Logistics Software

SSCC code: a unique logistics ID

An SSCC code — Serial Shipping Container Code — is a logistics standard that, by means of a unique ID number, registers each unit load that enters or leaves the warehouse.

The value of a logistics audit

A logistics audit makes it possible to detect and correct mistakes in logistics planning and to implement solutions to optimize warehouse resources.

Hyperautomation: technology calls the shots

Hyperautomation of the supply chain is key for driving forward process and operational automation to build an efficient, increasingly autonomous logistics infrastructure.

SaaS WMS from Interlake Mecalux: warehouse management in the cloud

SaaS WMS: implementing one is the best solution for being equipped with a flexible, scalable warehouse management system that adapts to any changes to a facility’s logistics operations.

Tight flow logistics: stock just when you need it

Tight flow is related to just-in-time production and logistics: goods receipts and dispatches are synced to avoid mismatches in stock control.

Ecommerce warehouse: the heart of online sales

An ecommerce warehouse is a logistics facility that prepares and distributes orders that customers have purchased via an online store.

Buffer warehouse: what is it and how can it optimize logistics?

Buffer warehouse: its main function is to store outflows of finished goods from the production center and then distribute them to the rest of the company’s facilities.

Inventory app: stock under your thumb

An inventory app consists of software dedicated to controlling all the products that enter and leave the warehouse. It allows you to know what stock you have on hand to be able to supply goods to cust ...

Warehouse management programs to optimize logistics performance

A warehouse management program improves performance in the management of stock, goods inflows and outflows, and unit load slotting.

Distributed order management: technology for a changing logistics environment

Distributed order management (DOM) is a method for optimizing order fulfillment, which is especially essential for businesses with an omnichannel strategy.

Zero stock: reducing inventory to boost efficiency

Zero stock or zero inventory is a logistics planning strategy aimed at minimizing the number of SKUs in the warehouse.

Multi-location inventory management: software for managing multiple warehouses

Multi-location inventory management refers to businesses that store their products in more than one warehouse and use software to organize them.

Zone picking: sectioning off the warehouse for efficient order prep

Zone picking consists of dividing the warehouse into different areas based on multiple criteria, including SKU type and product demand level, among others.

Cash cycle: turning inventory into cash

The cash cycle is a logistics and economic metric that measures the days it takes a company to convert its stock into cash flows resulting from sales.

Push and pull system applied to manufacturing logistics

Push and pull are production systems that organize manufacturing according to demand. The adoption of one strategy or the other directly impacts the manufacturer's supply chain.

Advance shipping notice (ASN/EDI 856) speeds up goods receipts

Advance shipping notice is an electronic document sent automatically by the supplier to the receiver of the goods. It includes various specifications relating to the shipment.

Quick commerce (q-commerce): online order deliveries in under an hour

Quick commerce (q-commerce) is an evolution of e-commerce geared towards fast customer satisfaction and convenience, which increases the demands on companies' logistics operations.

Time for urban logistics

Urban logistics encompasses all movements relating to the supply and distribution of goods in cities to ensure business activity.

3 examples of inventory in a warehouse

Inventory examples: we show you three ways to take inventory in the warehouse: manually, with the help of a warehouse management system, and in a fully automated smart warehouse.

Ship from store: turn your shop into a small distribution center

The ship-from-store logistics strategy turns a company’s physical store into a distribution center equipped to prepare and dispatch customers’ online orders.

Periodic inventory system: more frequent stock counts to improve accuracy

A periodic inventory system consists of counting products in stock several times during the year and at specific intervals (monthly, semiannually, or annually).

Inventory management software: the tool taming stock

Inventory management software is the most widely used system for verifying stock levels and locations quickly and without error.

SKU proliferation: how to manage it successfully

SKU proliferation is a process by which a retailer or distributor adds products to its inventory to increase sales.

Stock control: the main warehouse operation

Stock control consists of organizing the goods that enter and leave a warehouse in order to calculate the products a company has.

Days sales of inventory: time is money in the warehouse

Days sales of inventory is an indicator of the time products remain stored before they are sold or sent to the production lines.

ERP in the warehouse: really your best option?

Doubting between an ERP system or a WMS for your warehouse? In this post, we analyze this to help you determine the best solution for digitizing your logistics systems.

Perpetual inventory system: stock updated in real time

A perpetual inventory system is indispensable for companies with a large number of SKUs in the warehouse, as periodic inventory could lead to serious stockouts.

