When the WCS meets the WMS, the results can be extremely powerful: supercharged DC performance, short order processing times, high rate throughput, and reduced overall costs with improved customer service.

Just as WMS software technology became "mainstream" starting about 10 years ago, WCS software has now evolved to become a standard solution set for today's warehousing and distribution operations.

WCS, or warehouse control system, is a software solution that manages and provides strategic control of automated material handling technology, such as light- and voice-directed order fulfillment, sortation, conveying, automated storage/staging, etc. The WCS optimizes the control and performance of an automated system by maximising material flow, executing efficient storage strategies, and providing accuracy in order fulfillment and sorting.

Meanwhile, the WMS provides the backbone that runs the overall distribution operation. The WMS manages the order processing, receiving, put-away, and shipping functions in a cohesive integrated methodology. Without a sophisticated WMS, distribution centres and warehouses would incur tremendous labour and asset management costs.

However, the WMS does not optimize and direct material flow on conveYing/sorting technology, it does not determine the ideal location to store an item within an automated storage system, nor does it manage the precise details of light- and voice-directed order fulfillment. To get the most performance out of these automated subsystems, a WCS is required.

The WCS consists of several modules:

The host interface - allows coupling of the WCS to leading WMS, MES, or ERP software.

Logistics Manager - is responsible for order planning, execution, and task management. This component releases orders and waves, monitors order progress, and coordinates joined activities of the executing subsystems.

Order Fulfillment - executes picking orders using RF, pick carts, pick to light, put to light, and voice-directed picking. This modules supports label printing and picking progress reports.

Material Flow & Storage - directs and optimises the material flow across pallet load, carton conveyor, and storage sub-systems. Optimised and prioritised routing of loads is based on the attributes of the load being transported.

Sortation Management - executes carton sortation from merge and induct through the sorter for package handling applications. Strategic routing of barcoded carton/totes to picking zones is also accommodated as well as wave-based sortation control, order consolidation, and reverse route sequence truck loading.

Visualization Control Centre - provides central access to real time system status and monitoring information. Product flow monitoring, equipment status monitoring, and overall system layout visualisation are provided.

Management Information - includes management reports such as throughput rates, SKU velocity, and space occupation. Key performance indicators provide managers with the information required to make strategic decisions.

So finally, the WCS meets the WMS. When these two strategic software partners are integrated, the results can be extremely powerful; users looking for ultra high performance from their distribution and warehousing centres can now get it. Look for extremely short order processing times, high rate throughput, and order accuracy at new high levels.

And finally, look for reduced overall costs with improved customer service thus providing a more competitive edge for your business model.