Editing Logistics (section)

=== Warehouse management system and control ===

[[Warehouse management system]]s (WMS) can differ significantly from [[warehouse control system]]s (WCS), although there is some overlap in functionality. A WMS plans a weekly activity forecast based on such factors as statistics and [[Trend estimation|trends]], whereas a WCS acts like a floor supervisor, working in real-time to get the job done by the most effective means. For example, a WMS can tell the system that it is going to need five of [[stock-keeping unit]] (SKU) A and five of SKU B hours in advance, but by the time it acts, other considerations may have come into play or there could be a logjam on a conveyor. A WCS can prevent that problem by working in real-time and adapting to the situation by making a last-minute decision based on current activity and operational status. Working [[synergistically]], WMS and WCS can resolve these issues and maximize [[Economic efficiency|efficiency]] for companies that rely on the effective operation of their warehouse or distribution center.<ref name="sdcexec">{{cite book
|author=John T. Phelan, Jr. P.E
|title=[[Supply & Demand Chain Executive]]
|publisher=Enom, Inc
}}</ref>