Growing popularity of WMS systems
Recent years have been characterized by a surge in the popularity of WMS systems. There are two scenarios at play here .
The first is deployments in organizations where such a solution had not previously been in place. The second is about replacing the current system with a larger, more efficient one that is ready to work with warehouse automation components.
In this article, we will tell you how a standard implementation project goes, how long it can take, and which elements of the implementation are the most challenging.
A portion of knowledge about WMS systems
A WMS (Warehouse Management System) is a computerized warehouse management system. The essence of this solution is the computerization of every element of the warehouse’s work: from the receipt of goods, through their storage, to their release to the customer.
The WMS system works based on barcode technology. They are the identifying elements for each countable unit of goods in the warehouse. An individual number allows each product to be tracked and located. Barcodes are used when goods are received, when a so-called “registration number” is generated.
The next stage is the storage of goods (confirmation of the storage of goods in the appropriate racking location, provided with racking markings expressed in barcode).
The third stage is the release of goods, where the system supports the picking of goods and their preparation for shipment by generating appropriate courier labels.
The use of barcodes in a WMS requires not only the proper configuration of the system itself, but also the use of automatic identification devices to facilitate the printing and reading of barcodes(label printers, code readers, data collectors).
The effect of implementing a warehouse management system is significant increases in warehouse productivity (up to 30% – 40% over the original situation) and almost complete elimination of mistakes.
Every WMS implementation is different, but it's worth using the best models.
HKK Group has completed dozens of WMS implementations over the past fifteen years from Poland to the US to Israel. Our clients include giants of global logistics, but also smaller, domestic companies with high growth potential (this growth is often accelerated by the application of our solutions).
The experience we have gathered and the application of the ATOM implementation methodology (based on the PRINCE 2 project management theory) have allowed us to create standardized implementation models that, on the one hand, take into account industry specifics, and on the other hand, guarantee project implementation in the shortest possible time.
What is the implementation of a WMS according to the assumptions of our methodology? The project is divided into four phases.
Assess-Analysis
In consultation with the client, we study the current state of warehouse logistics and analyzethe desired state to come after the changes. The next element is to translate the “to be” state projection into WMS functionalities and create a functional mock-up (proof of concept) supported by a formal analysis document, which is a description of the WMS to be implemented at the client’s site.
Transform
The transformation stage is nothing more than filling the functional mockup with content. It is during this phase that the work of linking the WMS interface with external systems (ERP, courier systems, TMS) takes place. Tasks carried out during this stage, require specific decisions from the area of the definition of the so-called product master date, the topography of the warehouse, as well as the application of logistics automation elements.
Ownership
The ownership stage is the transfer of the system to its owner. It is within this stage that training and system commissioning take place.
Measure
The measurement stage is the final component of the implementation, which is conducted at a fixed date after its completion. At this stage, the effects of implementation are analyzed and the validity of pre-implementation assumptions is checked. If necessary, some minor changes may be made to the system configuration.
How long does it take to implement a WMS?
Our experience gained during numerous implementations allows us to conclude that a WMS implementation can be completed within three months. Such an ambitious deadline requires intensive cooperation with the customer’s representatives, who know best what their business is all about and what goals are set for the WMS implementation.
However, the implementation timeline may extend if interfaces need to be created with external systems that do not rely on the standard communication protocols supported by our WMS systems. It is the data exchange interfaces that we believe are the most time-consuming part of a warehouse management system implementation to create and test.
Is a WMS alone enough?
A WMS cannot work without properly selected automatic identification equipment and a properly labeled warehouse.
If you want to take advantage of the benefits of barcode, 2D code, or RFID technology, you need to be equipped with barcode readers, data collectors, or label printers.
On the side of preparing the warehouse infrastructure, it is necessary to properly label the high-bay racks with location labels so that the system guides users flawlessly from location to location.
A consistent ecosystem of your warehouse is a guarantee of efficient and error-free operation.
