In the fast-moving world of distribution such as the livestock, agriculture, and animal care industries, warehouse management is the foundation that determines the timeliness of product distribution to customers. Medion Ardhika Bhakti as a national distributor has utilized technology systems including Warehouse Management System (WMS) to support operational reliability.
What is a Warehouse Management System?
In the modern distribution and logistics industry, efficiency is key. One of the crucial systems in achieving this efficiency is the Warehouse Management System (WMS). This system allows warehouse management to be automated, integrated, and structured, thus minimizing manual errors and increasing accuracy and speed of Service.
Warehouse Management System is a software designed to optimize various operational activities in the warehouse, ranging from receiving goods, storage, picking, to delivery.
Warehouse Management System (WMS) Functions
Warehouse Management System has a very important role in the management of warehouse operations. The following is a more complete description of the functions of warehouse management system:
1. Improve stock visibility in Real-Time
WMS allows warehouse managers to know the position and quantity of goods directly through the system. Every movement of stock-whether in, out, or moving between storage locations — is recorded automatically. This is very useful to avoid overstock, stockout, and lost items.
2. Storage Space (Slotting & Putaway)
The system will provide recommendations on the best storage location based on product rotation (fast moving vs slow moving), the size of the goods, and the frequency of requests. This helps to reduce the time and labor for the pickup of goods.
Benefits:
- Minimize warehouse clerk mileage
- Reduce picking process time
- Improve daily operational productivity
3. Automation of Picking and Packing process
With WMS, the process of taking goods from the shelf (picking) and packaging (packing) become more systematic and fast. The system can draw up the most efficient picking route and tell warehouse personnel the order of picking by location and type of goods.
Frequently used additional features:
- Barcode scanning untuk memastikan keakuratan picking
- Sistem FIFO (First In First Out) dan FEFO (First Expired First Out)
- Automatic labels for packaging process
4. Integration with other systems (ERP/TMS)
WMS can be integrated with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Transportation Management System (TMS) so that all activities from upstream to downstream are connected in one digital ecosystem. It enables faster and data-driven decision making.
5. Batch and Lot tracking of products
In industries such as animal husbandry and animal health, product batch tracking is crucial. WMS allows recording and tracking of products by batch number, production date, and expiration period, thus assisting in risk management and product recall (recall) if required.
6. Access Control and Audit Trail
Every activity in the warehouse carried out by the operator will be recorded automatically. With audit trail, the company can retrace the activities that occur if there is a difference in stock, shipping errors, or product damage.
7. Capacity planning and Forecasting
Some advanced WMS systems allow prediction of warehouse space and labor requirements based on demand trends. It is important to note that there is a time limit on the number of days of the week (peak season).
8. Improve Delivery Process Accuracy
The system helps to ensure that the delivered goods have been checked and matched to the order automatically. This minimizes the potential for delivery errors that could hurt customer confidence.
9. Reduced Operating Costs
Through labor efficiency, error reduction, and optimal use of space, companies can significantly lower warehouse operating costs.
Warehouse Management System (WMS) Types
Warehouse Management systems come in different types, depending on the scale of the business, operational complexity, and system integration needs. Understanding the types of WMS is very important so that companies can choose the most appropriate and efficient solution.
Here are some types of WMS that are commonly used in the logistics and distribution industry:
1. Standalone WMS
It is a stand-alone WMS system, usually used by companies with simple warehouse operations and without integration of other systems.
Characteristics:
- Fokus utama pada pengelolaan inventaris, picking, packing, dan shipping
- Not integrated with ERP or accounting systems
- Relatively more affordable cost
- Suitable for small or medium scale business
Advantages: Easy to implement, quick to implement
Disadvantages: Limited scalability and integration
2. WMS integrated with ERP
This type is part of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system module. All warehouse functions are directly integrated with other modules such as purchasing, selling and finance.
Characteristics:
- All supply chain activities are connected in one system
- Real-time data between departments (purchasing, production, distribution)
- Suitable for medium to large companies
System examples: SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics
Advantages: Centralized Data, unified management
Disadvantages: The cost of implementation and training is quite high
3. Cloud-Based WMS (based Cloud)
Cloud-based WMS is accessed over the internet and does not require a local server infrastructure. This system is trending due to its flexibility and scalability.
Characteristics:
- Access the system from anywhere
- Feature updates are automated by the system provider
- Subscription-based costing Model (SaaS – Software as a Service)
Advantages:
- Low initial cost
- Mudah di-scale up/down
- Ideal for companies with multiple warehouse locations
Disadvantages:
- Depends on internet connection
- Limited control over backend infrastructure
4. On-Premise WMS
These WMS systems are installed and run on the company's internal servers. It is usually used by large companies that require full control of data and operational systems.
