What is WMS & WCS ?

What is WMS & WCS

What is WMS ?

WMS stands for Warehouse Management System. It is a type of software used to manage and optimize the day-to-day operations in a warehouse or distribution center.

Key Functions of a WMS:

  1. Inventory Tracking: Monitors stock levels in real time, including locations within the warehouse.
  2. Receiving: Handles inbound shipments, verifies items, and updates inventory.
  3. Putaway: Assigns storage locations for received goods.
  4. Picking: Guides workers to pick items for orders using various strategies (e.g., wave picking, batch picking).
  5. Packing and Shipping: Ensures correct items are packed and shipped to customers.
  6. Returns Management: Processes returned goods and updates inventory accordingly.
  7. Integration: Often integrates with ERP, TMS, and barcode/RFID systems for better coordination.

Benefits:

  • Improved inventory accuracy
  • Faster order fulfillment
  • Reduced labor costs
  • Better space utilization
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction

 

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What is WCS ?

WCS stands for Warehouse Control System. It is software that controls and coordinates the real-time activities of material handling equipment (MHE) inside a warehouse or distribution center.

Difference between WMS and WCS:

  Feature

WMS (Warehouse Management System)

WCS (Warehouse Control System)

  Focus

Inventory & order management

Equipment control & movement

  Scope

Strategic/Operational

Tactical/Execution-level

  Examples of Work

Picking lists, inventory allocation

Controlling Stacker crane, conveyors, sorters, AS/RS

  Typical Users

Warehouse supervisors, planners

Automation engineers, system integrators

  Integration

Can send instructions to WCS

Receives instructions from WMS

 

What WCS Typically Controls:

  • Stacker Crane
  • Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
  • Conveyors
  • RTV
  • Sorters
  • Robotic picking arms
  • Shuttles or vertical lift 

Example Workflow:

  1. WMS decides: “Order #123 needs 10 units of Product A.”
  2. WCS controls: Moves the tote to pick station, activates the robotic arm, routes the conveyor, etc.

Summary:

  • WMS = brain (decides what needs to happen)
  • WCS = nervous system (executes how it happens physically)