WMS Software Key Terms

Understand the capability of warehouse management software by learning key terms

By Meredith Fagioli

For any business that has a warehouse full of inventory, WMS, or warehouse management software is key to keeping track of how many items you have left, what needs to be re-ordered or what is unaccounted for. Warehouse management software typically feeds into a data collection system that will run inventory reports and can help you determine the state of your warehouse. If warehouse management software seems too complicated, take baby steps. Start by learning some important key terms.

Inventory turn

One of the things that WMS software can help you plan is inventory turn. Inventory turn is the number of times you replenish your inventory per year.
Try: Visit Penton Media to learn more about inventory turn and other WMS software key terms.

PDT

A PDT, or a portable data terminal, can scan UPC bar codes on your inventory and feed the data right to the WMS software.
Try: You can see images of PDTs and learn more about them at American Microsystems.

Pick-to-carton

If a WMS software package has pick-to-carton technology in it, what that means is that the software will tell you exactly which box to use to pack the order. This speeds up the process and eliminates using boxes that are too big for the order.
Try: You can read more information on pick-to-cartons at Inventory Operations Consulting, as well as find other information on WMS software.

Slotting

Slotting is another optional offering for WMS software packages. The act of slotting means that you organize your inventory according to demand to make picking and packing easier.
Try: At Infor, you can read about slotting and optimization for their WMS software.

Reorder quantity

A WMS software package can tell you how many items to reorder when the pre-set reorder number is reached. The number of items the WMS software tells you to reorder is the reorder quantity.
Try: You can read more about reorder quantities at Eclipse Systems Pvt.

UPC

The UPC, or universal product code, is the bar code that is located on an item. It is universally accepted and acknowledged as the main source for product information and manufacturer information.
Try: To learn more about UPC codes, visit Advanced Barcode & Label Technologies.