Phantom inventory: definition and how to ghost it

Phantom inventory refers to imbalances between the inventory recorded in the company’s computer system and the actual stock in its warehouse.

Digital twin examples: 3 cases in the logistics sector

Digital twin technology creates high-precision animated representations to examine the efficiency of a logistics process and assess its viability in a warehouse.

Inventory management: the cornerstone of the warehouse

Inventory management is a cross-cutting logistics process that consists of organizing, planning, and controlling a company’s warehouse stock.

E-commerce logistics: logistics at the service of the Internet

E-commerce logistics relates to the link between e-commerce logistics and the need to systematize warehouse processes to make them fast, flexible, and efficient.

Supply Chain 4.0 for more intelligent logistics

Supply Chain 4.0 constitutes the process whereby companies incorporate stock management technologies and methods that boost warehouse productivity and efficiency.

PrestaShop warehouse solutions: integration with the WMS

PrestaShop, an e-commerce platform that stands out for its usability and intuitive interface, enables any company to manage its online business without having to rely on IT experts.

Demand planning and the supply chain: companies forecast their future

Demand planning and the supply chain: this process consists of estimating a company’s sales to organize the processes and resources that will be used to satisfy customer demand.

Advantages of SaaS WMS solutions

SaaS WMS solutions: more and more companies are implementing digital cloud logistics solutions. This makes the systems’ structure more flexible while outsourcing their security and maintenance.

eBay inventory management software: sync orders with your real warehouse stock

eBay inventory management software is connected to a superior software (a WMS or ERP system) to sync SKUs in the warehouse with the marketplace product catalog.

Smart supply chain: making logistics intelligent

The smart supply chain uses the IIoT, advanced automation, and big data to process data and identify trends and opportunities for companies.

Blockchain in supply chain logistics: agility and security in the warehouse

Blockchain in supply chain logistics: this technology will enable more effective information exchanges between the interconnected elements in the warehouse and among suppliers, companies, and consumer ...

Omnichannel: a shopping experience revolution

Omnichannel: implementing this type of strategy calls for the need to sync all company departments to provide a personalized shopping experience.

Industrial IoT (IIoT) in the suppy chain

The IIoT is set to revolutionize all aspects of the supply chain: from transportation and storage to more complex operations such as quality control.

5G and Industry 4.0: revolutionizing industry

5G and Industry 4.0 are about to revolutionize our everyday lives. In this post, we’ll tell you all about this technology and how it will benefit industry and the supply chain.

What is digital twin technology?

Digital twins are increasingly used to optimize supply chains, as they offer huge advantages by virtually replicating an object or operation.

Predictive analytics: telling the future

Predictive analytics refers to a type of analysis that uses new and historical data to predict behaviors, trends, and habits in individuals and machine performance.

Inventory control: the key to better customer service

Inventory control encompasses the planning, organization and monitoring of a company’s products (including raw materials, semi-finished goods, and finished products).

Smart warehouses: from automation to big data

Smart warehouses are fully automated storage installations in which operations are managed by machines or software that coordinates the various tasks.

Optimal stock level: how to calculate it

In logistics, optimal stock levels designate the exact amount of inventory a business requires to fulfill routine demand without the occurrence of a stockout.

Traceability software: all products under control

Traceability software, for example, a warehouse management system, makes it possible to track the history, location, and path of any product.

Cycle counting: how to implement it in the warehouse

Cycle counting allows logistics managers to periodically count a random number of SKUs in order to accurately calculate the amount of product they have for each SKU.

Supply chain diagnostic: improving processes

Supply chain diagnostic: this process consists of identifying problems and deficiencies in the logistics chain in order to make practical improvements.

Internal traceability = quality and safety in the warehouse

Internal traceability is the product traceability segment relating to the registration and close monitoring of goods carried out in a warehouse or production plant.

QR codes in logistics: speed and flexibility

QR codes stand out for their ability to be quickly read and to condense more data than barcodes. Thus, they’re especially advantageous and useful in the logistics sector.

Optimize truck loading with software

Implementing digital solutions, such as a WMS that incorporates the truck loading feature, has become essential for ensuring productivity and eliminating overcost in the warehouse.

Electronic proof of delivery in logistics

Electronic proof of delivery (ePOD) speeds up the management of order delivery information. Its use is becoming increasingly common among logistics providers.

MRP: a production process milestone

MRP (material requirements planning) systems calculate the raw materials required and the amount of finished product to be manufactured. These systems cut costs and increase productivity.

