What is the function of a Warehouse Management System (WMS)?

A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is primarily designed to oversee and manage warehouse execution processes. This includes controlling the movement and storage of materials within a warehouse, managing inventory levels, and facilitating the picking and shipping of goods. The system optimizes the use of space and resources in a warehouse, allowing for efficient order fulfillment and real-time tracking of items as they move through the warehouse.

In contrast, tracking supplier materials involves supply chain aspects that go beyond the scope of a WMS, which primarily focuses on internal warehouse operations. Handling customer service inquiries falls under customer relationship management and is not a function of warehouse management systems. Similarly, optimizing transportation costs relates to the broader logistics and supply chain management functions, which are typically managed by Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and not directly by a WMS. Thus, the function of a Warehouse Management System is specifically centered on managing the execution of processes within a warehouse environment.