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“Our Implementation was as close to painless as it was possible to get. We couldn’t have done it without Socius24.”
– Smart Garden Products
“By upgrading to the latest version of Dispatcher WMS we have been able to fully leverage the power and flexibility of this platform … and ensure we deliver the best possible service in a highly efficient manner.”
– Versteijnen
Interested in a free demonstration of Blue Yonder Dispatcher WMS?
Socius24. Warehouse Management Software Solutions
Let Customers track their own orders – because in today’s digital age, we’re all about instant access.
From streaming our favourite shows on-demand to ordering groceries with a single click, modern consumers have come to expect instant gratification – and the realm of customer service is no exception. When customers place an order, they want to know its status immediately.
Enter the importance of self-service order tracking – something that we can offer you with our User Services Portal (USP) – especially in the context of third-party logistics providers. This is why you should be offering it:
Empower your customer
Allowing your customers to track their orders empowers them. Gone are the days of being in the dark about a purchase once you’ve clicked that order button. When you can offer self-service tracking, then your customers have control. Offering this possibility means that they can view the journey of their order, from processing to delivery, anytime they feel like it.
Reduce Customer Service Workload
Every time a customer contacts a support agent to ask about the status of their order, it takes up valuable time (and costs your business more). By providing self-service order tracking, businesses can drastically reduce the number of these types of queries. This not only saves resources, but it also allows your customer service representatives to focus on more complex issues – ones that require actual human intervention.
Build Trust Through Transparency
Transparency builds trust. When customers can see the progress of their order in real-time, it reinforces the idea that your business is open and honest about its operations. This level of transparency can significantly boost customer confidence and loyalty.
Offer Immediate Access to Information
The Supply Chain is a round-the-clock operation, and your customers don’t always work within a 9-to-5 window. They might want to check their order status late at night or in the early morning hours. Offering 24/7 access to this information ensures that customers can get the details they need, whenever they want to see them.
Enhance the Overall Customer Experience
Today’s consumers are tech-savvy. They’re used to digital solutions that make their lives easier. By supplying an intuitive, user-friendly self-service tracking system, businesses enhance the overall customer experience that they can offer. It’s a feature that consumers appreciate and have come to expect… and it’s starting to be a differentiator.
Set Clear Expectations
Information is power: and a comprehensive self-service tracking system can supply more than just the location of a package. It can also give customers information about potential delays – e.g. a heads up if their order might arrive later than expected. This proactive approach helps to set clear expectations and can mitigate a lot of potential frustration.
In a world where information is at our fingertips, businesses must adapt to the changing demands of their customers. Self-service order tracking is more than just a convenience; it’s a necessity. By empowering customers with the information they need and want, your business can streamline operations, build trust, and enhance the overall customer experience.
Remember, in the age of the empowered consumer, the more control and transparency you can provide, the better. If you’re ready to let customers track their own orders, email us today.
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If you’re running an FMDC (fast-moving distribution centre), then you’re already aware that it presents several significant challenges.
Your facility is at the heart of the modern supply chain. And its function is to ensure that products get from manufacturers to retailers (and possibly even directly to consumers) as efficiently as possible. Which means you have a lengthy list of challenges and complexities to face to achieve this:
Inventory Management
Managing inventory in an FMDC… well, it’s a balancing act, isn’t it? Too much stock could lead to wastage (especially if your products are perishable) and it’s probably going to increase your holding costs, but hanging onto too little could result in stockouts, leading to missed sales and unhappy customers.
Space Utilisation
Your facility only has so much space, and maximizing that space is crucial. Efficient layout, well thought out racking systems, and other storage solutions can make a massive difference in how much inventory you can store – and how quickly it can be picked and dispatched.
Labour Management
Labour is typically one of the biggest expenses in an FMDC. And managing shift patterns, ensuring health and safety compliance, training, and dealing with staff… or staff turnover can be challenging.
