Not all Warehouse Control Systems are Created Equal, According to QC Software

CINCINNATI - Feb. 14, 2014 - PRLog -- How much automation is necessary in a distribution center? The simple answer is enough to get the job done.

There are two software systems used to manage warehouse operations, a Warehouse Management System and a Warehouse Control System. The Warehouse Management System is the “planning” system that manages the overall warehouse activity. On the other hand, the Warehouse Control System is the “execution” system that manages real-time activity on the floor. The Warehouse Management System determines which orders to process and sends the data to the Warehouse Control System. The Warehouse Control System determines the best way and proper sequence to process these orders, thereby impacting Key Performance Indicators and Return on Investment.

“Because the Warehouse Control System maintains real-time communication with the automation controllers, it is essential for any size warehouse with a conveyor system or other complex technology. With this in mind, there are three levels of control available to the distributor. The appropriate level depends on the size and complexity of the operation,” states Rich Hite, President of QC Software, a recognized leader in warehouse control solutions.

The Tier-3 Warehouse Control System manages basic conveyor routing and sorting. It does not know the contents of the carton, but simply where it needs to go. For operations with a limited number of split case orders, the Tier-3 application is sufficient since they often have an upper-level system for inventory management and shipping. This kind of operation is generally labor intensive, relying on manual processes to pick and pack orders.

For operations with a larger number of split case orders, distributors tend to employ the Tier-2 Warehouse Control System. In addition to conveyor routing, the Tier-2 Warehouse Control System automates picking and pack out functions, and uses dynamic pick allocation to balance the work load. A Tier-2 Warehouse Control System supports multiple picking technologies including pick-to-light, RF, voice, and other automated solutions.  Offloading the real-time execution tasks to the Warehouse Control System allows for remote/cloud-based Warehouse Management System implementations. Offloading also mitigates Warehouse Management System modifications which reduces recurring costs.

A Tier-1 Warehouse Control System provides inventory management and shipping functionality on top of the Tier-2 and Tier-3 systems. This approach is most advantageous when current operations are supported by an ERP system and additional functionality is needed, but the company does not want a full-featured Warehouse Management System.

For over eighteen years, QC Software has delivered software systems that help companies succeed. Their Tier-1 Warehouse Control System provides flexibility, visibility and control across warehouse operations that customers need to optimize resources and profitability. Through industry collaboration, customized training, and 24/7 support, QC Software ensures that each customer is fully leveraging their technology. In addition, QC Software helps customers develop a strategic focus to better manage new opportunities and future demands.