Choosing a warehousing solution that remains updated, enables scalability, is agile and forward thinking is critical in the modern-day logistics environment.
This is according to Wandeli Loubser, projects leader at Forte Warehouse Solutions, who says one of the biggest challenges in warehousing is managing the human factor – or rather people’s lack of exposure when it comes to system implementation.
“Also, the lack of expertise in enforcing and interpreting data integrity, which forms the basis of any project, is still a problem,” she told FTW.
According to Loubser the increased demand for e-commerce platforms and tailored manufacturing requires more cross docking and inventory reduction in the warehousing environment, thus increasing the need for value-added services and adapting the warehouse solution to cater for enhanced customer satisfaction.
“Companies need to choose a warehousing solution that has the potential to grow with market trends,” she said. “Implementing warehouse automation software results in overall operational efficiency, especially from a productivity point of view. It also enables traceability of inventory throughout the warehouse, reduces labour redundancy, optimises order fulfilment and reduces paper trails.”
Loubser said it was important however not to just buy into a warehouse solution, but rather to buy into the people managing it as well.
“Warehouse software creates a logical way of executing and streamlining day-to-day operations within the warehouse environment. It also creates the reassurance that the warehouse relies on set system processes to drive efficiency rather relying on the person executing the function,” she said. “It also enables an agile approach to manage and adapt to some of the biggest KPIs in the warehouse industry – daily throughput and turnaround time to customers through inventory visibility and traceability. One of the biggest benefits of implementing warehouse management software is that it allows quantifiable data to be gathered to drive and improve business rules which can be enforced in the warehouse.”
Just as important is bringing all the systems together, according to Loubser.
“Disparate systems mean disparate visibility into inventory, but bringing systems together enhances productivity and reduces the need to manage multiple sites through multiple systems.”
A WMS allows quantifiable data to be gathered to drive and improve business rules which can be enforced in the warehouse. – Wandeli loubser
