Allison Graham, Author at Socius24

Posted 13th December 2023

The Cornerstones of a Robust Supply Chain

As global trade becomes more complex, the demand for a clear view of operations, from raw material sourcing to the delivery of the final product, has become paramount. And there are many reasons [...]

By Allison Graham

In Uncategorised

Posted 12th December 2023

Thank you for requesting your eBook

IMPORTANT – in order to receive your eBook, you must confirm that you want us to email you. To do this, please click on the confirmation link in the email that we have just sent you. [...]

By Allison Graham

In Blog

Posted 12th December 2023

Merry Christmas from Socius24!

One of the best things about working for a company like Socius24 is the people. Some of us have known each other since almost the very start of our careers, many moons ago. Some of us met while [...]

By Allison Graham

In Blog

Posted 11th December 2023

Socius24 – Sustainability is Second Nature

For Socius24, Sustainability is one of the first things to be taken into consideration when making decisions. It affects the way we build our business, and the kind of software we produce

By Allison Graham

Posted 7th December 2023

Dispatcher WMS Download our eBook

Dispatcher WMS - Download our eBook. For busineses looking to upgrade their existing WMS or install a new one, we have written an eBook about Dispatcher WMS from Blue Yonder. Download it today.

By Allison Graham

In Blog

Posted 6th December 2023

Why Warehouses Need Real-Time Data

In the fast-paced world of warehousing, immediate decisions demand real-time insights. For warehouse managers, direct access to data in a WMS isn't just a convenience—it's crucial. Read our [...]

By Allison Graham

In Blog

Posted 29th November 2023

Independent Carriers and Supply Chains

In the intricate web of logistics and supply chain management, it's not only the major players that hold the system together. Sometimes, there’s a real... driving force in independent [...]

By Allison Graham

In Blog

Posted 22nd November 2023

The Remarkable Evolution of WMS Equipment

In the ‘Before Times’, before the invention of the WMS, navigating the world of warehouse management used to be a task that was marked by manual counts, ledger entries, and the ever-present [...]

By Allison Graham

Posted 15th November 2023

Guides

Downloadable Guides Click here to read The Ultimate Guide to Blue Yonder’s Dispatcher WMS – an eBook from Socius24 Click here to download our checklist – questions you need to [...]

By Allison Graham

In Blog

Posted 15th November 2023

Navigating Supply Chain Challenges with the Right WMS

The 2020 pandemic didn’t just disrupt our daily lives; it sent shockwaves through the global supply chain. From halted manufacturing processes to unexpected spikes in demand, supply chains around [...]

From Clipboards to Augmented Reality

In the ‘Before Times’, before the invention of the WMS, navigating the world of warehouse management used to be a task that was marked by manual counts, ledger entries, and the ever-present clipboard. Then the evolution of WMS happened.

These days, we operate in an era where the Warehouse Management System (WMS) landscape is characterized by cutting-edge technology, real-time data, and interconnected devices. And it’s been an interesting journey getting from there to here, with some impressive evolution of WMS equipment over the years.

In the early days, warehouse management was an entirely manual process. Inventory counts were performed by hand, with employees noting down quantities on clipboards. The room for error was enormous, with miscounts, misplaced items, and stock discrepancies being all too common.

Then, in the late 20th century computers started to make their way into the business world, and warehouses were pulled along with that evolution. Simple software began replacing paper-based systems.

Does anyone else remember Lotus123? No?

Just me then.

Digital records increased accuracy and sped up data retrieval, but they were still primarily static databases without much real functionality to speak of.

The introduction of barcoding in the 1970s and 1980s was a game-changer for WMS equipment. Instead of manual entry, employees could now scan items, instantly updating inventory levels in the system. This not only increased efficiency but also significantly reduced errors. And it had a significant effect on productivity as well.

As technology advanced, the tools warehouse employees were using started to become more mobile. Radio Frequency (RF) handheld devices allowed workers to update the WMS from anywhere in the warehouse. And this mobility meant real-time updates and more efficient picking, packing, and shipping processes.

Then the Internet of Things (IoT) came along, bringing with it a new layer of sophistication to WMS equipment. Devices started communicating with each other. Sensors on shelves could detect inventory levels, smart forklifts knew where to pick up and drop off pallets, and conveyor belts started to be able to sort packages based on real-time demand schedules.

Recent years have seen experiments with drones for inventory counts and augmented reality (AR) glasses to help in picking processes. These tools, some of which are still in the preliminary stages, hint at a future where warehouse management is even more streamlined, efficient, and integrated with the latest tech trends than it is today.

If you’ve ever wanted to sum up the technological changes that have happened over the last few decades, then the evolution of WMS equipment is a splendid example of continuous innovation, with each era building upon the last to create a more optimized, efficient, and error-free environment.

And as we stand on the cusp of what might be the next big thing in warehouse management, one thing is clear: the world of WMS is as dynamic as the warehouses that it seeks to manage. The challenge and excitement lie in keeping up—and anticipating what’s next.