Warehouse Execution System
The conductor in the warehouse
Warehouse execution systems (WES) are the central intelligence behind state-of-the-art warehouse logistics, controlling all resources and systems within a warehouse and coordinating the interplay of the warehouse management system (WMS), warehouse control system (WCS) as well as the automated and manual processes. With the help of a WES, you can use resources optimally, hone throughput and shorten delivery times. In thousands of installations worldwide, KNAPP has proven how intelligent warehouse execution can be put into practice successfully.
Are you looking for a digital conductor to lead your warehouse?
WES in warehouse logistics:
Maximum transparency, more efficiency and smarter process control
There are numerous processes and systems in a warehouse that need to be aligned in order to achieve maximum performance. Warehouse execution systems (WES) by KNAPP bring more agility and transparency into today’s warehouse processes, serving as the real-time control center that prioritizes orders cleverly, uses resources optimally and identifies bottlenecks early on. By constantly analyzing order and stock data, the WES is capable of responding flexibly to changes, such as downtimes or order peaks. It also means resources of all kinds – human resources, conveyors or automation solutions – can be put to better use to minimize idle times. Thanks to smart order sequencing and simultaneous process control, KNAPP’s warehouse execution systems increase the throughput of entire logistics systems. While doing so, they provide a seamless overview of ongoing processes, offer more control and create a better basis for decision-making.
A well implemented WES is therefore the centerpiece of future-proof and scalable warehouse logistics.
Are you curious how KiSoft WES can support your processes?
What are the advantages of a WES?
FAQs – Key questions and answers
WCS such as KiSoft WCS control hardware-based operations, for example, conveyor systems or other automation technology, and manage the processes of several different machines in a warehouse. In comparison, WES functions at a higher level, coordinating several systems at the same time, prioritizing orders, identifying bottlenecks and optimizing the material flow dynamically. In other words, the WCS is the drive equipped with the control electronics, while the WES serves as the driver, controlling direction and speed.
A WMS (warehouse management system) plans and manages warehouse processes at a strategic level, while a WES secures operations in real time, controlling, prioritizing and synchronizing the different process steps in the warehouse. WES are especially vital in automated and highly dynamic environments where it is necessary to optimize throughput, the workload and ability to respond. If these functions are covered by a WMS or WCS, then a separate WES is not required.
We recommend you watch out for the following things:
- Integration into the IT landscape: Interfaces can pose a challenge, especially when it comes to connecting to systems that have been developed over a long time.
- Process harmonization instead of plain digitalization: Introducing a new system also offers the opportunity to critically assess existing processes and make improvements.
- It’s all about data quality: A WES makes decisions based on real-time and master data. Incomplete or incorrect data can lead to automation technology making the wrong decisions and may create extra work.
- Change management and employee acceptance: Implementing new systems often also involves changing the way things have been done. The introduction should therefore be communicated early on while offering training and encouraging active engagement.
