Design and Implementation of a Warehouse Management System

Abstract

A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is software used for Inventory Management (IM) to manage and control daily warehouse operations/transactions. This covers the transaction of all materials from the receiving stage until delivery. A WMS is essential for Supply Change Management and offers a full range of a company’s inventory. This involves all on-site transactions as well as activities related to in transit. The pharmaceutical/medical devices industry depends on a reliable WMS to better understand how to manage all the transactions regarding a company's inventory—having this kind of tool allows a better understanding of the life cycle of the inventory since it is received at the site until final delivery is crucial for the company’s operation. A WMS was designed and implemented to cover this activity, using a define-measure analyze-improve-control (DMAIC) activity. Based on the outcome of this activity, Upper Managers saw an improvement in their warehousing operations in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. Key Terms ⎯ DMAIC, IM, process improvement, WHS.