WMSs are not static tools
WMSs are constantly evolving to meet the new challenges of multi-channel logistics
Omnichannel continues to revolutionize logistics processes. With the rise of e-commerce, WMSs (Warehouse Management Systems) initially had to evolve to handle BtoB deliveries to stores, and BtoC deliveries to consumers, from the same warehouse. New modules were launched to control and optimize the entire supply chain and retail management flows. Since then, their transformation has continued with the multiplication of channels, including smartphone commerce, which should reach 17.5 billion euros in France by 2020 (an increase of 95% in 2 years, according to RetailMeNot), and purchases on marketplaces, which now account for more than half of online sales worldwide, according to a report by Internet Retailer.
New functionalities
In addition to these burgeoning shopping trends, new retail concepts are emerging. Stores are transformed into "showrooms" to view or try out products, act as pick-up points for orders, or conversely become mini-warehouses to ship items to customers' homes. Faced with these new processes - "click and collect", "e-reservation", "ship from store" ... - wMSs are adapting, adding new functionalities and connecting with other complementary tools. The aim is to orchestrate all these orders by identifying the best available stocks according to a large number of rules, to manage order execution as effectively as possible, and to organize store replenishment in the best possible way.