Logistics trends and opportunities for 2021

Logistics trends for 2021: in this post, we delve into these trends and examine how companies can modernize their operations in order to grow and increase customer satisfaction.

Inventory management with Excel: is it effective?

Inventory management with Excel: nowadays, many businesses depend on this to control their warehouse stock. But is it enough? WMSs ensure comprehensive goods control in real time.

Backorders: the art of selling without stock

Minimizing and managing backorders means that a company’s supply chain is efficient and that its warehouse is free of stockouts.

Micro-fulfillment centers hit the big cities

Micro-fulfillment is a logistics strategy that serves to bring retailers’ warehouses closer to end consumers, thus streamlining deliveries of online orders.

Marketing logistics: the supply chain as added value

Marketing logistics aims to build customer loyalty by creating positive experiences in relation to both of these aspects. Find out how this concept impacts supply chain management.

What’s a MES? How does it differ from an ERP and a WMS?

A MES (manufacturing execution system) is a software system designed to organize, control and monitor production processes. Find out how it integrates with ERPs and WMSs.

WMS and ERP integration

Integration of the WMS with the ERP system is a fundamental process in the implementation of warehouse management software. What are your options for connecting these two systems?

Machine learning and the supply chain: key applications

Machine learning forms part of the computer science known as artificial intelligence (AI). How do these algorithms work? Learn about their applications in the supply chain.

Same-day deliveries: rising to this logistics challenge

Same-day, error-free home deliveries at a more than affordable price have become a major logistics challenge. We’ll show you how to prepare your logistics operations to cope with this trend.

Supply chain KPIs: measuring success in logistics

Supply chain KPIs form a solid foundation on which we can base our decisions for improving logistics management. We'll show you several examples in our article.

PDCA: how to apply the Deming cycle in logistics

PDCA (plan–do–check–act), or the Deming cycle, enables you to solve problems in a structured way. We’ll show you its advantages and how to implement it in the warehouse.

Manufacturing logistics: how to optimize it

Manufacturing logistics or industrial logistics includes all logistics processes that take place from the purchase of raw materials to the creation of the product. Find out how to optimize it in our p ...

Omnichannel strategies for retail: from BOPIS to BORIS

Omnichannel strategies: how should you implement them in the retail sector? We take a close look at new logistics flows that have emerged with the rise of online shopping.

In-sync: organizing integrated inventory management of store and warehouse stock with a WMS

Integrated inventory management between physical stores and the warehouse is one of the most effective strategies for managing stock in an omnichannel environment. We’ll show you what a WMS can do in ...

Inventory counting: doing it quickly and effectively

We analyze methods for taking a physical inventory in the warehouse: we’ll show you the tools and techniques for achieving maximum efficiency in the process.

Warehouse shipping and receiving: the advantages of automated stock control

Warehouse shipping and receiving operations: how can you manage them effectively for optimal inventory control? The answer lies in automating the process with the help of a WMS, such as Interlake Meca ...

Warehouse management: which KPIs to track

To manage your installation effectively, it’s crucial to measure and analyze data recorded by a WMS. We’ll show you the main metrics and their impact.

Inventory replenishment: what are the main strategies?

Inventory replenishment refers to the movement of goods from the storage racks to the picking shelves. We’ll go over the main replenishment methods.

Reorder point formula: how does this affect warehouse management?

The reorder point formula comes into play the moment a company has to place a new order for stock with its suppliers. See how it relates to warehouse management.

Bullwhip effect: whip it for good!

The bullwhip effect in logistics causes distortions in stored stock for each member of the supply chain. Find out whether your business is affected and how to fix it.

Minimum stock levels: definition and strategies

The minimum operating stock level indicates the point of inventory consumption at which goods need to be replenished. So, what’s the rule for minimum/maximum stock levels? We’ll tell you all about it.

Unified commerce: The new imperative for retailers

Unified commerce comes with many advantages that allow retailers to offer customers a seamless experience across channels. The concept is a single commerce platform for all customer engagement points.

Goods dispatch: phases and keys to success

The goal of goods dispatch is to ship products ordered so that they are delivered at the agreed-upon time and in perfect condition. Find out how to improve this process.

Choosing a WMS provider: what criteria should apply?

When choosing a WMS provider, learning about the company behind the product is almost as important as researching the program’s characteristics. Find out what criteria to take into account.

