WarehouseVision uses a modular approach that emphasizes ease of use and information accessibility. Sophisticated algorithms and flexible, user defined slotting rules differentiate WarehouseVision from competitive slotting software options. There are 4 major modules associated with WarehouseVision’s slotting software.

Please click on the modules displayed on the image below for more details.

WVPlanner

 

Optimal Inventory Placement for Effective Warehouse Management

Inventory placement is one of the most important factors in efficient warehouse management. An ineffective slotting strategy will lead to improper inventory placement which can result in both wasted asset utilization and inefficient warehousing operations. WVPlanner allows for a balance between facility size, inventory requirements and operational efficiency. WVPlanner provides the ability to place inventory within a desired facility configuration and stocking strategy. During the planning process, analyses can be made to answer questions such as “Should the inventory be grouped by like items?” or “Where are the high activity items?”

 

A Virtual Warehouse – How WVPlanner Works

WVPlanner develops a slotting strategy through the use of templates and rules. A template is the definition of a bay or fixture. Through the use of templates, you define the available or desired configurations within a facility and any special stocking considerations. Once the templates and stocking rules have been defined, specific facility information is provided. In addition to general product information, which can be entered to assist in managing the project, specific warehousing information can be also entered. This may include limitations as to the number of fixtures within the facility or the placement of stock within the fixtures. Separation of items due to hazardous classifications can also be defined.

 

Basic Warehouse Planner Processing Model

Considering the above, WVPlanner utilizes this data to determine the number of necessary fixtures along with a slotting strategy. By using the templates as a blueprint, WVPlanner is able to create a “Virtual Warehouse.” A “Virtual Warehouse” allows for various inventory models and stocking strategies to be analyzed. The virtual model also provides the ability to perform “what if” scenarios on a facility.

With additional functionality for customization, reporting, and host/WMS integration, WVPlanner is a valuable tool when developing a slotting strategy or facility design.

WVAuditor

 

Maintaining Warehouse Space Utilization

The maintenance of a warehouse and its stocking strategy is one of the most difficult tasks confronting a facility. In addition to maintaining inventory placement compatible with the inbound and outbound processes, it is also important to constantly strive for maximum space utilization within a warehouse. Without proper warehouse management, a cycle of inefficiency is inevitable. Items become misplaced wasting valuable warehouse space and resulting in fewer or improper items in prime picking areas.

WVAuditor is a tool that will assist in identifying areas for improvement in the warehouse inventory storage. WVAuditor has been designed to audit the space utilization of inventory for a number of actions.

The Warehouse Auditing Process

In the auditing process, WVAuditor focuses on both the inventory levels and warehouse space requirements. Each item is analyzed to determine if its current placement is still compatible with the storage and stocking strategies that have been adopted. It is directly tied in with the WMS to look at quantity on hand and inventory activity. By looking at these values, WVAuditor may suggest that a product be moved.

WVAuditor is configured to review each item on multiple levels to ensure optimal placement and space utilization of the warehouse. Factors can include:

Is the current location of the item proper for its level of activity?
Is the item’s classification or hazardous rating compatible to the current location of the item?
Does the item have multiple locations within the warehouse, and can the item be consolidated to a single location?
Can the warehouse space utilization be improved by relocating the item to a different storage location or configuration?
Are the equipment requirements of the item compatible with the current location assignment?
In addition to WVAuditor, WarehouseVision has the ability to slot new items that come into your warehouse that do not already have a specific location. WarehouseVision will look at these new items and compare them with available locations and space requirements to determine the optimal placement available.

WVSystemMonitor

 

ERP/WMS Integration With Slotting Software

WVSystemMonitor is a real-time reporting tool that ensures the critical connection between your WMS/ERP system and WarehouseVision is up and running. While most WMS systems have features that account for slotting, many companies have found that WarehouseVision provides a more detailed and effective approach to developing and implementing warehouse slotting strategies that maximize productivity. For WarehouseVision to be successful it must be able to integrate with existing and new ERP/WMS systems. WVSystemMonitor delivers an effective user interface and automated functionality that will allow for proper ERP/WMS Integration.

WVSimulation

 

WVSimulation – Simulates Warehouse Slotting Strategy Models

WVSimulation is a unique graphical warehouse modeling tool that provides simulation of the efficiency and flow of a given slotting strategy. This warehousing simulator makes it easy to identify potential bottlenecks in the selected flow of Pick/Put-Away operations in relationship to a specific warehousing slotting strategy. Proper warehouse simulation software can ensure that the best slotting strategy is in place to maximize the productivity of the warehousing operations. A good simulator software will provide warehouse modeling that will identify slotting strategies that will prevent wasted time and resources.

Features for Warehouse Simulation

Stock Display – Graphic display of stock levels and placement for a given warehouse.
Picking Flow – Graphic display of the picking flow through the warehouse.
Put-Away Flow – Graphic display of the put-away flow through the warehouse.