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SCM Webinar Wednesday | Intelligent WMS

Introduction

Welcome to another insightful session of SCM Webinar Wednesday! I'm Martin Lers, Chief Trend Watcher of Supply Chain Media and Editor-in-Chief of Supply Chain Movement. This afternoon, we'll be diving into the world of Intelligent Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) as we explore the latest industry developments with insights from our esteemed panel of experts.

Introduction of Experts

Joining us today are five knowledgeable professionals who bring diverse perspectives and experiences from across the supply chain landscape:

  • Vim Flo, General Manager of Benelux at Generics B.V.
  • Rudiger Stal, Head of Sales at PSI Logistics.
  • Hanon Don, Managing Director at Concept Logistics.
  • Steve Timberlake, Director of Enterprise Engagement at Kuehne+Nagel.
  • Matt Kennedy, WMS Solution Engineer at Oracle.

Agenda and Practical Details

This webinar will be recorded and made available on YouTube afterwards. We encourage participants to use the Q&A feature for questions throughout the presentation. After the main discussion, we’ll host a virtual lounge for 30 additional minutes where attendees can join tables with our expert panelists to ask more specific questions.

Current Landscape of Supply Chains

In recent years, supply chains have faced numerous disruptions caused by events such as COVID-19, geopolitical tensions, and new regulations. With approximately 55,000 companies in Europe affected by the CSRD regulations, the ripple effects have created challenges like inflation and operational inefficiencies.

Vim shared insights on sustainability, highlighting the increasing demand for optimized operations that minimize environmental impact while meeting customer expectations. Optimization in resources is crucial, especially within the e-commerce sector, to retain service levels while reducing waste.

The Complexity of Modern Warehousing

As our guests discussed, the intrigue around WMS and Transport Management Systems (TMS) continues to grow due to the complexity of modern supply chains. Steve emphasized that agility and resilience are paramount, especially with the intricate web of supply chain nodes now in play.

The Expansion of WMS and TMS Solutions

The conversation transitioned into the exploration of various warehouse management systems available in Europe. Representing leading vendors, each expert detailed the capabilities of their respective solutions—from Generics' focus on sustainability through integrated resource management, to Oracle's comprehensive suite of cloud-based WMS functionalities.

Experts touched on key trends transforming WMS systems:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Enhancing decision-making processes through predictive data analytics and optimizing workflows to improve efficiency.
  • Digital Twin Technology: Developing digital replicas of warehouses allows for scenario planning and operational adjustments without physical changes.
  • Sustainability: Integrating sustainable practices into warehousing operations and logistics practices to reduce carbon footprints and meet regulatory requirements.

Implementation and Change Management

Ultimately, all panelists stressed the importance of change management during the WMS implementation process. As Rudiger pointed out, successful transitions rely on effective communication and understanding among teams about the targets of the new system.

Conclusion and Next Steps

As we wrap up, we remind attendees that there will be an opportunity to further engage with the experts in our virtual lounge. Additionally, for those looking for practical demonstrations, there will be a live demo day in Schiphol, Netherlands, where attendees can see WMS solutions in action.

Thank you to our panelists for sharing their expertise and to our audience for participating!

Keywords

  • Intelligent Warehouse Management System (WMS)
  • Supply Chain Management (SCM)
  • Sustainability
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Digital Twin Technology
  • Change Management
  • E-commerce Optimization
  • Agility and Resilience

FAQ

Q1: What is the focus of the webinar?
A1: The webinar focuses on Intelligent Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and how they can enhance supply chain operations.

Q2: Can I ask questions during the webinar?
A2: Yes, attendees can use the Q&A feature to submit questions throughout the presentation.

Q3: Will the webinar be recorded?
A3: Yes, the webinar will be recorded and available on YouTube after the event.

Q4: What trends are currently influencing warehouse management systems?
A4: Key trends include Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twin Technology, and increased emphasis on sustainability.

Q5: Is there an opportunity to interact with the experts after the webinar?
A5: Yes, there will be a virtual lounge for attendees to engage with the experts for additional Q&A.

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