QC Software’s Warehouse Control System is the Perfect Complement to Cloud Computing

Jan. 5, 2011 - PRLog -- Warehouse Management System (WMS) software providers offer cloud computing to help their customers reduce IT costs. However, two big disadvantages of cloud computing are a delay in receiving information from a remote server and a communication delay due to a disruption in the link. These delays can be critical when managing a fast-paced, dynamic warehouse operation.

To efficiently manage a warehouse or distribution center, a company must maintain the proper flow of information. Any delay or disruption will impact productivity.  For high-speed sortation systems with carton rates above 120 cartons per minute, the WMS host must be able to sustain sub-second response times. This process must be repeatable for every sorter in the system with no disruptions.  Any delay in receiving critical data becomes a problem because cartons are then recirculated and the order fulfillment process slows down. In another example, when the link is down, last-minute orders cannot be processed. What does it cost you when your system is down for an hour? When receiving, replenishment, picking, and shipping stops, even short delays or disruptions can be costly.

QC Software (http://www.qcsoftware.com), an industry leader in warehouse control software, has the solution to enhance cloud computing. QC Software eliminates the information lag time that can occur in cloud computing by installing their dynamic Warehouse Control System (WCS) software at each facility. After the WCS downloads information from the remote WMS, the WCS maintains the data locally. This means the WCS can process the data quickly and, in the event the remote server experiences a communication disruption, the WCS ensures that the warehouse continues to operate.  

The WCS provides a single point of control to efficiently manage the automated equipment and warehouse personnel.  Because the WCS is on-site, it can manage the physical activity within the warehouse in real-time without the communication delays.  This allows you to fine-tune your operation by quickly adapting to last-minute changes. The WCS enhances order accuracy by providing real-time verification capability. Benefits include improved throughput, fewer errors, lower operating costs, and more on-time deliveries.

To effectively manage the work flow, the WCS uses dynamic pick allocation. The WCS decides what orders are released, based on current system activity. Traditionally, the WMS allocates the pick location hours before the actual pick happens, and therefore it cannot react to bottlenecks on the floor. However, if the WCS selects the pick location, it can make a last-minute determination based on the current activity and operational status. For example, if a pick zone is full or unavailable due to equipment failure, the WCS can select another location. This dynamic pick allocation helps balance the load on the system and increases productivity.

In essence, the WCS optimizes warehouse operations. The WCS uses real-time data to proactively monitor the system and equipment and provide greater visibility to floor operations. You can quickly identify and resolve issues using built-in diagnostic tools and customized reports. The results are minimal downtime, greater operational control and improved system reliability.  

Cloud computing reduces IT costs through the use of shared resources.  By adding a WCS, a company substantially reduces risk and associated costs by efficiently managing the operational processes and ensuring the continuity of facility operations.  In addition, when a customer pays a usage fee for their remote WMS, the WCS reduces their “time on the cloud.”  All things considered, the WCS is unquestionably a cost-effective solution that enhances cloud computing.

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QC Software is a leader in innovative software solutions for order fulfillment and distribution centers. These solutions enable our customers to streamline their warehouse operations with the lowest total cost of ownership in the industry.