ERP, WMS & WCS: optimise your stock management software

Powerful stock management software tools for smooth logistics operations:  ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and WMS (Warehouse Management System).

ERP and WMS make it easier to acquire and secure the loyalty of new customers, while WCS (Warehouse Control System) is an order-issuing tool. In the distribution centre, it synchronizes the different elements of automated solutions. 

This article describes how this tool works, and the benefits of using two tools in tandem.

ERP and WMS: origin, operation and benefits of stock management tools

In 1973, the universal barcode -invented three years earlier by IBM engineer George Laurer- revolutionized industry  and stock management methods.

Thanks to the UPC UPC (Universal Product Code) merchants no longer needed to use different readers to read different barcodes. They made significant savings as a consequence. 

In the 1980s, with the gradual appearance of PCs, the first stock management software appeared in the form of “computerized inventories”.

Since then, with the digital processing of goods, manual stock management has been progressively replaced by IT tools. The most common of these are ERP and WMS.

ERP is a resource planning solution that covers every area required to manage a business organization.

The ERP software suite (software package or modules) focuses on order processing management. Unlike WMS, then, its actual logistical execution capabilities are limited. 

The  WMS solution - often an ERP module - is based on the execution of commands. It makes it easier to gain a global view of stocks, and helps to keep track of inventories.

These two integrated management tools keep track of the physical assets that a company mobilizes to meet customer demand. To do this, they take into account:

• the entry and exit of products in the various facilities managed,  
• points of sale, 
• the warehouses provided for that purpose. 

There are many advantages in using software to manage your stock:

• reduced costs : by setting a precise stock level, you save on storage costs.
• efficient, real-time management of stock turnover management 
• calculation of fixed and variable quantities of products 
• optimization of different types of stock (in, out, semi-finished products, returns) 
• elimination of stock shortages 
• constantly updated stock levels to ensure smooth order picking 
• optimal compliance with delivery deadlines 
• easy adaptation to changing customer demand 

To optimize their stock management systems, many companies use ERP and WMS in tandem. Nowadays, these tools are essential to warehouse management. But how can we make them even more efficient?

© An operator using the Scallog solution’s WCS

ERP/WMS and WCS: ideal complementarity for stock management?

A Warehouse Control System (WCS) is a warehouse supervision tool linked to an automated logistics solution.

Scallog’s WCS solution, Scallog Core Software, is fully compatible with the various software suites used in the supply chain sector. 

Picking, restocking, inventory, reverse management etc. Scallog’s WCS solution improves management of logistics operations when coupled with an ERP/WMS solution.

Scallog Core Software enables real-time decision making and continuous optimization of operations. 

With smart algorithms to manage complex logistics processes, Scallog Core is a state-of-the-art technology which offers:

• real time overview of stock 
• constant monitoring and instant adjustment in order picking 
• 360° oversight of operation and performance of goods-to-man robots

Stock management software helps each company meet its objectives. Using automotion to achieve these objectives is increasingly the norm in today’s supply chains.

While each automation solution comes with its own WCS, Scallog’s proprietary WCS stands out for its made-in-France technology that is robust, agile, and innovative.   

Thanks to the Scallog solution you can optimize your logistics processes, ensure customer satisfaction and remain competitive!

Feel free to contact us for personalized advice on the best solution for your case.