Warehouse Execution Software Implementation
Getting implementation right is all about the planning.
There are several types of software that can come into play in warehouse management. One of the newer kids on the block is warehouse execution software (WES). It has steadily grown in sophistication and is beginning to become a necessary piece of the puzzle for large operations.
WES “sits” somewhere under a warehouse management system (WMS) and over a warehouse control software (WCS) system. Its purpose is to make sure the various areas of the warehouse are operating on an even keel, avoiding big swings in productivity. If a WES is of interest, you need to know how an implementation might roll out in your operations.
Before you can begin to look at implementation, however, you need to first understand if a WES is right for you. A telltale sign: you’re relying on more than one WCS and/or operate more than one zone of automation. If you can see that a WES would increase the efficiency of your automation, and/or that it would better orchestrate your labor force, a WES is likely right for you.
One of your first steps after determining a WES is right, is determining how it can help you make improvements. One of the best things a WES can do for you is allow you to make changes or modifications, but at a lower cost than a WMS. With WES, you can have a look at your operations, modify them, and use the software to ensure it smoothly improves your current situation.
A benefit of WES is that it’s very modular. You can ask your vendor to “assemble” your software and code it prior to bringing it on site. Then you can set up a calendar to ensure the actual implementation has the lowest impact possible to daily operations.
That said, have a back-up plan in place before implementation. If something does go wrong during the roll out, what will you do? The plan doesn’t need to be spelled out down to every minor detail, but it should serve as an option if you need a stop-gap.
Also, set up a training schedule for your operators and managers. While today’s WES is fairly straightforward and easy to use, it is still a powerful piece of software. Your operators will have a wide variety of backgrounds and software knowledge. Err on the side of too much training versus too little. What does the training look like? Who will provide it—the OEM, an integrator, someone in your IT department? Be prepared to support the training and understand what support you’ll get from your vendor.
A good additional step is having your integrator or vendor run emulators that can test your system at much higher performance levels. This will help ensure there are no bugs upon full implementation. Also, ensure your WES is not only customizable, but has a large library of dropdowns to keep you running well into the future, and without having to call your vendor back in for help.
The timeline for a WES implementation will vary widely—getting it right, however, is job number one.
Source: Ed Romaine, Integrated Systems Design
For more information about the Solutions Community: mhi.org/solutions-community
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