Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Software for managing and optimizing warehouse or distribution center performance. Core to WMS capabilities are the real-time visibility and control of inventory in the DC, generally through the use of barcode scanning, using some combination of scanners connected to desktop monitors or more commonly mobile wireless terminals. The WMS will manage processes for receiving, putaway, order pool management, picking, replenishment, packing, staging and truck loading. It will support other functions, such as inbound inspections, cycle counting, and value-added services or even light assembly operations.

Also key to WMS performance is systems-directed task management. Many WMS vendors offer additional modules such as labor and resource management, slotting optimization, yard management, Warehouse Execution Systems and more. Within the broad category of WMS providers, there are a wide range of capability levels, of which the market generally thinks of in terms of Tier 1, 2 and 3 solutions, with Tier 1 being the most advanced.