Customised packages streamline multiple functions

Accurate and efficient stock
control is one of the few areas
that will have an immediate
and positive impact on
the bottom line of most
organisations, says Jonathan
Swiel, marketing director of
MWT.
Relying on paper trails
and manual data entries to
manage a warehouse not
only compromises worker
productivity but also inventory
accuracy. Traditional systems
monitored manually either
using a paper-based process
or through simple spread
sheets should be a thing of the
past. In today’s fast moving
environment, these processes
are becoming outdated.
The company, which offers
warehouse management
software packages and systems
that can be customised, believes
that not enough emphasis has
been placed on this area in
many small to medium-sized
businesses.
Swiel says the benefits of a
warehouse management system
(WMS) cannot be emphasised
enough.
“A comprehensive WMS
helps streamline multiple
functions of your business
enterprise including receiving,
put-away, controlled picking,
packing, shipping and
production management,” he
explains. “One of the major
challenges in the South African
warehousing environment is
not knowing what stock is on
hand and not knowing where it
is at all times. This information
should be readily available in
easy-to-read dashboards and
reports that are accessible using
desktops and smart devices.”
According to Swiel,
inaccurate and poor stock
management directly affects
efficiencies, cash flow, customer
service and traceability.
Another concern is lack of
employee accountability.
“By implementing efficient
warehouse
management
systems all of
these challenges
are overcome,”
he says. “They
must have the
complexity to
manage the
important
warehouse
functions, but
must be easy to
use – allowing
for information to be readily
available and in real time.”
He says IT integration with
other systems eliminates costly
manual errors ensuring that all
systems are on the same page.
“It also goes a long way
towards combating shrinkage
through accurate stock
control. A WMS is vital to
improving the efficiency
of a company’s warehouse
operations. Warehouses have
to comply with demanding
quality, packaging, delivery and
traceability standards.” Getting
it wrong can have serious
consequences commercially
and affect customer service.
In addition,
automated
controls
within the
warehouse such
as integrating
scales, check
weighers and
dimensioners
add
substantial
value by
ensuring
quality,
accuracy and traceability, says
Swiel.
But with technology ever
evolving he advises companies
investing in these systems to
keep it simple.
“Don’t overcomplicate
the process
and always
ensure that
staff are not
engineered out
of the system,”
he says. “Technology is
getting faster, f lexible and
more affordable.
Businesses must be
taking more control of their
stock as it is one of the few
areas where a major impact
can be achieved.”
INSERT & CAPTION
Don’t overcomplicate
the process and always
ensure that staff are
not engineered out of
the system.
– Jonathan Swiel