse management software and how Errevi can support your logistics, visit our dedicated page and find out how our software can revolutionize your warehouse management.
