What is a Warehouse Execution System?

Like many technologies, the definition of a Warehouse Execution System (WES) can vary depending on who it’s made by and how it is used.  There is no one absolute definition of what WES is or does. There are, however, many common elements, capabilities, and processes that most WES applications generally share.    

A WES is a software application that synchronizes and controls a wide range of automation and execution processes deployed in a warehouse or distribution center (DC) while providing operations teams with real-time visibility of activities and resources within the warehouse. In other words, WES manages the warehouse’s flow of orders and activities. 

The objective is to create a level and predictable flow of work that maximizes the available human resources, robotics, and machinery. 

Understanding Warehouse Execution Systems (WES) 

While Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) typically include system-directed picking, replenishment, and other functions, WES systems add sophisticated process optimization capabilities which vastly improve the productivity, efficiency, and throughput of core DC and supply chain activities. 

What Does a WES Do? 

Warehouse execution systems can address a wide variety of tasks and functions. Generally used in concert with both warehouse management systems and warehouse control systems (WCS), there often is overlap between these three systems where specific functionality is controlled, and in many cases, shared functions with the systems complementing each other. 

The following are functions and capabilities that can generally be found in WES systems. 

• Inbound – basic receiving 
• Management and or execution of replenishment tasks 
• Management of picking activity – manual and automated  
• Management of order flow and balancing for Goods-to-Person technologies 
• Management and control of Pick & Put to Light functionality 
• Pack & Sort management 
• Optimization of resources – human and mechanical 
• Provide visibility at site and or enterprise levels via BI Dashboards 
• Some WES solutions may also incorporate some or all Warehouse Control System (WCS) functions, including MHE controls and visibility 

How Does a WES Work? 

As noted above, the WES is often one part of the overall systems used to manage the entire warehouse/DC operation. Therefore, the WES will likely have strong integration capabilities to enable communication with other systems – both internal and external.

This capability allows data to flow in real time between systems, thus allowing rapid processing of data across tasks and functions. 

The WES is also generally highly parameterized so that it can adapt to ever-changing requirements. 

This flexibility allows operations managers to make real-time adjustments as workflows change, seasonality affects take effect, and resource constraints, including labor change. 

Lastly, WES systems incorporate advanced algorithms to take the endless feed of data (order data, conveying data, Goods-to-Person system data, etc.) and analyze it to optimize and balance work throughout the warehouse/DC. 

This optimization can result in significant improvements in labor utilization, throughput rates, and the general utilization of all resources. 

Systems & Processes Impacted by a WES 

Some of the most common systems and or processes impacted by WES include: 

• Manual order picking (resource balancing) 
• Goods to Persons (AS/RS) systems (load balancing)  
• Replenishment processes 
• Sorter workflow/load balancing 
• Pick to Light/Put Walls 
• Warehouse management/Dashboards & BI Tools 

The justification and ROI from investing in a WES solution will vary for each company. Size, investment cost, amount of technology controlled by WES, and much more all factor into the return a company will realize.  

That said, some benefits are almost universal if the right WES is used. 

A WES can optimize order fulfillment, improve order throughput, and increase productivity by:

• Prioritizing orders. WES can prioritize orders based on various criteria, such as customer priority, order size, or shipping method. This ensures that high-priority orders are processed quickly and efficiently.
• Deploying technologies quickly. Companies can deploy a wide variety of technologies under a unified approach without requiring “customized” solutions or excessive IT involvement. 
• Updating in real-time. WES provides companies with real-time visibility of any activity and resources for the site. Some WES applications may also be able to provide this visibility across the company’s distribution network of multiple sites 
• Utilizing resources efficiently. A WES allocates all resources, including human and mechanical, to maximize throughput and return on technology investments.  
• Unifying multiple interfaces. With Hy-Tek’s IntraOne Software, user experience is standardized across different technologies and subsystems. 
• Optimizing space utilization. Maximizes use of space while eliminating bottlenecks and mistakes 
• Consolidating orders. WES can consolidate multiple orders into a single pick path or shipment, reducing the number of trips workers need to make within the warehouse.

Am I Ready for a WES? 

The answer to this question depends on many things, including the size of the organization, the size of the facility, the level of automation used or being considered, and much more.   

Warehouses and DCs are processing more orders than ever, and the pressure on companies to handle traditional distribution models as well as aggressive e-commerce requirements is only increasing. With labor becoming increasingly scarce, companies are turning to technology in order to maintain their competitive advantages. And this makes consideration of WES a needed piece of the conversation. 

WES can be customized to fit any company’s needs and budget, making it a smart investment for companies that want to streamline their operations and ensure long-term success.

What’s Next? 

The world of warehouse/DC automation is rapidly changing, with new products and technology entering the market on a monthly basis.

This creates an additional reason for companies to consider WES products because the WES can enable companies to change, adapt and grow with the technology. The WES is the gateway to many of these technologies, in a sense normalizing all the options by being the standard bridge between all of them. 

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