Integrated warehouse and transportation management systems - Essay Example

Computer Sciences and Information Technology Introduction Right from inventory control, receiving of shipment to fulfillment of orders, warehouse management systems (WMS) is necessary. It improves the efficiency and operations of a company’s warehouse. In the modern day, computerized environment warehouse management systems gets combined with mobile computers, wireless network and bar-coding equipments to ease the work. Bar-coding helps extend the business to the mobile worker at the same time increasing operational efficiencies.

Describe the role of information systems in warehouse management An extensive warehouse management system assists in streamlining multiple functions in the business. The following can be some of the role of information systems in warehouse management. Receiving- The system gets information of the shipment that get received but not yet at their destined place. Here, it can be important to ensure that low stock levels get staged then put away first. This reduces the effects of inefficient fulfillment processes and out-of-stocks (Berg 2007, p.95). Put-Away – The information system also helps the storekeeper know the area of inventory in the shelves.

Once the area gets known it can be easy to route workers and setting up their picks in the proper order. This helps to minimize travel time and improve on the order numbers that can be picked each day (Williams 2008, p. 46). Picking- The system improves error-proofing and efficiency in the picking process. Here, workers get their picks on an electronic mobile device that directs them to the proper location. The system also allows workers to scan items when picking to verify that they can be of the right quantity (Charara et al 2003, p. 56) Shipping- The system also should be able to see if each order get packaged properly and shipped to the correct destination.

Describe the role of information systems in transportation management Effective management of transport plays a key role in influencing success rate of a company’s distribution system. Transportation costs can be often high making organizations endeavor to achieve maximum returns on their investment. Adopting transport management systems helps functionalize activities in return expanding operations and value addition to the supply chain. Some of the roles of transport management systems include Strategizing, planning, and execution.

A properly designed transport management information system contributes in all the above stages. It allows the business efficiently monitor freight flows and improves efficiency using the distribution network (Gupta 2011, p.198). An efficient system leads to the following: Optimization- This involves route optimization and consolidation which provides the optimal routes for carriers. It is also essential in the selection of the most suitable carrier and mode of transport. Execution- this is also important as the transport system needs to be integrated with warehouse management system, audit and payment module and multimodal transportation facility Performance Management- This entails tracking and tracing, visibility, and business intelligence and analytics (Lucey 2004, p. 267) Describe the need to integrate functionality in these information systems Integrated warehouse management system with transport management systems allows for real time information concerning warehouse facility and the movement of inventory and materials.

Conclusion While concluding, it is worth noting that well designed transport management and warehouse systems help organizations achieve optimum performance and also helps streamline the movement and the storage of goods. References List Berg, J. V. D. (2007). Integral warehouse management: the next generation in transparency, collaboration and warehouse management systems.Utrecht, Management Outlook. P. 95 Charara, H. A., Brydia, R. E., & Balke, K. N. (2003). Advanced transportation management system (ATMS) evaluation: user interface.

College Station, Tex, Texas Transportation Institute, Texas A & M University System. p 56 Gupta, H. (2011). Management information system: (an insight). New Delhi, International Book House. p. 198 Lucey, T. (2004). Management information systems. London, Thomson Learning. p. 267 Williams, B. (2008). Intelligent transport systems standards. Boston, Artech House. p. 46