WAREHOUSE EXECUTION SYSTEM

A Warehouse Control System (WCS) is operational software that connects various automated systems like conveyors, sorters, Automated Storage and Retrieval systems (AS/RS) and Pick/Put to Light. The WCS communicates data to the controllers, typically Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and triggers its operation to support material flow through the distribution center’s warehouse(s).

A Warehouse Execution System (WES) is built around performance optimization software that sits between the client’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) and includes all the functionality of a WCS. However, the WES uses sophisticated algorithms to leverage real-time inputs from all “islands of automation” including order finishing, manifesting and other sources, as well as data from inventory, order, labor, transportation and other activities. A WES will optimize a distribution center’s activity and dynamically manage it throughout all processes.

A WES includes a variety of options that are easily configured during installation. This allows users to utilize only the functionality they need and implement new functionality when it becomes necessary for growth or to accommodate changes in material flow. The ideal WES integrates all commercially available WMS brands from any provider and includes built-in control capability to interface with any semi or fully automated material handling systems.

The answer to the first question helps identify some of the benefits. Think of it this way: A WCS merely pushed data from a high-level WMS, while a WES analyzes downstream information to provided data-driven distribution of ALL system data to optimize overall performance. It’s agile, providing the ability to easily adapt, change and expand on-demand.

Many, if not most WES solutions are driven by WMS functionality to include WMS functionality. The BP Controls Realtime 360 PLUS WES was developed based on our nearly 25 years of WCS experience. Our WES also includes easy access to the implementation of all features provided with the Realtime 360 WCS.

You can easily integrate and optimize any and all of the solutions and applications listed below.

Solutions

• Automated Sortation
• Label Print & Apply
• In-Motion Weighing
• Controls
• Pick to Light
• Put to Light
• Static Systems
• Pick Zone Routing
• Robotics

Applications

• Barcode Readers
• Palletizer/Depalletizer
• Carousels
• Dispenser
• Cross Belt
• Robotic Cells
• Tilt Trays
• Buffer Sequencers
• Shuttle System
• Packaging Machines

Realtime360 PLUS WES can help distribution centers with numerous pain points that plague their operations. Examples of problems you can solve with our WES include:

• System Grid Lock that keeps items from getting to their destinations on time.
• Poor efficiency.
• Starving one process while overwhelming another.
• Inefficient Truck Loading Management.
• Insufficient Inventory vs. Picking Requests/Ability.
• Reacting to maintenance issues instead of proactively preventing maintenance issues.
• Inability to prioritize order fulfillment requests.

If you don’t see your question listed here, get in touch with us. We’re glad to assist in helping define a solution.

Using Realtime360 View, you can adjust the following on-the-fly to streamline performance without operation involvement:

• Dynamic Merge Controls
• Monitor conveyor status in real-time and use feedback to drive data decisions.
• Load Balancing
• Using Staffing and Inventory levels to dictate Fulfillment strategy.

You can easily access your data, real-time, in several ways:

• Locally using Static Workstation or Server
• Remotely via Internet using Web Service
• Mobile Devices – IPad/iPhone (IOS), Surface (Android)

The WES is a multiplatform solution that includes:

• Integrated PLC
• Local Server (Real or Virtual) & Work Stations
• Cloud

Yes. In addition to seamless integration with our own applications, the system can easily communicate with other vendor applications as well. See the list provided in Answer #4.

Numerous solution modules have been around for over 20 years. The Realtime360 PLUS WES includes all current modules, but continues to evolve as more are developed. We’re constantly developing new application solutions for our clients. Case in point, take a look at what we’re doing with Realtime360 Robotics.

Yes, images can be archived and stored for later look-up and query.

So easy a sales rep can do it! All kidding aside, the Realtime360 View’s Human-Machine Interface (HMI) utilizes intuitive graphics-based screens that provide easy to use “point and click” functionality. To learn more, see Realtime360 View.

Alerts are shown on a number of different platforms and can be prioritized based on customer needs. These alerts include:

• Visual Indicators on material handling equipment (Beacons, Lights, etc.)
• HMI Screens (Color coded status levels and alerts)
• Automatic Email or Text Alerts

Yes. This is accomplished via secure remote access. To learn more, see Realtime360 View.

• Visual Indicators on material handling equipment (Beacons, Lights, etc.)
• HMI Screens (Color coded status levels and alerts)
• Automatic Email or Text Alerts