Technological Integration
With the rise of e-commerce, you probably now need to integrate with various IT systems, including those of suppliers and customers. This allows for real-time stock checks, and more efficient order picking, etc. You can even give your customers direct access to information about the status of their order – if you want to – rather than needing a team to answer enquiries about where their stuff is.
Transportation and Logistics
Making sure that goods are delivered on time requires a well-organized transport system. This might involve coordinating with third-party logistics providers, and/or managing a fleet of vehicles, and maybe even checking traffic and weather conditions. You might even need to work with independent carriers who need access to your shipping information.
Import/Export Implications
Since the UK’s exit from the EU, there have been added complexities related to customs checks, tariffs, and import/export regulations. This causes delays and requires added administrative work.
Environmental Considerations
There’s increasing pressure on every business, including FMDCs, to reduce their environmental footprint. This can span everything from reducing energy consumption and waste, to considering the environmental impact of packaging and transportation.
Health and Safety
Warehouses and distribution centres can be dangerous places. Ensuring that all operations are conducted safely, that staff are professionally trained, and that equipment is well-maintained is crucial.
Demand Forecasting
Predicting demand can be challenging but it’s the only way to ensure the right products are available in the right quantities. This requires sophisticated analytics and sometimes integration with retailers’ systems.
Security
With vast quantities of goods passing through, security is a concern. This involves both physical security measures and cybersecurity to protect IT systems. Batch control can also be massively helpful.
Regulatory Compliance
There are specific regulations concerning the storage and transportation of certain goods, especially perishables and hazardous materials. Compliance is not optional and can be complex.
Supplier Relations
Building and keeping good relationships with suppliers is vital. This can involve negotiations over prices, delivery schedules, and dealing with issues like product recalls or quality concerns.
At the end of the day, running an FDMC that plays a pivotal role in the modern supply chain as well as the broader economy is no mean feat. It requires a combination of operational ability, a top-of-the-range WMS, strategic planning, technological savvy, and adaptability to a changing business landscape. And if you’d like some additional support, we’re ready when you are.
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The ERIKS FCE: The future of logistics
Socius24 are very proud to have contributed to this ground-breaking project.
Today’s Supply Chain can be a volatile place, influenced by a myriad of external events over which logistics providers have little control. But ERIKS have taken a bold and effective step towards minimising some of that volatility with the development of their new Fulfillment Centre of Expertise (FCE).
The implementation of Blue Yonder’s Dispatcher WMS and Socius24’s User Services Portal are fundamental to the traceability and visibility now available within this fantastic FCE, and we are excited to be part of their journey.
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In the warehousing industry, energy consumption stands for a serious chunk of your operating costs.
And what’s long been considered ‘the norm’ is often far from efficient when it comes to energy use.
Because these days, energy use = cost.
Which is why installing a Warehouse Management System (WMS) isn’t just an environmentally responsible choice – but it also translates to significant financial advantages in the long run. Here’s how:
Energy Savings Translates to Cost Savings
A primary benefit of energy-efficient warehouses is the direct reduction in energy costs. By optimizing lighting, heating, and cooling, an intelligent system can considerably lower electricity bills. For instance, LED lighting can reduce energy use by up to 50% compared to conventional lighting systems. Smart climate control systems can fine-tune temperature settings to optimize energy consumption, cutting costs further.
Increased Operational Efficiency
Modern WMS often incorporate advanced algorithms that improve the efficiency of various operations, such as inventory management and route optimization. These efficiencies reduce the need for excess equipment and labour, which in turn lessens energy usage. Over time, these savings can add up, making a compelling case for the ROI of a sustainable WMS.
Long-Term Durability and Lower Maintenance
Energy-efficient warehouse systems are often built with durability in mind, requiring fewer replacements and less frequent maintenance. This results in added cost savings, extending the lifespan of your warehouse infrastructure. For example, high-quality, energy-efficient cooling or heating systems often have longer lifespans and lower maintenance costs than their traditional counterparts.
