In warehouse management, the efficient movement and replenishment of inventory are critical processes that ensure products are always available where and when needed. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) play a pivotal role in automating and optimizing these tasks, facilitating the smooth transfer of goods within the warehouse and maintaining optimal stock levels.
The Moving and Replenishment Process
Businesses have multiple reasons for movement of items within a warehouse, including strategic supply management and replenishment. Replenishment involves restocking the warehouse so that there are adequate quantities of items available for picking and fulfilling orders. In the replenishment process, the WMS uses real-time monitoring to provide inventory data and prompt operators to move items or bins when necessary.
Effective and punctual moving and replenishment tasks result in a more organized and well-functioning warehouse for your business. When your business executes these tasks efficiently and consistently maintains inventory levels, you are ensuring that products are always available for your customers when needed. This reduces the likelihood of stockouts and overstock situations, both of which can disrupt operations and negatively impact customer satisfaction.
WMS Move Types
An effective WMS system can help your business identify a few different types of moves occurring within your warehouse operations, each with their own unique purposes and situations.
Manual Moves
Manual moves are operator-initiated and operator-controlled, meaning that the warehouse worker is the sole agent in this process. Operators can employ manual moves when they notice an error, the actual stock quantity is different than shown in the WMS, or they need to move an item for any other reason.
With this process, the operator must scan the original bin ID, from which the WMS will then display applicable information about the status of the items in that bin. The process is completed by scanning a temporary container ID for movement, entering the quantity, and finally scanning the bin ID of the end destination once the item is moved.
Assisted Moves
When the WMS system notices that there are replenishment needs based on real-time inventory monitoring, it will automatically direct moves for the operator, called assisted moves. While the system advises the move, the warehouse operator still has influence over which moves they want to complete.
The warehouse operator can apply different filters for assigned moves including:
- Replenishment Item
- Replenishment Bin
- Urgent-only Moves
The WMS will display a list of necessary moves in accordance with the established filters and the operator can choose which ones to complete. From there, the system will direct the operator along the appropriate path to pick up and then deposit the move.
Report Moves
For larger projects or tasks, your business may prefer to create a move report to handle all moves at once. With this process, operators will complete all reported moves, signaling to the WMS only when all tasks are completed.
Why Do I Need a WMS for the Moving and Replenishment Process?
Small operations can likely survive solely off of manual movement tracking, but scaling your business requires a more sophisticated system. A Warehouse Management System (WMS) will compare order trends and real-time inventory tracking to recommended replenishment schedules that will keep your warehouse adequately stocked. Additionally, employing a WMS helps reduce human error and conserve resources by preventing overstock issues.
The ShipHawk WMS provides the newest technology with options for keeping manual and report moves as a part of your operations where necessary. Make your warehouse operations more effective and schedule a time to speak to a shipping expert at ShipHawk today.