Any solid Warehouse Management System will provide you with more than simple directives and processes. Warehouse management software actually has the ability to capture more data than ever before, transforming it into meaningful reports in just a few minutes. You will find that all of this additional data is a major part of your business overhaul, allowing you to identify weaknesses and hone in on strengths.

Data Capture

A new Warehouse Management System will change the way you use data in two major ways. First of all, you will be capturing more data at each step of the warehousing process. Secondly, you will have immediate access to that data, allowing for easier identification and tracking of trends.

With modern scanning technology, it is now possible to gather data with any mobile scanning device, right down to lot numbers or serial numbers. This information can be instantly uploaded to the system to update availability on the floor and enforce FIFO. In fact, data capture can begin well before the products arrive at your site with predictive delivery data and estimated arrival times.

Since all available data from every area in the warehouse will be visible, your team members will be more informed at every stage, allowing you to eliminate extra steps and ship more product. For instance, incoming items can be made available for picking as soon as they arrive, completely bypassing the putaway stage. By gathering dimensional data about products you can also combine your picking and packing processes into a single step.

Reporting

One of the most striking differences that many companies see after they implement a new Warehouse Management System is the number of reports that are readily available at their fingertips. Since data is compared over longer periods of time and from many different vantage points, it is far easier for the computer software to isolate metrics that were otherwise impossible to track. When trends emerge, the Warehouse Management System will point you in the direction of new solutions. The key is to start tracking all available metrics and setting relevant goals so that you can actually see how well you are doing.

As your management team grows more comfortable with your WMS over time, they will have the opportunity to make minor adjustments on a regular basis. Over the course of time, this allows you to run more efficiently without the risk of major changes all at once.

While many companies are most excited about the streamlining of processes and the more accurate inventory tracking that comes with a Warehouse Management System, the data capture and reporting aspects are invaluable to any growing organization. You will gain the ability to see what is going on at any stage in your process and locate operational inefficiencies to be fixed. You will also have more information available with which you can make decisions and grow your business.