Tax Benefits and Grants
Governments are increasingly keen to offer tax incentives and grants for businesses that implement sustainable practices, including energy-efficient warehousing. These financial boosts can significantly offset the initial investment in a Warehouse Management System.
Competitive Advantage
Beyond direct cost savings, an energy-efficient warehouse can serve as a differentiator in a crowded market. As sustainability becomes a priority for consumers and businesses alike, having a green(er) supply chain can make your offering more attractive.
The benefits of an energy-conscious WMS extend well beyond simple environmental responsibility. The financial savings offered by lower energy costs, operational efficiencies, and tax incentives make it an investment with substantial long-term returns. Given the growing focus on sustainability, now is the time to consider making the switch.
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From Wednesday 11th to Friday 13th October, Blue Yonder is holding its Premier Supply Chain Conference – ICON 2023
The conference is taking place in the UK for the first time, and will be held at the Hilton London Metropole.
Socius24, who have been Blue Yonder’s EMEA Selling Partner of the Year in 2014, 2017, 2020, 2021 and most recently for 2022, are delighted to announce that they are sponsors of ICON London 2023 and invite you to come and meet them at the conference.
As well as being award-winning Partners for Blue Yonder, Socius24 have also developed their own software, which extends the functionality and scope of Dispatcher WMS: User Services Portal, which allows for increased visibility, and eBilling, an agnostic third party billing system.
At ICON London, you’ll be able to:
Learn how technologies like AI/ML, ChatGPT4, Snowflake and Azure are reshaping supply chains
Pick up top implementation tips from the digital transformation stories of Blue Yonder’s world-class customers
Join a Special Interest Group (SIG) to network with other supply chain professionals, share ideas and learn from each other
To register for this free event, click here. And if you’d like to book in for a chat with us while you’re there, please contact us on info@socius24.com.
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What can a properly configured warehouse management system do for you?
In today’s increasingly eco-conscious landscape, it’s become a bit of a given that businesses need to pay more attention to the environmental impact of their operations, and that includes their warehousing choices.
A properly configured Warehouse Management System (WMS) offers you not just the opportunity to take a more ethical approach, but it also brings with it an abundance of benefits aimed at reducing your carbon footprint. Here are five significant ways that your WMS can contribute to this goal:
Reduce, Re-use, Recycle
Use what you’ve got.
With the emergence of systems like User Service Portal (USP), it’s now an option to redeploy the equipment you’ve already bought and already commissioned. Because all you actually need to access USP is tech that can access a browser. Which means that mobile works too. And with the ability to use mobile technology comes…
Streamlined Inventory Management
This is one of the basics, but it’s something that’s so obvious it’s often ignored.
Effective inventory management has always been central to reducing waste, and a well-configured WMS will help with precisely this. But by taking functionality that’s historically been stuck in an office far away from the warehouse floor, or on a forklift truck that doesn’t fit, INTO the location where the action’s taking place (thank you mobile technology), you can reduce errors caused by transcribing data – because you’re entering information at the point of creation rather than writing it down and then having to enter it into the system by hand when you get back to your terminal.
And by optimizing inventory levels, your system is also going to minimize the need for you to hold excess stock and to over-produce inventory, both of which contribute to energy use and emissions.
Meaning that fewer goods to store and less weight to transport will typically translate to a lower carbon output. And if your inventory rotation works properly (which it will, if you configure your system properly), you’ll find that you lose less stock to wastage as well.
Optimized Transportation Routes
Logistics is another area where sustainable choices can make a meaningful impact. Traditional transport planning might not choose the most efficient routes, which can lead to unnecessary (and expensive) fuel consumption and knock-on emissions. A sustainably focussed WMS will include functionality that allows for route optimisation, meaning that the miles driven are reduced and the carbon footprint of your logistics operation is minimised.
Renewable Energy Sources
Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power is an excellent step toward sustainability. Your WMS could seamlessly integrate with these energy systems, further reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering the carbon footprint of your overall warehousing operations.
