Warehouse Management Report: System, Automation, and Best Practices

This report examines the critical role of warehouse management systems and automation in modern warehouse operations. It delves into the functionalities of information systems, detailing how they streamline processes such as receiving goods, inventory tracking, slotting for efficiency, and labor management, ultimately leading to improved customer service. The report also highlights key aspects of achieving world-class warehouse operations, such as the use of standardized containers and maximizing vertical space utilization. The report references several sources that support the concepts discussed. The report suggests that implementing the systems and strategies discussed can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, cost reduction, and overall warehouse performance.

Running head: WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT
Warehouse management
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Part 1: Appropriate level of Warehouse management information system and
automation in warehouse.
Information system in warehouse also refers to a software application which helps and
manages in supporting the day to day operation in the warehouse. In this specialized
application, users have a centralized system where through the help of an interface
management tasks are managed. This can be done on a simple hand held devices such as
tablet or smart phones. This system allows a manager to run the warehouse in an easy and
efficient manner and thus ensuring minimal losses. The real gain is perceived in the customer
service. A warehouse management system basically does the following things. First one is
receiving goods. It is a very simple process which is followed during immediate handling of a
shipment which means it has arrived just now (QStock Inventory, 2018). This management
system also involves several processes such as shipping, receiving and also integrates with
other system in supply chain. The main function of the first system is to ensure that all
shipments are handled with care for ensuring losses are minimum. The second one is tracking
inventory. This is one of the important functions to manage. This system as the name
suggests keeps a track of the inventory. This helps the supervisors to know when the stock is
nearly finished and when to order more products (Laudon & Laudon, 2016). This is done to
prevent shortages. Additionally, overstocking is prevented. Smooth warehouse management
is ensured s resources become well distributed. The third system is slotting for efficiency.
This system allows the supervisors to create a model for efficient storing of products such as
differentiating products based on weight and demand. The system is intelligent and this
ensures faster movement of products within the premises as heavier products are stocked near
the door and also products that are frequently used together are stored in close proximity
thereby ensuring efficient and easy running of the warehouse (Atieh et al., 2016). The fourth

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most important task that the management system does is labor visibility. Implementing this
system eliminates the need t get more labor. Certain tasks such as inventory counts that are
done by labors are eliminated completely because of the implementation of the system. It
allows periodic cycle counts and does not interfere with day to day operation. Reduction
labor not only saves expenditure but also ensures efficiency since labor management is also a
thing. Document preparation is also done by the management system as it automates different
processes thereby reducing paperwork. Additionally robots can be deployed to help in heavy
lifting of stocks. The system software would be used in controlling the robots.
Part 2: Concerns that would lead to world class warehouse operations.
Some steps can be taken that would lead to world class warehouse management.
Standardized containers must be used to store materials. This step simplifies warehouse order
fulfillment. This makes it easier to find and store materials (Supplychain247.com, 2018). This
further ensures that the warehouse appears neat and clean. This would qualify as an excellent
feature during inspection. Additionally, every inch of space in warehouse is expensive and
needs to be utilized carefully. The use of vertical space needs to be maximized.

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References:
Atieh, A.M., Kaylani, H., Al-abdallat, Y., Qaderi, A., Ghoul, L., Jaradat, L. and Hdairis, I.,
2016. Performance improvement of inventory management system processes by an
automated warehouse management system. Procedia Cirp, 41, pp.568-572.
Laudon, K.C. and Laudon, J.P., 2016. Management information system. Pearson Education
India.
QStock Inventory. (2018). Warehouse Management System: What is it?. [online] Available
at: http://www.qstockinventory.com/blog/warehouse-management-system/ [Accessed 3 May
2018].
Supplychain247.com. (2018). 11 Warehouse Operations Best Practices - Supply Chain 24/7.
[online] Available at:
https://www.supplychain247.com/article/11_warehouse_operations_best_practices [Accessed
3 May 2018].