Apr.2023 12
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Warehouse Execution Systems: Orchestrating Operations and Enabling Future Automation
Introduction
The term ‘Warehouse Management System’ (WMS) is synonymous with the management of operations within a distribution center. But there can be gaps within the WMS’s broad scope that require another layer of integration to truly allow the system to operate as designed, especially when it comes to automation.
Details

Warehouse Execution Systems (WES) have been created to operate under the WMS to help fulfill business needs not easily managed by the WMS. In fact, it is a crucial element to enabling more automation in warehouse operations.

What is a WES?

A WES can be thought of as a hybrid software platform with varying degrees of traditional WMS and WCS (Warehouse Control System) scope to assist in orchestrating distribution processes. With its increased popularity in modern warehouses, understanding the functionality of a WES can help identify which software package is right for your operation.

A WES operates as an intermediary between a WMS and physical warehouse processes, or even a WCS. WES's can manage all material handling equipment processes controlled by a WCS, while also being able to facilitate work under the WMS to synchronize operations. A key benefit of implementing a WES into a distribution process is work and resource balancing.