Categories for Operations
A warehouse management system (WMS) is a software application that helps standardize and manage daily operations in a warehouse. It optimizes warehouse functionality, provides visibility to inventory specifications and movement, and facilitates supply chain fulfillment operations from the distribution center to the destination. A WMS typically includes basic functionality to manage the following:
- Receiving
- Picking
- Shipping
- Storage specifications
- Inventory movement
Beyond the basics
A standard WMS optimizes product movement and inventory tracking. However, a top-tier WMS includes additional functionality that holistically addresses all other functions that come with efficient warehouse management. These premium systems contain advanced features that enable companies to do the following:
- Centralize standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Streamline resource management and directed work
- Monitor safety and centralize damage claims
- Facilitate continuous operational improvement with KPIs and goal measurement
- Streamline project scope management to drive consistency and accurate billing
- Save money by automating expense, billing, and rate management
- Manage planned and unplanned extraordinary customer services with ease
Benefits of a WMS
Warehouses play a crucial role in positioning your company to meet its productivity goals. A WMS increases efficiency, consistency, and quality control while reducing the likelihood of errors that could occur throughout a supply chain. With the right WMS in place, sales and profits can increase due to precise processes and faster, more accurate orders.
A WMS can be used by itself or integrated with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. An ERP streamlines processes and information by managing the business functions of a supply chain like inventory control, order management, and compliance within a centralized location. Integrating a WMS with an ERP prevents the replication of systems or procedures and adds functionality to run a more efficient warehouse. This allows your business to grow with a system in place that evolves to fit your needs. A high-caliber WMS gives companies the tools they need to be competitive while staying compliant with government regulations.
WOW Logistics Warehouse Management System Solution
Warehousing is WOW Logistics’ core competency. We understand warehousing needs and can align our WMS to meet the requirements of your business when you select one of our warehousing solutions like contract operations or third-party logistics. Our WMS is a superior technology solution that offers numerous benefits to your business, including:
- A team of experts for custom, accurate integrations
- User-friendly administration control panels for easy configuration
- A proven, repeatable implementation process
- Access to an expansive library of SOPs with on-screen instructions
- An “out-of-the-box” dashboard with KPIs and push notifications for streamlined operations
An efficient WMS is just one perk WOW Logistics offers as part of our warehousing services. Our other integrated supply chain solutions focus on real estate development, operations, and inventory financing.
Explore our website to learn more.
A well defined warehousing and supply chain strategy is a critical aspect of business. Many organizations opt to outsource this function in order to drive efficiency and focus on their core operation. However, there are different kinds of warehousing, and it is important to find a supply chain solution that fits your company’s needs.
This blog compares two common warehousing solutions – third-party logistics (3PL) and contract operations.
What is 3PL?
3PL is the outsourcing of supply chain management solutions like warehousing, transportation, and distribution. Utilizing a 3PL provider offers the flexibility to pay for the space you need and adjust as your requirements change. Companies that specialize in 3PL are experts in supply chain management and possess technology, engineering expertise, and resources to minimize service interruptions and drive efficiency.
When you work with a 3PL provider, you eliminate the need to invest significant amounts of capital into warehouse real estate or fixed assets like racking and material handling equipment (MHE). Another benefit of a 3PL provider is access to a warehouse management system (WMS) that drives efficiency and product visibility, which further reduces expenses. However, the WMS functionality cannot be customized as it is a shared resource among other companies utilizing the 3PL. Similarly, tenants share MHE, personnel, and may have to compete for dock appointments. Rates can also fluctuate with each new service agreement.
What is a Contract Operation?
A contract operation provides your company with guaranteed, dedicated space and resources in a facility run by a supply chain solutions company. Contract operations reduce costs, improve operational performance, and eliminate limitations associated with 3PL warehousing.
The challenging task of recruiting, training, and managing experienced and reliable personnel is executed for you. In addition, facility location, racking layout, MHE, and the WMS technology can be tailored to your company’s needs, delivering efficient logistics operations at an affordable cost. Companies can also schedule dock appointments without availability concerns.
However, contract operations offer less flexibility if your space needs fluctuate. Service agreements and rates are locked in for the duration of your contract.
