What is a WCS?

A Warehouse Control System (WCS) is a bridge of communication between automated warehouse material handling devices and the Warehouse Management System (also referred to as a Enterprise Resource Planning, or ERP) to bring all of the warehouse supply chain processes into alignment.  A proper WCS “links” these seemingly disparate systems seamlessly and operates efficiently  into existing WMS infrastructure such as:

  • SAP
  • Manhattan
  • Oracle
  • BPCS
  • MQSeries
  • NetSuite
  • COPICS
  • AS400

A comprehensive Warehouse Control System will include hardware and software solutions to improve warehouse productivity and capacity, manage complex operations and control large inventories, support a variety of processes and levels of automation, and manage multiple distribution centers. The primary functions of a WCS include (Wikipedia):

  • Interfacing to an upper level host system/Warehouse management system (WMS) and exchanging information required to manage the daily operations of the distribution center.
  • Allocating work to the various material handling sub-systems to balance system activity to complete the requested workload.
  • Providing real-time directives to operators and material handling equipment controllers to accomplish the order fulfillment and product routing requirements.
  • Dynamically assign cartons to divert locations based on defined sortation algorithms or based on routing/order information received from the Host (if applicable).
  • Generate result data files for reporting and/or upload by the Host system.
  • Operational screens (graphical user interface) and functions to facilitate efficient control and management of the distribution warehouse.
  • Collect statistical data on the operational performance of the system to enable operations personnel to maintain the equipment in peak performance.

Material handling automation technologies are a key ingredient in developing a comprehensive supply chain management solution that allows companies to execute their internal distribution plans. Product handling hardware now needs a seamless integration with the WCS, which, in turn, seamlessly integrates into the WMS. PRoduct handling hardware and services can include:

  • Alarm Monitors
  • Carousels
  • Cranes
  • Pick to Light/Put to Light
  • Print and Apply
  • Report Management
  • Sorter
  • System Supervisor
  • Traffic Cop
  • Voice Pick
Cirrus Tech, inc. has a tried and proven solution that is the vital link in your warehouse automation supply chain work flow. Give us a shout.

Menu

© 2011-2012 Cirrus Tech, inc.