The document discusses the roles of warehouse management systems (WMS) and warehouse control systems (WCS). A WMS focuses on planning and managing inventory and business data, while a WCS focuses on optimizing real-time control of automated equipment and operations on the warehouse floor. As operations become more complex, the line between WMS and WCS functions can blur, so companies should assess their specific needs and balance roles between the two systems. When implementing a WCS, companies should analyze current processes, define requirements, and design the WMS and WCS to work together effectively through interfaces and shared data.

1. WMS vs. WCS Jim Iversen, CEO Mark Kushner, COO Lloyed Lobo, Director of Business Development

5. Why A WCS? The Warehouse Control System (WCS) evolved from the industry’s need for a new breed of bolt-on software functionality for the management of real-time communication , the integrated control of many types of automated equipment, and the lack of functionally rich, configurable order fulfillment solution . The speed and nimbleness of the WCS makes it uniquely designed to focus on the exchange of real-time communications, command processing, discrete equipment signals, and the optimization of material movement and traffic control tasks where response is measured in milliseconds, and conditions change at a moments notice.

7. Making Beautiful Music Together “ Think of your operation as a symphony orchestra. The Warehouse Management System is the composer , creating a musical score that features reeds, woodwinds, and strings, together making beautiful sounds. But anyone who has ever heard the dreadful noise that an orchestra makes when tuning up knows that it needs the conductor to pull it all together. In this case, the conductor is the Warehouse Control System, making sure the material handling “instruments” perform in perfect harmony and efficiency.” John T. Phelan Jr., P.E

8. Traditional WMS-WCS Landscape User Interface Reports Alerts Host Interface Manage Inbound POs & Receiving Manage Outbound Orders & Shipping Inventory, Storage & Location Management User Interface Reports Alerts Host Interface Equipment Communication & Control DC Activity Execution Receiving, PutAway, Replenishment, Picking, Packing, Shipping WMS WCS B-O-B

11. The New Landscape User Interface Reports Alerts Host Interface Manage Inbound POs & Receiving Manage Outbound Orders & Shipping Inventory, Storage & Location Management User Interface Reports Alerts Host Interface Equipment Communication & Control Activity Execution Receiving, PutAway, Replenishment, Picking, Packing, Shipping WMS WCS

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