Characteristics:
- Own infrastructure
- Suitable for businesses with strict regulations or sensitive data
- Need an internal IT team for system management
Advantages:
- Full control of system and data
- Deep customization as per business requirements
Disadvantages:
- High initial investment (hardware, software, HR)
- Longer implementation time
5. Industry-Specific WMS (industry-specific WMS)
Some WMS solution providers offer systems that have been customized for specific industries such as:
- Pharmacy & Healthcare: Provides batch tracking, temperature control, and expiration date management
- FMCGFast Moving Consumer Goods): Focus on stock rotation speed and picking efficiency
- Animal Husbandry & Agribusiness: As required by Medion Ardhika Bhakti, the system supports distribution location-based product delivery, custom storage conditions, and vaccine/animal batch tracking
Advantages:
- Features according to industry requirements
- More focused implementation
Disadvantages:
- More limited vendor options
- May not be flexible for cross-industry use
Benefits of Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Managing a warehouse is not just about storing goods-it is also about ensuring that the entire supply chain runs efficiently, accurately and on time. Di sinilah Warehouse Management System (WMS) memainkan peran penting. Proper WMS implementation can bring a wide range of tangible benefits, not only to the logistics team, but to the entire organization.
The following are the main benefits of WMS for companies:
1. Improve Warehouse Operational Efficiency
By automating processes such as receiving, putting away, picking, and packaging, WMS significantly speeds up daily activities in the warehouse. Operators no longer need to record manually, so the risk of human error is reduced.
Real examples:
The picking process that used to take more than an hour can now be completed in just 15-20 minutes thanks to the optimal route and barcode scanner.
2. Higher Accuracy Of Stock Data
WMS provides stock data real-time with a high degree of accuracy. Every movement of goods is directly recorded in the system, thus minimizing the difference in stock between the system and the physical.
Benefits:
- Avoid errors in inventory calculations
- Simplifying the audit process
- Lower costs due to inventory errors
3. Optimization Of The Use Of Warehouse Space
With slotting features and storage location management, WMS helps maximize warehouse storage capacity. The system will recommend product placement based on size, rotation, or demand.
Results:
- More structured warehouse arrangement
- Reduced item search time
- The remaining space can be used more productively
4. Increase Customer Satisfaction
Accuracy in picking and speed in delivery have a direct impact on the customer experience. Goods arrive on time, in appropriate quantities, and in good condition.
Relevance for Medion Ardhika Bhakti:
The distribution of animal health and animal husbandry products requires fast and high-precision delivery so as not to interfere with the production process or the health of livestock in the field.
5. Support Data-Driven Strategic Decisions
The analytics Dashboard in WMS provides important reports such as:
- Stock movement trends
- Produk fast-moving dan slow-moving
- Warehouse labor efficiency
- Delivery performance
Benefits:
Company leaders can make faster and more informed decisions, based on actual operational data.
6. Improve security and access control
WMS allows management to set access rights for each user according to their responsibilities. In addition, the system also records each activity as an audit trail, making it easier to trace if errors or irregularities occur.
7. Scalability for business growth
As the company grows and requires more warehouse locations or distribution volumes increase, WMS can expand with the business. Especially if using a cloud-based WMS, adding new features or locations can be done without having to build a system from scratch.
8. Support regulatory compliance and quality standards
Some industries—such as pharmaceuticals, agribusiness, and animal husbandry-have strict regulations against product tracking, shelf life, and shipping standards. WMS allows pencatatan batch number, production date, and expedition automatically to support compliance.
Logistics Warehouse Management System: An Important Role in the Supply Chain
In the scheme logistics warehouse management system, WMS is not only part of the warehouse, but a crucial part of integrated supply chain (integrated supply chain). This system supports the synergy between:
- Production
- Warehousing
- Distribution
- Transportation
- Customer service
With good integration, companies such as Medion Ardhika Bhakti can ensure products arrive on time to farmers, business partners, and end customers with optimal conditions.
Challenges in WMS implementation
Despite the great benefits, there are some challenges that often arise:
- The initial investment cost is quite high
- The need for HR training
- Integration with complex legacy systems
- Adaptation of a new work culture in the warehouse
However, these challenges can be overcome with careful planning and technical support from trusted WMS vendors.
Cover
A Warehouse Management System is no longer an option, but an absolute necessity for companies that want to compete in the modern distribution era. This system is able to improve efficiency, lower costs, and strengthen customer satisfaction.
As a trusted distributor and importer in the field of animal health, animal husbandry, and agricultural equipment, Medion Ardhika Bhakti is committed to providing high-quality products and solutions that support the success of partners throughout Indonesia and abroad.
To know more about Medion Ardhika Bhakti services and products, please visit our home page. Want to consult directly or establish a partnership? Our team is ready to help you.
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