The demand for an intelligent Warehouse Control System (WCS) is growing. Our Business Unit Manager Automation, Sander Verbruggen, explains how a WCS system can significantly improve the efficiency of your warehouse.
> Ready to future-proof your warehouse? Discover our tips for a smooth WCS implementation!
First things first: What is a WCS?
A Warehouse Control System (WCS) is a software application that manages and controls daily activities in a warehouse or distribution center. The system acts as a bridge between the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and various warehouse equipment, such as conveyors, sorting machines, pick-to-light systems, and automated storage and retrieval systems. Simply put, this system allows you to steer your warehouse and make it much more efficient.
It is often associated with a WMS (Warehouse Management System) and an ERP system, but you should actually consider a WCS as a separate entity. One major advantage of treating the Warehouse Control System as a standalone system is that it enables you to work independently of specific brands and machinery, offering various control options.
Because the WCS provides real-time data, it allows for quick responses to changes on the warehouse floor. With seamless integration with various warehouse devices, users can operate efficiently without constant manual intervention. The WCS optimizes order processing, ensuring smoother operations such as picking and sorting, while reducing lead times. Additionally, the system ensures optimal resource allocation, enabling users to perform their tasks more efficiently.
Automation and accurate task coordination reduce errors, increasing confidence in operational accuracy. Finally, the extensive monitoring and reporting features offer insight into performance and help identify and resolve potential issues.
How does Yitch implement a WCS?
First and foremost, it is essential to know that we at Yitch work vendor-independently. Yitch focuses on the intelligent management of warehouses. We provide a standard system but customize it to the specific needs of the client. This is possible due to the modular design of the WCS system.
To fully tailor the WCS to the client, we need to understand the current workings of the organization thoroughly. We engage with all stakeholders to get a complete picture. Only then can we identify where the significant benefits lie and set up the new WCS in a way that these benefits are immediately noticeable.
Can a WCS system only be applied to a new warehouse?
Applying a WCS to a new warehouse allows you to start from scratch, which is, of course, much easier. However, we also apply it to existing warehouses.
In case you are curious how, I can refer to our reference case at Febelco.
What is the key difference between a WCS at pallet level and one at package level?
Many standard WCS or WMS systems are based on pallet-level operations. These systems process hundreds of pallets daily. However, many of our clients are in the pharmaceutical sector, where picking occurs at the package level.
At the package level, we're not talking about hundreds but thousands or even tens of thousands of movements. Think of packages that need to be prepared for pharmacies or various operations. This involves far more individual packages and, thus, far more orders to process daily. When you need to handle such quantities, a modular system like ours is the solution.
What do you mean with a modular WCS system?
Our WCS system can be compared to a library, where you can select the elements you need. We have a base system to which modular packages can be added depending on your requirements.
One example is our wearable scanners. These are portable scanners that order pickers can use to scan five items and immediately move to the next location. We also consider the most ergonomic scanners or those with the longest battery life. Printing tasks are also highly modular, with nearly every type of print and brand being compatible.
Essential Features
We naturally account for critical inventory management strategies, such as FIFO (First In, First Out) and FEFO (First Expired, First Out). These processes can be seamlessly integrated into your operations, which is crucial for sectors such as pharmaceuticals and the food industry. This ensures optimal product quality and compliance with all regulations, giving businesses a competitive advantage.
We can also focus on priority management. It is common for urgent orders to come in at the last minute, which need to be quickly processed to meet planned transport schedules. This requires a flexible approach that standard systems often cannot provide. With our expertise, we ensure these processes run smoothly.
Another service we offer is a professional photo service. More and more clients request photos of their pickings before they are shipped. This not only helps prevent future disputes but also strengthens communication with their customers. With this service, we provide extra assurance and transparency in logistics processes.
Some warehouses still want to work with paper delivery notes or orders that need to be included with shipments. Yitch has a machine that inserts these papers into the packages, known as sheet feeders. This eliminates manual work and significantly speeds up processes.
What advice would you give to those considering a WCS system today?
My advice is always: start with a study phase for your WCS system. This way, you clearly outline your needs and can find the most ideal system. We have seen too often that interventions are needed because those first steps were not done correctly. The client is then using a certain system and suddenly realizes that certain essential functionalities are missing or are required for future use.
That is why Yitch always offers a study phase. This doesn’t mean you have to order from us; after the study phase, you can freely explore the market. However, we prefer to assist you from start to finish (laughs).
Summary: The benefits of a WCS System with Yitch
- Vendor-independent
- Easy brand switching
- Control system for full warehouse management
- Simple modular additions (e.g., printing, scanning, order prioritization)
- Clear dashboards
- Traceability
- Efficiency on the floor through picker management
- Yitch as a flexible partner building a tailored WCS for your needs
- Intensive guidance during the start phase and easily reachable afterwards
>>> Interested in exploring how a tailored WCS can boost efficiency in your warehouse?
Contact Yitch for a no-obligation consultation and learn how a WCS can be adapted to your unique needs.
