Investing in a warehouse management system? 3 reasons you may have overlooked

Count yourself a hero: the global economy would come crashing down without supply chains and warehouses. And the supply chain has shown its mettle time and again. Since the pandemic gripped the world, e-commerce shot up, and the movement of goods and services required intensive resources and mass mobilisation. What’s more, life-saving pharmaceuticals had to be rapidly deployed. Without an agile supply chain and super-charged warehouses, it’s difficult to comprehend what may have happened.

Now, customers expect world-class service, and companies face tough competition in a constrained market. In South Africa, investing in an automated warehouse management solution is thus key.

In this piece, we discuss the 3 reasons businesses should invest in warehouse management solutions.

1. Excess stock could be a thing of the past

Inevitably, stock sticks around. But unsold items, particularly if they are perishable or depreciate in value, have significant consequences for the business. These include excess waste, greater carrying costs, and reduced profit margins.

Thankfully, a warehouse management system provides inventory visibility. Effective inventory management should provide real-time insights into inventory data and thus reduce excess stock. Better inventory management.

Moreover, a warehouse management system can predict future demand and help businesses plan better.  Over time, a company’s demand forecasts become more accurate. The goal is to achieve optimal inventory levels at all times.

2. Traceability, especially during crisis times, is improved

When there’s traceability, an exact order and item can be isolated. Warehouse management solutions can trace inventory using lot numbers and serial numbers. Companies need data at their fingertips if a product needs to be recalled, for example. Food distributors, for example, need an efficient warehouse management solution for food safety purposes.

A robust traceability system is now essential to ensure supply chain reliability and minimise the risk of disruptions, especially in industries where product quality and safety are critical.

In South Africa, it's crucial to have access to real-time information to prevent disruptions in a firm's supply chain, which can have severe consequences for human health and safety. Thanks to emerging technologies, we now have the ability to identify and prevent these disruptions before they cause extensive damage.

Traceability systems have proven to be a vital tool in managing supply chain risks and improving overall performance. These systems provide real-time information with minimal delays and errors, making them ideal for customer-driven industries where consumer loyalty, trust, and confidence are paramount.

3. Happy staff equals happy customers

There’s little doubt that good employee morale leads to better business performance. An automated warehouse management solution takes the grind out of the working day. Manual and repetitive tasks can feel oppressive over time. It’s why automation allows workers to use their time more efficiently. It also means that there will be less need for overtime and downtime.

A recent study published by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that when workflow automation removed the worst part of a worker’s job, they could focus on meaningful, rewarding and growth-oriented studies. Moreover, a warehouse management solution minimises the costs and frustrations related to human error.

With Apex RTS, your return on investment could be significant

When choosing a warehouse management solution, Apex is your go-to. With its innovative and tailored warehouse solutions, businesses can unlock efficiency, reduce expenses and enhance productivity. Our accurate forecasting and other technology-driven solutions can fundamentally change how your warehouse runs.

Get in touch today to see how your performance will improve when you partner with Apex. We have a dedicated support team, strong expertise, and many satisfied customers to back our claims.