Warehouse management system

What is warehouse management and why do you need it?

A warehouse management system is a type of software that monitors and controls daily operations in the warehouse. The system module helps make sure inventory is received, stored, picked, packed, shipped and replenished in the most efficient way.

At any time, many different operations take place in a warehouse – receiving, storing, picking, packing, kitting, labeling and shipping. When all these functions run at the same time (and in different physical locations in the warehouse), they can easily fall out of sync, lose information or produce errors. These problems only get worse when companies track and manage these activities manually or use pen-and-paper accounting and record-keeping methods.

A warehouse management system prevents this, as it is a single source of truth and organization. With Terra ERP software and automation, warehouse activities are carried out correctly, so every operation runs in sync and as efficiently as possible.

What does warehouse management cover?

The warehouse management module coordinates the activities that take place in the warehouse. These activities can cover several different stages of production management and supply chain execution. Other modules work together with this module:

• Inventory management. The warehouse management module gives a complete view of stock. With the system you can see better where stock is in the warehouse and where it is being moved. This level of visibility gives you real-time data and lets you make better-informed decisions about stock.
• Order process. It simplifies order picking and packing. The module optimizes the fulfillment process so warehouse staff can pick the right items more accurately and efficiently. The result is faster fulfillment, fewer errors and more satisfied customers.
• Inbound/outbound goods management. Tracking stock coming into and going out of the warehouse manually can be slow and tedious. With a warehouse management system, staff can manage stock better during receiving, picking, packing and shipping. This helps you keep track of where stock is in the supply chain and the fulfillment process, so it is clearer when to set reorder points so that certain items don't run out.
• Interaction with existing and legacy systems. A production management system that supports the technology should be integrated with the existing technology stack. By connecting various solutions (e.g. the customer service help desk, the e-commerce website, marketing platforms, etc.), business operations can run more smoothly, get more accurate data and deliver a smoother customer experience.
• Data analysis. It provides real-time data on the warehouse, stock, orders and more. This level of reporting helps you keep a finger on the pulse of the business, identify possible problems or violations and track KPIs such as receiving efficiency, picking accuracy, order cycle time, order fill rate and more.

Benefits

The warehouse management module helps automate warehouse processes, which improves workflow and increases efficiency and productivity. Simplifying the flow of information removes tedious, time-consuming and repetitive tasks. Better insights and information mean more accurate forecasting, smarter inventory management and a simpler supply chain. Manual processes take a lot of time, are tedious and often lead to errors. The Terra ERP solution improves inventory management and tracking wherever the stock is. With all the information in one system, it is easier to forecast demand and warehouse stock.

Using data for forecasts can help you always keep stock at the optimal level. Companies with several warehouses can also easily track stock across warehouses in different locations.

Terra ERP software can help automate processes such as restocking, proactively warn about low stock levels, track orders and manage incoming and outgoing stock. You also get access to information in real time.

The warehouse management system module can help assign the right tasks to the right staff at the right time, taking into account staff skill levels, proximity to equipment, the warehouse and the warehouse tasks at hand.

One of the most significant advantages a warehouse management system can bring in making better use of the workforce is less physical work time for a specific task in the warehouse. The system can help direct staff to the tasks with the most impact while finding the best person for a given activity.

By the nature of warehouses, stock is constantly moving. Items travel in different directions, whether they are arriving, in stock or leaving, so the process can be complex. Terra ERP can help track the stock items with the fastest turnover so they can be stored more efficiently and downtime is kept to a minimum.

The production management system lets you use other automation technologies in the warehouse and integrate them into the same system. Mobile devices can help move from paperwork to electronic work by automating internal work tasks. This simplifies operations, improves scalability and ensures data accuracy. A mobile connection to the system can improve data entry by giving access through handheld mobile devices.