Overview

Warehouse processes

Warehouse Management System (WMS) are software applications for supporting warehouse operations. The main warehouse activities can be ascribed to the following operational processes, logically divided in two groups: main processes and support processes.



Main processes

The typical warehouse processes can be subdivided into 4 macro-phases, from the reception of goods on arrival to the delivery of orders:

  • Inbound: reception of the goods and loading of their data onto the system
  • Put away: storage of goods in accordance with optimisation logics
  • Planning: choice of deliveries and organisation of activities
  • Execution: picking and preparation of deliveries

Support processes

This group includes all processes that even if not directly linked to warehousing and deliveries comprise activities necessary for the proper and effective management of stock and warehouse resources:

  • Inventory Management: activities that enable the stock to be kept in perfect condition
  • Space Management: configuration and logistics organisation of physical spaces
  • Processing: value-added processes typical of a particular industry