The importance of supply chain can hardly be overstated in the midst of geopolitical occurrences that have shown how critical the proper flow of supplies is to the overall world economy. Assumptions that we held about products, the ability for these products to move freely across the globe, and the various mechanisms in place that were used to combat more “traditional” supply chain problems such as natural disasters proving insufficient, many are forced to re-evaluate the way they view and approach supply-chain bottlenecks. This is especially emphasised today when we can see how much the market depends on a strong and functional supply chain.
In recent years, Info Studio has recognized the importance of simple and smart business processes in the supply chain industry. Therefore, we have developed two solutions that together form a powerful tool for this industry - Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Transport Management Systems (TMS).
WMS & TMS hand in hand
TMS is a transport solution that enables the planning and optimization of routing, rationalisation of vehicle fleet, coordination of vehicle loads, delivery confirmation, and various other transport tasks. TMS uses powerful AI and ML technologies that ensure optimal delivery rates, transport documentation in compliance with local regulations, and financial savings on all elements affecting the transportation of goods in general.
WMS is a robust solution for managing warehouse operations and coordinating all processes within warehouse units. Inbound and outbound processes in the warehouse, storage of goods and organisation of work, are optimised and simplified. Using modern AI and ML technologies, WMS solution identifies and optimises clear needs in a transactional organisation, seasonality of goods, and inventory management.
WMS and TMS are tools that can work independently very effectively and may be used as standalone modules, but the best effect is seen when they complement each other. Efficient data exchange between the two platforms enables clear and synergistic information exchange covering production, storage, transport and distribution processes.
Perhaps the most obvious advantage and example of synergy between these two modules is the ability to dictate the sequence in which the orders are loaded into delivery vehicles (using first-in last-out basis), ensuring minimal unloading times at the customer. This is essential, given how narrow the time windows can be in practice, particularly if the driver arrives at busy times.
What are adwantages and benefits of having synchronised WMS and TMS
Enhanced general execution efficiency in following
- Time optimization
- Increased accuracy
- Fleet optimization
- Reduction of delay / reduction of financial expenses
Operational efficiency
- Optimised processes
- Ability to determine cost to serve
- Ability to increase customer service level
- Decrease of disruptions of order escalation or failure
Also, truly integrated solutions meet warehouse and transportation management needs, and collaboration between WMS and TMS gives following benefits
- common data model
- sync between shipping, order planning and execution
- common access to system capabilities
- elimination of redundant processes
- better labour management
- channelling supply chain in more efficient mode
Combining SmartWMS and SmartTMS systems is the optimal option for an organisation that wants to know at any moment what is going on with the operations, and whether work is optimally organised - with maximum efficiency and reduced costs.