How Warehouse Mapping Technology is Driving Today’s Supply Chains
This isn’t your father’s supply chain. Technology continues to significantly reshape the logistics and supply chain landscape, driven largely by digitization.
One specific driver of warehouse digitization has been digital warehouse mapping technology. Warehouse mapping has become an integral way for warehouse managers to effectively optimize their operations, streamline their daily processes and reduce operational costs.
But there’s a difference between having technology and using it effectively. Many warehouse managers don’t know how to make effective use of the digital warehouse mapping tools available to them. One way to make a significant improvement in the use of warehouse tech is to partner with an extended WMS provider.
Utilizing Warehouse Mapping to Optimize Warehouse Operations
Digital warehouse mapping uses multiple other technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), GPS and barcode scanners to provide real-time data on inventory, shipments and the overall warehouse operations to warehouse managers as well as the business’s executive team.
This technology gives warehouse managers the ability to track the location and movement of inventory within the warehouse. That helps them optimize the layout and improve inventory management. By having a detailed understanding of inventory levels and locations, warehouse managers can allocate resources more efficiently and reduce the time and effort required for picking, packing and shipping.
Beyond inventory management, a major advantage of working with an extended Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) provider’s warehouse mapping technology is the ability to gain real-time insights into the key performance indicators of efficient warehouse operations.
Real-time insights allow warehouse managers to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies and areas for improvement. For example, if a particular area of the warehouse is regularly causing delays or slowing down operations, warehouse managers can use this information to optimize the layout or reorganize the workflow to eliminate the bottleneck.
By constantly monitoring and analyzing the data from warehouse mapping technology, warehouse managers can make informed decisions to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Working With an Extended WMS Provider to Streamline Day-to-Day Processes
As advanced as technology has gotten, human labor is still the backbone of the supply chain. But digital warehouse mapping technology can help streamline daily operational processes through enhanced communication and collaboration within the warehouse.
In addition to helping them make informed decisions, the real-time data provided by an extended WMS provider also allows warehouse managers to share any operational issues with their suppliers, customers and other stakeholders. This transparency in daily processes can help to build trust and strengthen relationships with partners across the supply chain.
Although digital warehouse mapping offers numerous benefits, it can require specialized skills and resources to implement and maintain, which is why small- to medium-sized businesses may find it challenging to justify the investment required to acquire and implement these tools. But that doesn’t mean it’s out of their reach.
This is where extended WMS providers come into play. They can oversee the implementation of warehouse mapping technology and make sure warehouse managers know how to use it to its highest potential. These providers have the expertise, resources and technology required to implement digital warehouse mapping tools effectively.
The Future of Extended WMS Warehouse Mapping
Partnering with an extended WMS provider that offers digital warehouse mapping technology can help businesses reduce costs while improving overall supply chain operations, whether it’s inventory management, space utilization, process improvement, asset tracking or even safety and compliance.
Extended WMS providers have the expertise, resources, and technology to implement digital warehouse mapping tools effectively, freeing you to focus on your core competencies.
Partnering with an extended WMS provider can help your business stay competitive in the rapidly evolving logistics and supply chain landscape, all without incurring significant costs or resources.
