In today's fast-paced business landscape, the art of optimising data visibility from Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is a critical concern facing professionals across industries. “As companies grapple with the complex intricacies of modern supply chains and inventory management, the ability to unlock the full potential of WMS data has become an essential strategy for informed and effective operational decision-making,” says Anthea van Breemen of Forte Supply Chain Solutions. According to Van Breemen, WMS possess a wealth of information. “Traditionally, they generate reports that point out differences for management to oversee and enhance operations. However, with analytics, this task can be accomplished in real time using dashboards. These dashboards can swiftly identify discrepancies and individuals or areas that are performing below or above expectations. In an environment where precision and efficiency are paramount, the question of how to enhance data visibility from WMS systems is therefore critical.”Van Breemen said many companies also set KPI dashboards to indicate whether operations met time and quantity standards. They aim to set alerts that can be promptly addressed. Furthermore, operator performance dashboards play a crucial role in this real-time monitoring. They not only contribute to this visibility but also assist in recognising high achievers and opportunities for staff growth.Analytics, she said, was undoubtedly the upcoming trend. “The greater your visibility, the deeper your insights and the more effectively you can enhance your operations. It’s as straightforward as that.”Asked about ongoing challenges, Van Breemen said visibility was still a concern. “Everyone needs to be able to see more, faster. Details about stock levels, current quantities available and precise location in the warehouse are just as important for achieving smoother, more efficient operations. This data is also instrumental in achieving the next major objective: improving the efficiency and accuracy of forecasting, as well as reducing stock turnaround time,” she explained. “Enhancing visibility through analytics to optimise performance with alerts is increasingly essential. The adoption of digital twins is now more crucial than ever before.”She stresses that while WMS has been offering stock visibility and streamlining business processes by integrating enterprise resource planning (ERP) and WMS at various stages, including Master Data, Inbound, and Outbound, for some time now, the next phase involves harnessing this data to elevate optimisation to a higher level.According to Van Breemen, the challenges faced by South African companies are similar to those of their international counterparts. “They too seek improved visibility and enhanced performance, all with the ultimate aim of enhancing the customer experience. Given the growing competition in the e-commerce sector, optimising warehouse operations can significantly impact the bottom line in a meaningful manner.”Van Breemen says paying attention to even the smallest details can lead to significant long-term term improvements.