Here is a simplified comparison of what each option has to offer:
Finding your Solution at WOW Logistics
Once you identify your needs and select the best warehousing solution, the next step is locating a top-tier supply chain solutions provider. WOW Logistics offers superior contract operation and 3PL services with unparalleled food safety standards. We are experts in warehouse operations with industry-leading capabilities, including a state-of-the-art warehouse management system, key performance indicators, and engineering resources that drive efficiency and reduce expenses.
Contract operations and 3PL services are just two supply chain solutions in WOW Logistics’ portfolio. We also provide inventory financing, real estate development, transportation, and consulting services.
Get started today by calling 800-236-3565.
Explore our website to learn more.
Defining Third-party Logistics
Third-party logistics (3PL) companies offer a wide range of services related to supply chain management, including elements like warehousing, transportation, inventory management, and distribution.
Benefits of 3PL Warehousing
Companies that specialize in 3PL services are experts in warehouse operations, transportation, and supply chain management. They possess the technology, engineering expertise, and resources to minimize service interruptions and drive efficiency, while maintaining flexibility regarding your space requirements.
Often, the primary benefit of integrating 3PL services into a supply chain process is cost reduction. Working with a 3PL provider eliminates the need for companies to invest significant amounts of capital in warehouse real estate and fixed assets like racking and material handling equipment. Another essential factor to assess is warehouse management software as it drives efficiency and client visibility to products, which reduces expenses.
While most 3PL providers have similar service offerings, they are not all created equal. Be sure to research 3PL providers that have expertise in your industry’s supply chain and product safety requirements.
WOW Logistics’ 3PL Solution
When you outsource your supply chain needs to WOW Logistics, you work with experts in handling and storing food-grade products. We are the only 3PL provider in the country that is ASI audited at the food processor level, and we consistently score above 97 percent. We provide storage temperatures ranging from freezer to ambient, dry warehousing. In addition to warehousing and transportation, our 3PL solution includes:
- Technology — We operate our facilities using a top-tier warehouse management system.
- Engineering — Our staff of experienced logistics engineers optimize warehouse layout, transportation lanes, inventory control, and distribution.
- Data — Our team establishes metrics and key performance indicators to monitor logistics performance.
- Service — A user-friendly customer service portal gives customers visibility and control over product movement.
Are you interested in learning more about our cost-effective 3PL services? Give us a call at 800-236-3565, so we can get started.
Our expertise goes beyond 3PL warehousing. We also offer other integrated supply chain solutions in inventory financing, real estate development, contract operations, and transportation.
Explore our website to learn more.
Contract Warehousing vs Public Warehousing
Contract warehousing provides space and resources dedicated to a single operation as opposed to a public or third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse, where multiple companies share space, equipment, and personnel. With a contract operation, competition for space availability, dock appointments, and material handling personnel is eliminated.
Benefits of Contract Warehousing
Utilizing a contract warehousing provider will reduce costs, improve operational performance, and remove the limitations associated with public warehousing. It will also allow your company to focus on its core competency. Contracted warehouse space is advantageous if any of the following problems affect your operation:
- Difficulty recruiting and training warehouse staff in a tight labor market
- Sub-par warehouse technology lacking critical functionality and customizability
- Limited capital to allocate towards material handling equipment (MHE), proper racking, and technology
- Operational inefficiencies due to facility location and layout
WOW Logistics® Contract Operations Solution
Contract Operations, WOW Logistics’ contract warehousing service, has the people, processes, systems, and tools to drive efficiency and cost-savings within your operation. With our solution, you will benefit from the following:
The Right People – Our experienced logistics-industry recruiters know how to find top talent, and our proven onboarding and training programs heavily focus on safety, best practices, and standard operating procedures. We also help foster the success of your operation with a temporary startup management team.
Innovative Technology – WOW’s top-tier warehouse management system (WMS) is customized by our in-house IT professionals. Our WMS offers maximum monitoring capabilities using real-time, customizable reporting and the ability to adapt to the needs of any operation.
Optimal Equipment Selection – MHE, racking, and technology are expensive. We help minimize these costs by covering the upfront capital investment and spreading the cost over longer periods. Our engineering team analyzes your operation to determine the equipment that best fits your needs.
In addition to Contract Operations, WOW Logistics also offers integrated supply chain solutions focused on real estate development, inventory financing, and transportation brokerage.
Explore our website to learn more.