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GET MAXIMUM BENEFITS: WMS solutions generally fulfill orders supplied by external systems. But organizations that merely focus on order and shipment confirmation interfaces are missing the boat. Extended WMS integration to other internal and external touch points can substantially increase visibility and support process automation across the supply chain.

HK Systems introduces the Case-a-Matic Storage and Sequencing System, an integrated solution designed to optimize complex case distribution. It offers a dense case-storage solution design to work with a wide variety of case and tote sizes to provide high speed, less-than-pallet order fulfillment. The unit features seven load extractors that operate independently, pivoting up and down to envelop the loads and slide them on and off the shuttle. The Case-A-Matic can achieve throughput rates of 400 cases per hour. www.hksystems.com

Yale Materials Handling Corporation introduces the new MPW-050-W. The truck's galvanized frame, lift linkage, battery well and fork weldment were developed for highly corrosive wash down applications. Additionally, the walkie's controller is enclosed and sealed to protect it from water. The MPW-050-W, with a 5,000 pound capacity, is ideal for general warehouse, refrigerated cooler (0˚ to +120˚ F) and freezer (-40˚ to +120˚ F) applications. www.yale.com.

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are a critical component of most distribution operations. Some operations are able to function at near peak performance by utilizing the warehousing functionality inherent in their order and inventory management systems.

Other operations are more complex and need more than paper pick lists and after-the-fact recording of summary transactions to drive warehousing business processes. These operations require a real-time execution system that is highly tuned to the way they do business. They need a WMS.

WMS solutions vary by industry segment, operating sizes, technical infra-structure preferences, integration re-quirements, and operating philosophy. For many organizations, they represent a huge initial investment of capital and internal resources.

Factors that drive an operation to acquire a WMS include:

• Storage utilization;
• Specialized storage requirements (e.g. frozen, cold dairy, cold meats, perishables, dry goods, bulk goods...);
• Size;
• Service commitments;
• Order velocity;
• Labor efficiency;
• Inventory accuracy;
• Inventory tracking requirements (e.g. lot and batch control);
• Shipping costs;
• Value-added services.

The potential gains in these areas are generally huge; however, so are the associated implementation and ownership costs.

WMS solutions vary in cost and complexity, but there are three basic sources:

• Best-of-breed software vendors, which offer standalone WMS products or extended supply chain execution software suites;
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) vendors, which offer integrated warehouse management modules;
• Custom solutions developed by the end-user firm or a third-party contractor.

Change: A Constant Companion