Recyclable and Reusable Packaging
And finally, packaging waste contributes significantly to environmental degeneration. A properly deployed WMS can work hand in hand with your use of recyclable or reusable packaging materials.
It can keep an eye on your packaging inventory in the same way that it looks after the rest of your products. Which means you can reduce the need for new packaging. And each time you do that, you not only cut down on waste but also on the energy-intensive processes needed to produce those materials in the first place and recycle them at their end of life.
Is it time for you to look at a system that’ll help you reduce your carbon footprint, streamline logistics, manage inventory efficiently, and integrate renewable energy, all while promoting sustainable packaging practices?
In an age where environmental responsibility is paramount, we’d say that sustainability (and properly configured Warehouse Management Systems) in the supply chain isn’t just a wise choice; it’s a necessary one.
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How the Environmental Impact of Traditional Warehousing influences the Modern Supply Chain
If you’re reading this, then you don’t need me to tell you that warehousing is a fundamental part of the modern supply chain.
But until relatively recently, it’s a part that’s been largely neglected from an environmental impact point of view. Waste has been seen as unavoidable, a necessary evil, if we’re going to get our customers’ ‘stuff’ to where they want it, on time and intact.
Things need to change.
Traditional warehousing practices have contributed significantly to environmental problems over the years. And they’ve done it in lots of different ways:
Energy consumption is amongst the biggest villains, with the massive spaces needed for modern warehousing having created a need for on-tap lighting, heating, and cooling – usually around the clock. This energy translates into substantial carbon emissions, especially when the source is non-renewable.
Material waste is another issue. The use of non-recyclable packaging materials such as plastic wrap, foam, and (some kinds of) pallets all contribute to landfill waste and pollution. Using this kind of packaging depletes natural resources, while at the same time creating even more emissions during the end-of-life waste management process.
Then, add to this the chemical fallout from machinery and cleaning agents, and you have a sector that has historically been very far from Green.
Traditional warehouses were designed without sustainability in mind (and probably before sustainability was even a thing). They usually lack natural light, which leads to more energy consumption due to artificial lighting. And insufficient insulation for temperature-controlled zones has historically led to excessive heating or cooling.
And let’s not forget the fuel consumption and emissions from the trucks and forklifts that transport goods to, from, and around these warehouses. The cumulative effect is that Logistics, as an industry, has been a significant contributor to climate change and natural resource depletion.
But warehousing is an essential part of the logistics industry, and the logistics industry is what effectively runs the world. So how do we reconcile our need for sustainability with our need for the consumables that keep the world turning?
The good news is that these days, sustainable alternatives do exist, and they offer a win-win solution for both businesses and the environment.
Sustainable Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) focus on minimizing waste, reducing energy consumption, and incorporating renewable resources. There are systems that can be designed to optimize natural light, regulate indoor temperatures more efficiently, and even use renewable energy sources like solar panels.
And in terms of operations, a sustainable WMS promotes the use of recyclable packaging materials and energy-efficient machinery, offering real-time data to further optimize warehouse processes. AKA – if you can’t see it, then you can’t fix it.
When a WMS is configured correctly, it reduces spoilage and waste of the products it stores as well. Which can only help the bottom line of your business. Win, Win, Win.
These days, with the advent of electric vehicles, even the machinery and transportation that’s used to move product can be run on sustainably sourced energy.
As well as this, over the last few years, a new focus has appeared – on re-using, repurposing and recycling existing technology. Products like our own User Services Portal (USP) are starting to come to the market. USP was designed to run on any computer equipment that can support an internet browser.
This has been an industry game-changer – not only from a sustainability point of view, but also from a cost-reduction perspective as well. As a company, we’ve always considered the most sustainable equipment (and the most financially sustainable) option that our customers have is to use the technology that they’ve already bought and installed.
These days, investing in a sustainable warehouse is not merely a philanthropic endeavour but a smart business move as well. Companies can benefit from cost savings in energy and materials, improve their brand image, and stay ahead of environmental regulations.
In a world that’s increasingly more conscious of environmental responsibility, transitioning to a more sustainable warehousing solution has never been more critical.
