Warehouse management is the process of overseeing and optimizing the activities in a business’s warehouse. This includes:
- Inventory reception and storage
- Order fulfilment
- Organizing warehouse space
- Scheduling labour
- Shipping
Warehousing is the process of storing physical goods before they are sold or distributed. Warehouses can:
- Increase flexibility
- Reduce staffing needs
- Reduce transportation costs
- Store, ship, and distribute goods from one location
A warehouse management system (WMS) is software that helps manage warehouse operations. A WMS can:
- Help manage tasks like picking goods for shipment
- Manage supply chain fulfilment operations
- Provide visibility into a business’s inventory
- Put received goods away
Some areas of a warehouse include:
- Docks and loading/unloading area
- Picking area
- Receiving and staging area
- Shipping area
- Storage area