When managing a warehouse for a budding business, space is a valuable resource. However, if warehouse space isn’t optimized and managed well, the storage of products can turn into an expensive and inefficient ordeal.

This has made Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) the go-to choice for businesses that want to revolutionize the supply chain and streamline operations. 

What is a Warehouse Management System (WMS)?

A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software that can optimize 3PL warehousing operations and facilitate smart decision-making. WMS streamlines and automates processes, creating an efficient goods flow.

By opting for a Warehouse Management System, you can monitor and control warehouse operations in real-time as well. Using a WMS also offers a lower chance of human error and improves last-mile productivity with deliveries and pickups.

8 Ways WMS Can Improve Storage Efficiency

Using a Warehouse Management System can revolutionize warehouse operations and light the way to greater storage efficiency. Here are 8 benefits of using a WMS for your business.

• Real-Time Inventory Tracking

One of the most popular benefits of Warehouse Management Systems is the function of real-time tracking of inventory. A lack of real time inventory visibility can seriously impede warehouse operations. It’s also an important factor that enables warehouse managers to allocate optimal storage space according to existing stocks. 

WMS makes it possible to receive data on inventory levels, location, and movement of products. This prevents potential overstocking that could lead to crowded warehouses, or the converse due to understocking. 

• Accurate Demand Forecasting

With real-time inventory visibility, Warehouse Management Systems make it easier to accurately forecast demand for stocks. This can help optimize inventory levels since warehouse managers can ensure that the right amounts of stock are maintained at any given time. 

Being able to predict demand allows better planning of storage space, ensuring that each square inch of warehouses can be optimized and used well.

• Consolidated Shipping

WMS is a great tool for consolidating orders by optimizing shipping routes. This is a great way to ensure that your warehouse sees a steady flow of fresh inventory since orders are picked up and shipped out at a more rapid pace. 

With quicker goods flow, your inventory won’t stagnate inside the warehouse space and take up valuable storage space for long.

• Optimized Slotting and Warehouse Layout 

With a Warehouse Management System, you can set up an optimized layout for your warehouse based on automatically estimated product demand and storage requirements. Aligning with this layout can increase space optimization, leading to more streamlined warehouse operations and organized storage.

Most systems also use an algorithm to determine the most viable slotting sequence for your products. This is calculated based on factors such as size, demand, and much more. Through WMS-driven warehouse layouts and dynamic slotting, you can ensure that fast-moving items are easily accessible in storage.

• Data-driven Insights

One of the key benefits of using a WMS is the ability to improve operations through the data that’s generated. By providing dynamic reporting and in-depth data across various parameters, Warehouse Management Systems make it possible for warehouse managers to identify regularly occurring problems and bottlenecks. 

By tracking trends, and recognizing areas of improvement, warehouse managers can use these data-driven insights to optimize storage.

• Simplified Cross-Docking

Cross-docking is another great function made possible through Warehouse Management Systems. Automated warehouse cross-decking involves tracking shipments and directly transferring products to the outbound shipping chain without lengthy storage periods. 

This makes it possible for products to directly enter delivery routes and proceed towards order fulfillment without needing to be stored for long periods of time. Cross-docking can save businesses time and greatly reduce storage costs while freeing up valuable warehouse space for other products. 

• Order Prioritization

Another function of Warehouse Management Systems is to prioritize various warehouse operations based on factors like deadlines and customer demand. This makes it possible for businesses to process high-priority orders quicker and more efficiently. 

By automatically having orders prioritized through a WMS, business owners can deliver a smoother customer experience with minimal effort.

• Reduced Need for Safety Stock

Warehouse Management Systems are often used with Barcode and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This makes it possible to accurately keep track of inventory and prevent shipping errors or misplacement of stocks. 

When inventory is less likely to be lost, this considerably reduces the need for maintaining safety stocks in your warehouse, where space is akin to gold. This is a great way to optimize storage and make the most of your warehouse space. 

WMS: The Future of Storage Optimization

Warehouse Management Systems are making it possible to optimize and streamline storage to the tee. Everyday operations are simplified through real-time inventory updates, in-depth data analytics, and automated functions. This leaves business owners and warehouse managers free to focus on more value-added tasks. It’s safe to say that WMS offers just a small glimpse into the future of storage optimization.