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How to increase WMS ROI by helping your warehouse staff adopt a new system
Part of the cost of implementing new software is often unseen. It’s not the money spent on new hardware, or the development of systems to support the new processes, it’s the downtime created by staff who are struggling to use an interface that’s new to them. Often, new software systems can seem so vast and unlearnable that staff can get lost in them, and in frustration, simply resort to doing what they were doing before the implementation. It’s frustrating for everyone involved.
But there is an easier way – providing members of staff with personalized dashboards and content significantly enhances user experience by tailoring the software interface and information to each person’s specific role and responsibilities. By only presenting relevant data, metrics, and tasks – and doing it in a user-friendly manner, warehouse staff can quickly navigate new systems and get access the information they need. This personalised approach helps to reduce confusion, minimise any learning curves, and as a by-product, it fosters a much more positive user experience, which in turn leads to better adoption rates.
By providing these personalised dashboards (such as those available in User Service Portal – USP), warehouse managers can prioritise and customise the information that’s displayed for each user. This means that staff members have quick access to the data and metrics most relevant to their own roles. Tailored content means that warehouse staff can focus on their own tasks – without being overwhelmed by everything that’s going on. In turn, this allows them to make more informed decisions, which has the natural effect of improving productivity.
Personalised dashboards are valuable for everyday operations, but they’re crucial during training and onboarding processes, if you want fast adoption from your workforce. And if you are in a business where you have seasonal fluctuations in staff, customising the interface and content based on user roles means that new employees can quickly understand their responsibilities and become familiar with the system, accelerating the onboarding process. This means that warehouse staff can effectively utilize the software from the start, reducing training time and accelerating their productivity.
By presenting information in a way that is relevant and meaningful to each user, new software can ensure that staff are more likely to actively engage with and incorporate it into their daily routines. When people see the value and benefits of the system tailored to their needs, they’re much more motivated to adopt and actually utilise it.
If you’d like a free demo to see how quickly USP could work for you, contact us today on info@socius24.com.
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Every warehouse has its quirks, but there are some common stock maintenance issues that are fairly universal
Read on to find out how to address them.
Problem 1: Inaccurate Inventory Counts
Solution: Blue Yonder’s Dispatcher WMS provides real-time visibility into inventory levels. It helps to eliminate discrepancies caused by manual counting or outdated tracking methods. By automating inventory management, the system ensures accurate and up-to-date stock counts, reducing the risk of carrying too much (or too little) inventory.
Problem 2: Lack of Stock Visibility
Solution: Dispatcher WMS gives you real-time stock visibility through configurable dashboards and reports. Warehouse staff can easily access comprehensive data on inventory levels, locations, and movements, enabling quick and informed decisions. This visibility helps prevent misplaced items, improves stock rotation, and enhances your overall stock control.
Problem 3: Stockouts and Overstocking
Solution: Dispatcher WMS optimises stock levels by facilitating demand forecasting and inventory replenishment. It tracks sales data, monitors stock levels, and generates alerts when inventory reaches predefined thresholds. This can helps prevent stockouts by ensuring timely (and automated) replenishments take place, while also minimising the risk of overstocking by providing you with the tools you need to align inventory with actual demand.
Problem 4: Inefficient Order Fulfilment
Solution: Dispatcher WMS streamlines your order fulfilment process by providing efficient order picking and packing workflows. It optimises picking routes through the warehouse, suggests batch picking for multiple orders, and automates order verification, reducing errors and improving fulfilment accuracy and speed.
Problem 5: Manual Data Entry Errors
Solution: Dispatcher WMS eliminates manual data entry errors by automating data capture processes. It integrates with barcode scanners, mobile devices, and other hardware, enabling accurate and efficient data entry, reducing human errors, and ensuring data integrity. And User Services Portal (USP) takes functionality that Dispatcher WMS needs to keep in the office out onto the warehouse floor – to reduce the possibility of erroneous data entry even further.