Big data and the challenge of Logistics 4.0

The use of big data in Logistics 4.0 facilitates more efficient management of both the warehouse and the entire supply chain, promoting continuous process optimization in real time.

Winning big in e-commerce logistics: key points and challenges

In our post, we analyze the e-commerce logistics and explain how to address some of the key points that define effective logistics management.

What factors determine a WMS’s price?

What variables are involved in a WMS’s price? Any WMS budget calculates three main points: software, hardware and additional services. We explain them in detail in our article.

ROI of a WMS: costing out this investment

The rationale for opting for a WMS is based on the return on investment or ROI of the WMS. How can you calculate it? In this article, we show you the steps to follow.

ERP: definition and how it is different from a WMS

An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is a software that allows a business to organize its different operational areas. What are the differences between an ERP and a WMS? In our post, we peel a ...

Why it's important to measure warehouse KPIs

Two results from measuring KPIs in a warehouse are controlling and optimizing the efficiency of the production process. How else can Key Performance Indicators help?

Top 4 mistakes when onboarding a WMS

Installing a WMS in your warehouse has many advantages if the project is handled and completed properly. Avoid these errors when onboarding a warehouse management system.

E-commerce returns management: a view from the warehouse

Reverse logistics operations are part of the DNA of e-commerce businesses: they’re abundant and inevitable. How can you tackle the challenges it poses to your warehouse? We'll show you in our article.

What is stock management? Mastering this warehouse science

Inventory management encompasses all operations dedicated to regulating the flow of goods within a company. We outline its goals and the challenges it poses for warehouse management.

What is a SKU? Meaning and in-warehouse usage

SKU stands for Stock Keeping Unit, which is the "reference number" of a product. Our post shows the importance of inventory management.

The importance of traceability systems in logistics

Traceability in logistics makes it possible to identify the origin and the different stages a product goes through in the supply chain. We show you how they work and what they comprise.

Stockouts: what they are and how to prevent them

A stockouts occurs when a company is not able to meet its customers' demands because the products are not available at that time. What strategies should be put in place to prevent stockouts?

Logistics 4.0: transforming business today and tomorrow

Logistics 4.0 is already a reality in warehouse management and supply distribution. However, it has yet to resolve challenges such as omnichannelity and the decrease in response times.

Lay the foundation for your just-in-time warehouse system

How should a warehouse run under the just-in-time system? We explain the advantages and challenges of this method and take a closer look at what it entails for warehouse organization.

SaaS vs. On-premise: your different WMS purchase options

The Easy WMS warehouse management system can be deployed in two ways: SaaS and on-premise. Here we show you the main differences between these two types of installation.

Which WMS is a hole in one?

What requisites must a top-rate Warehouse Management System meet to be on or above par? Let us show you that Easy WMS of Interlake Mecalux more than meets the standard.

Omnichannel logistics: don’t beat around the e-commerce bush

Adopting omnichannel logistics is now a must for all warehouses that are responding to (i.e. fulfilling) e-commerce needs. How can your warehouse turn over a new leaf in the digital world? Read more…

Today’s distribution journey: 5 ways to defy the odds in warehouse logistics

The warehouse is a core part of distribution logistics. What challenges are you facing today? Identifying them is vital to satisfying the specific needs of the logistics market.

Seven steps to selecting a super WMS software

Do you need a WMS software? How do you choose between all the software on the market? Follow these steps and you’ll find the warehouse management software that best adapts to your needs and business.

Seven keys to installing a WMS management system correctly

What steps must you follow to implement your warehouse management system? Our professionals will show you the keys to success so everything will turn out as best as possible.

Logistics software: where WCS, WES & WMS diverge

What is a WMS, a WCS or a WES? What do they do and what functionalities do they offer? Get to know their features before you choose a logistics software for your warehouse.

The Importance of Effective Warehouse Slotting

An optimized warehouse slotting design is the foundation of a successful warehouse and results in the ability to streamline operations, eliminate ineffective processes and maximize efficiency.

Labor Management System: Give your logistics momentum

What do you gain by using a software to manage your workforce (LMS)? Put computerization to use in your warehouse and for the good of your staff thanks to Mecalux’s know-how.

How does a WMS function as a picking software?

Shifts in our sector mean companies must offer more services to their customers to stand out from the competition. Our WMS software will help you perfect in-warehouse pick tasks.

Stock control and much more: the advantages of a WMS

Do you want to optimize your stock control, logistics flows and order fulfillment processes? We take a look at the reasons why you should choose our Warehouse Management System (WMS).