Automate warehouse workflows and improve operational efficiency
The modern logistics industry is constantly changing, and the pursuit of efficiency is constantly required. At the heart of this is the Warehouse Execution System (WES). WES is revolutionizing the logistics industry by automating warehouse workflows and dramatically improving operational efficiency. Here, we will introduce information about WES, including the basics of WES, its rapid development, and how it differs from WMS (Warehouse Management System) and WCS (Warehouse Control System).
WES uses automated equipment and robots to move, organize, retrieve, and store goods in a warehouse. WES can address labor shortages by facilitating warehouse automation. Labor shortages are a problem in the 3PL industry, and WES can solve this problem by using automated equipment and robots to speed up and efficiently process things in warehouses. WES can also optimize inventory management in warehouses, automating operations and improving accuracy.
Advances in advanced technologies such as AI and IoT, changing market demands due to the rapid growth of e-commerce, and economic pressures to reduce costs and drive efficiencies have led to the exponential development of WES in the last few years, driving automation in warehouses.
These innovations have significantly expanded WES’s capabilities, enabling automation and efficiency in warehouse operations, including real-time inventory tracking and work order optimization. Rising consumer expectations and the need for sustainable operations are also key motivations for companies to invest in WES. Against this backdrop, WES is at the heart of modern logistics and delivery strategies as a central driver of warehouse automation.
The Warehouse Control System is three different and complementary systems that are essential for automating and streamlining warehouse operations. Each of these systems has unique features and works together to optimize operations within the warehouse.
WMS
Management
A system that manages warehouse operations, including inventory management and order processing. It does not have the ability to directly control physical equipment or machinery.
WES
Execution
A system that can manage work instructions and progress in a warehouse in real time. Analyzes each task and dynamically adjusts priorities to optimize work and equipment.
WCS
Control
A system specialized in controlling robots and automated equipment in warehouses. By optimizing equipment operation, the flow of goods is streamlined and work efficiency in the warehouse is maximized.
A WMS is a system that focuses on managing day-to-day operations such as inventory management, order fulfillment, and picking list generation in a warehouse. We help you plan and execute warehouse operations, including accurate tracking and placement of inventory, streamlining order fulfillment, and improving shipping accuracy. However, WMS does not have the ability to directly control physical equipment and machinery. Instead, it acts as an information system that optimizes the flow of work in the warehouse and enables human workers to work more efficiently.
WES emerged as a system that bridged the functions of WMS and WCS. Based on the information provided by the WMS, work instructions and progress management in the warehouse are performed. The system enables real-time work instructions, work progress tracking, and dynamic adjustment of work priorities. In addition, WES provides advanced instructions and analytics to streamline processes such as picking, packing, and shipping, optimizing the flow of operations in the warehouse. This allows you to quickly respond to short-term work plans and changes that are difficult to respond to with a WMS.
WES can control machinery and equipment in the warehouse, such as equipment and robots, in real time. With this capability, WES directly links the physical warehouse operation with the instructions of the information system, enabling the efficient operation of machinery and equipment in an automated warehouse environment. This will further automate and improve the efficiency of warehouse operations. WES utilizes advanced algorithms and real-time data to optimize logistics flow and maximize work efficiency. It also enables the automation of physical movements and processes in the warehouse through the control of machinery and equipment, improving the productivity and accuracy of the entire operation.
WCS is a system that specializes in the physical movement of warehouses and the control of equipment. It directly controls automated warehouse equipment, such as conveyor systems, automated warehouses (AS/RS), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robots, etc., to streamline logistics in the warehouse. Based on instructions from WMS and WES, WCS ensures optimal operation of equipment to smooth the flow of physical goods and maximize operational efficiency within the warehouse.
WES enables the automation of warehouse operations. This includes automated picking systems, automated transport systems, and the use of robotics. WES optimally controls these systems and streamlines the physical work flow. For example, by calculating the optimal picking route and selecting the optimal travel route according to the order, work time is reduced and the overall processing capacity is improved.
WES leverages technologies such as RFID tags and barcode scanners to track inventory in real-time. This helps you get an accurate picture of inventory levels, reduce the risk of overstocking and stockouts, and improve inventory turnover. Real-time inventory updates enable you to respond quickly to demand fluctuations.
Automation with WES reduces the burden of routine tasks performed by workers and significantly reduces human error. Automated systems can perform work at high speeds while maintaining consistency and accuracy, improving overall work efficiency and operational quality.
