With the advent of technology and the subsequent changes in the business landscape, warehouse digitalization is becoming a necessity if businesses wish to remain relevant and competitive. The digital transformation of warehouses can be attained not only through the incorporation of AI but through the implementation of cloud-based warehouse management systems.
Pain points of traditional warehouses
Today, the world of warehousing is faced with several challenges such as labor allocation issues, manual inefficiencies, and excess inventory. The bulk of these difficulties can be ascribed to the central problem of ineffective warehouse communications. With many warehouses now spanning large areas employing large amounts of human capital spread across the globe, the amount of data and logistics a single company deals with is colossal. The traditional communication methods of warehouses have grown outdated and there is now a need to optimize every aspect of warehouse communication, from inventory management to distribution.
The benefits of cloud-based WMS
This is where warehouse management systems come into play. A warehouse management system (WMS) offers market reactivity, scalability, real-time visibility into a business's entire inventory, and manages supply chain fulfillment operations from the distribution center to the store shelf. There are two main types of WMS, namely an in-house / on-premise server, and a cloud-based server.
In-house Server
As the name suggests, the in-house server is physical infrastructure and hardware that requires tangible storage space – in addition to dedicated IT support. While this setup does not rely on internet connectivity and can ensure ultimate security since no third party has access to the in-house data, it may be more susceptible to data loss during shutdowns situations and there is no guarantee of re-uptime or recovery time.
Cloud-based server
On the flip side, a cloud-based server does not require onsite hardware, and storage can be flexibly added according to the different needs of each company. As such, companies have great autonomy in terms of scalability and can avoid unnecessary data storage costs. Moreover, data access, backup, and restoration can be initiated regardless of location as long as an internet connection is available. This greatly increases workforce mobility as employees no longer have to be physically present to make weighted data-driven decisions, a highly valued capability in today’s circumstances where many are working from home. Moreover, data can be backed up in the cloud as regularly as 15-minute intervals, thereby keeping the risk of data loss to a bare minimum.
Cloud-based WMS enhance flexibility
In the new fulfillment economy, a cloud-based WMS is emerging as the more viable option since it can be implemented quickly, thereby allowing businesses to adapt and swiftly ramp up their supply chain systems.
Overall, it delivers the same level of warehouse management functionality as an in-house server, but without the need for periodic upgrades, hardware improvements, or IT specialists. Not only does this translate to lower upfront costs and a quick return on investment, but a cloud WMS also comes ready to integrate with multiple systems to connect logistic processes from end-to-end.
Geek+'s WMS Solutions Adopt Microsoft Cloud
In 2019, Geek+ partnered with Microsoft to develop advanced cloud-based solutions for smart logistics, and this was also the cornerstone of Microsoft Azure CTO Mark Russinovich’s address during the Microsoft Ignite event. One of the highlights that debuted during the event was the Geek+ sorting system, which can be deployed in Microsoft Cloud for robotic system scheduling.
Geek+ has developed a suite of professional software architecture, such as the Robot Management System (RMS), Intelligent Warehouse Execution System (WES), Intelligent Warehouse Management System (iWMS), Data Platform (DP), and Simulation Platform, all to empower highly efficient business operations. These robust systems serve diversified functions such as scheduling, process configuration, reporting, and simulation. They are developed with easy use, navigation, and integration in mind.
A survey by Supply Chain Digest sums it up poignantly, “the on-premise model that has dominated the supply chain software industry since its inception is poised to become something of a relic over the next few years.” Moving forward, cloud-based WMS will continue to gain traction and aid the emergence of warehouse digitalization