Most transport planning has a degree of reliance upon tried and tested skeleton routes and supply chains. These familiar friends can make planning easier, but they can be hiding significant inefficiencies. When it comes to transport, minutes and load optimising these matter, so reviewing the integrated transport planning strategy (ITPS) is the foundation of good productivity.

Selecting a warehouse management system (WMS) supplier is an important process, so it's worth taking the time to get it right.

However, you'll still have plenty to do after that in order to get your system up and running. The first job on your list should be to work with your new vendor to produce a project plan.

So, what does this involve?

Implementing a new warehouse management system (WMS) could revolutionise your business and improve your bottom line.

However, it's essential to choose a suitable system and vendor. Here are five things to consider when sourcing a new WMS.

Utilising logistics consultants can be a highly effective way of boosting your company's efficiency.

However, if you want them to help you to find and implement a new warehouse management system (WMS), you'll need to work together.

When you're assessing the cost implications and potential benefits of purchasing, or leasing, a new Warehouse Management System (WMS), you'll need to consider its likely lifespan. So, when will your new WMS need to be replaced, and how can you find one that will stand the test of time?

Many multinational companies, such as Amazon, have automated their warehouse procedures in effective and innovative ways. However, it can be hard for the owners of smaller businesses to justify making costly changes to their operations. Embracing the latest technology could help you increase profits by improving warehouse efficiency. Let's look at the benefits that warehouse automation can bring.

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Warehouse management is critical for keeping your business moving. While stock control can be achieved by ERP system modules or spreadsheets, many businesses now understand the benefits of an optimised, scalable Warehouse Management System (WMS). When considering whether your company could benefit from a WMS, or an updated system, factors to assess include:

Let's turn that title on its head. The ideal is to work out your materials handling system first, and only then fit the building design around it. In an existing building, you may be limited in your ability to do this – but designing from the inside out as far as possible is key to maximising efficiency.

A new product comes into the warehouse. Which pick face do you give it? Let me guess, one which is empty! Is it the most suitable for the number of times you are going to access it or replenish it? You have no idea as you don’t have any history.

A period has passed and you now have some history as to how it is moving. However, can you see it in comparison with all the other products you are picking? Is it an “A” mover or a “B” or a “C”?

The ideal way to automate a warehouse is to start with a blank canvas. This lets you plan your layout and flows in the most efficient manner and ensures that the various aspects of your operations work together seamlessly. In practice, however, unless you’re a start-up with extremely deep pockets, this blank canvas approach is rarely possible. Companies often take more piecemeal approaches instead, automating one or two processes at a time.

While gradual automation can be successful, there are some pitfalls involved. Is it possible to completely overhaul your warehouse operation without breaking the bank or bringing your business to a standstill?