What are the key functionalities of a WCS?
Warehouse Control System is a hybrid software solution in which a material flow system (MFS) performs additional functions of a classic warehouse management system (WMS). It therefore combines performance functionalities that were traditionally handled by two different software systems. Having this broad spectrum covered in just one system is a major advantage. It helps to master the growing complexity in the warehouse.
Functional spectrum at a glance:
- Warehouse optimization
- Intelligent order processing
- Optimization of order picking
- Intelligent route planning
- Management of the flow of goods
- Intelligent routing
- Real-time resource management
What are the key benefits of a WCS?
- Speed and agility: the system is able to respond to events in real time. If conditions change within the process chain, the system reprioritizes operations immediately. In this way, the system ensures that the right items are transported to the right place, with optimal performance consistently.
- Productivity gains & cost efficiency: Warehouse control systems deliver productivity gains in highly automated facilities. Up to 50% of variable costs incurred in a typical warehouse are associated with order fulfillment. This means that any efficiency or productivity gains that result from a WCS will directly increase profits. Warehouse control software is able to make dynamic decisions during order fulfillment to accomplish exactly that.
What is the difference between WES and WCS?
In North America, the term WES (Warehouse Execution System) is commonly used to describe a system equivalent to the European WCS. At the same time, in the North American market, the term WCS is often used to describe what Europeans call MFS.
Worldwide software expertise
As a leading intralogistics partner, SSI Schaefer offers both automated systems and state-of-the-art software, such as WAMAS WCS. Users are provided with a partner that seamlessly combines hardware & software with global know-how. The WAMAS® portfolio provides users with advanced modular software solutions. This enables users to achieve the best performance in their market today and in the future.
About the author:
Thomas Ortmann studied business informatics and works as a software product manager for WAMAS® WCS. In 2020, he started as IT project manager at SSI Schaefer and was responsible for release management in the WAMAS® MFS area. He worked in numerous customer projects in the Healthcare & Cosmetics sector. His know-how in process management and software engineering are important pillars for his work at SSI Schaefer.
More information about WAMAS® can be found here:
The SSI Schaefer Group is the world’s leading provider of modular warehousing and logistics solutions. With headquarters located in Neunkirchen (Germany), SSI Schaefer employs approximately 10,500 associates globally, along with seven domestic and international production sites, and approximately 70 worldwide operating subsidiaries. Across six continents, SSI Schaefer develops and implements innovative industry-specific answers to its customers‘ unique challenges. As a result, it plays a key role in shaping the future of materials handling.
SSI Schaefer designs, develops and manufactures systems for warehouses and industrial plants. Its portfolio includes manual and automated solutions for warehousing, conveying, picking and sorting, plus technologies for waste management and recycling. In addition, SSI Schaefer is now a leading provider of modular, regularly updated software for in-house material flows. Its software team, with a headcount in excess of 1,100, develops high-performance applications, and provides customers with in-depth advice on the intelligent combination of software with intralogistics equipment. The SSI Schaefer IT offering, including its own WAMAS® and SAP products, delivers seamless support for all warehouse and material flow management processes. Solutions from SSI Schaefer improve the productivity and efficiency of customer organizations – not least through the highly precise monitoring, visualization, and analysis of operational metrics for proactive intralogistics management.
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