The Procurement Glossary » Warehouse Management
Warehouse Management
Inventory & Logistics
Definition
The control of storage operations — receiving, put-away, picking, packing and dispatch — to move goods efficiently and accurately.
Explanation
Good warehouse management maximises space, speeds throughput and keeps inventory records accurate. It is often run by a warehouse management system (WMS) that directs tasks and tracks stock in real time.
Example
The WMS directs pickers by optimal route, lifting picking accuracy and throughput.
Related terms
- Inventory — The goods and materials a business holds for use, sale or production.
- Order Fulfillment — The process of receiving, processing and delivering orders to the requester or customer.
- Third-Party Logistics (3PL) — Outsourcing logistics activities — warehousing, transport, fulfilment — to a specialist provider.
- Cycle Counting — Regularly counting a subset of inventory items to keep stock records accurate without a full stocktake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Warehouse Management?
The control of storage operations — receiving, put-away, picking, packing and dispatch — to move goods efficiently and accurately. Good warehouse management maximises space, speeds throughput and keeps inventory records accurate. It is often run by a warehouse management system (WMS) that directs tasks and tracks stock in real time.
Can you give an example of Warehouse Management?
The WMS directs pickers by optimal route, lifting picking accuracy and throughput.
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