WES collects and analyzes all data generated in the warehouse in real time. This includes inventory levels, work progress, equipment condition, logistics efficiency, and more. The resulting data is used to optimize operations, respond to urgent issues, and plan for the future. For example, use data to dynamically prioritize work or allocate resources efficiently.
In the modern logistics industry, warehouse automation and efficiency are positioned as one of the most important aspects of management strategy. Here, we will introduce examples of how WES has been used by industry and its impact at each stage of warehouse automation.
With the rapid growth of e-commerce, fast delivery has become a source of competitiveness. The e-commerce and retail industries that have adopted WES have seen reduced shipping times and reduced error rates through automated order fulfillment and optimisation of picking and packaging.
WES has also been introduced in the manufacturing industry, which aims to improve the efficiency of the entire supply chain from product manufacturing to delivery. In the manufacturing industry, productivity gains have been reported due to product inventory management, optimization of parts supply lines, and streamlining of shipping processes.
Distribution centers and distribution centers are among the industries that benefit the most from WES. At these centers, the control of automated guided vehicles and sorters by WES and the automation of work instructions have greatly improved the work efficiency of logistics.
In addition, the level of automation of WES will vary depending on the needs of the warehouse and company being deployed, the degree of integration with existing systems, and the investment budget. In some warehouses, fully automated systems have been introduced, with a focus on WES. These include automated picking, conveying, and sorting systems with minimal human intervention. Full automation is particularly suitable for large-scale operations where high efficiency and precision are required.
However, in many cases, WES is deployed to achieve partial automation. It’s a hybrid approach where human workers and automated systems work together, with a lower upfront investment and easier integration into existing work processes compared to full automation.
With its advanced automation and optimization capabilities, WES helps improve operational efficiency and reduce costs in a variety of industries, including e-commerce, manufacturing, and logistics and delivery. From full to partial automation, WES can be flexibly applied according to the specific needs of companies to help modernize warehouse operations and increase competitiveness.
The WES selection and implementation process is an important step in achieving efficient and effective warehouse operations. Here’s a more detailed explanation of each stage of the process.
The as-is analysis starts with an overall assessment of warehouse operations. This includes scrutinizing key performance indicators, such as inventory management, order fulfillment speed, and shipping error rates. In addition, at this stage, identify current challenges and bottlenecks and identify specific needs for automation and efficiency. Through this in-depth analysis, we lay the foundation for improvement.
Next, set a clear goal that you want to achieve. These goals should reflect the specific desires of the organization, such as increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing customer satisfaction. During the goal-setting process, key performance indicators (KPIs) are defined to measure the achievement of these goals and used as a basis for performance evaluation at a later stage.
Selecting a solution requires extensive market research. Weigh the features, cost, and complexity of implementing the WES solutions available to you and choose the option that best suits your organization's needs. It's also important to choose a trusted implementation partner to support you throughout the project.
During the pre-deployment phase, plan to conduct training programs for employees and customize the system. Enabling employees to use new systems effectively is an essential part of change management. You can also customize the system to meet your specific needs to increase the success rate of your deployment.
Finally, adopt a phased implementation approach and get the system up and running according to plan. Through a small-scale implementation in the early stages, it is possible to identify problems early and make adjustments as needed. And even after deployment, ongoing maintenance and support ensures stable operation and long-term success of the system.
The WES selection and implementation process lays the foundation for a company to achieve its warehouse operations efficiency and automation goals. By carefully following each step, you will be able to increase the success rate of your implementation and ensure long-term benefits.
So far, we’ve seen how the Warehouse Execution System (WES) contributes to the efficiency and automation of the modern logistics industry. In this context, SBS Ricoh Logistics supports the transformation of the industry in supply chain optimization, application of cutting-edge logistics technologies, and the promotion of digital transformation and robotics in logistics. Ricoh Logistics’ advanced initiatives and solutions in these areas help companies solve the logistics challenges they face and enable sustainable and efficient supply chains.
SBS Ricoh Logistics’ DX Strategy
WCS is an integral part of modern logistics and warehousing operations, and its importance in the 3PL industry is growing every year. In this section, we will explain the basic definition of WCS, its benefits, use cases, and its impact on the 3PL industry.
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International precision equipment transportation using multiple types of containers, balancing tight lead times during New Year holiday while still considering cost-effectiveness.