Problem 6: Sub-Optimal Warehouse Layout and Organization
Solution: Dispatcher WMS gives you the information you need to optimise your warehouse layout and organization. It can also be configured to assign locations, optimise storage space, and suggest efficient picking routes. This improves inventory management and reduces time wasted on searching for items, resulting in increased productivity, and reduced operational costs.
Problem 7: Lack of Traceability
Solution: Dispatcher WMS provides end-to-end traceability by capturing detailed transaction records and tracking item movements within the warehouse – even down to a serial number, if required. This enables efficient product recalls, expiration date management, and compliance with industry regulations.
Problem 8: Inefficient Receiving and Put-Away Processes
Solution: Dispatcher WMS streamlines your receiving and put-away processes by automating data capture, generating labels, and providing guidance on optimal storage locations. It ensures accurate recording of received items and efficient allocation to appropriate storage areas, reducing errors and delays. The system can be configured to putaway and allocate inventory in the most efficient way possible – tailored exactly to your specific business requirements.
Problem 9: Manual Reporting and Analysis
Solution: Dispatcher WMS offers comprehensive reporting and analysis capabilities, providing insights into key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory turnover, order fulfilment rates, and labour productivity. It automates report generation, saving time and effort, and enables data-driven decision-making to identify areas for improvement.
Problem 10: Lack of Integration with Other Systems
Solution: Dispatcher WMS integrates with other business systems, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), transportation management systems or User Service Portal (USP), creating a seamless flow of information and enabling efficient data exchange. This integration ensures accurate and timely data synchronization across different departments, enhancing overall stock maintenance and supply chain visibility.
If you’d like to discuss how Dispatcher WMS (and User Services Portal) could help you optimise your stock maintenance and overcome common stock maintenance issues, contact us today on info@socius24.com
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How offering Self-Serve options for WMS customers contributes to overall warehouse efficiency and cost-reduction
Self-serve options are a relatively new thing in the WMS industry, but warehouse managers and their staff are rapidly adopting them – especially when it comes to providing customer updates.
There are many reasons for this:
Implementing self-serve options for your WMS offers a significant reduction in workload for warehouse and customer service staff. By allowing customers to access their own information, receive updates about their deliveries, and perform routine tasks themselves, warehouse staff are freed up to focus on more complex and critical customer issues, like improving response times and increasing overall customer service quality.
Self-serve options empower customers who are using the supply chain by giving them direct access to real-time information about their orders, inventory, and shipments. This effectively means that instead of relying on customer support teams for updates, customers can independently track their orders. With some systems (including User Service Portal) it’s even possible to check inventory availability and receive notifications regarding any changes or delays.
Self-serve options also provide customers with round-the-clock, on-demand access to information and services. Warehouse managers and their staff can offer self-service portals or mobile apps (like USP) that empower customers to access their accounts, check order status, initiate returns, etc. at any time of the day or night. This flexibility is particularly valuable for global businesses who have customers in different time zones. With a self-service option, they’re able to access information and carry out transactions at their convenience. And self-serve options contribute to an enhanced customer experience by providing convenience, efficiency, and control. We’re seeing that this new standard of transparency and control both enhances customer satisfaction and builds trust in the business.
But the benefits aren’t just for the customer – by implementing self-serve options, warehouse managers are achieving cost savings in their customer support operations. Reducing the workload on customer support teams translates to lower staffing requirements, which in turn translates to lower costs. And self-service portals or apps can automate a lot of time-heavy routine tasks, such as updating customers about order tracking information, eliminating the need for manual communication, and having the welcome knock-on effect of reducing operational expenses.
And then last but not least, the data that self-serve options generate can provide valuable data about customer behaviour, preferences, and interactions – which in turn allows businesses to futureproof their operations. By analysing this data, warehouse managers can gain insights into customer patterns, identifying opportunities, and tailoring their offerings to better meet customer needs.
If this sounds like something you think your business needs, then contact us today for a tailored demo of USP – info@socius24.com.
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