The Benefits of WMS ‘Set-and-Forget’ Automated Report Scheduling

The Benefits of Automated Report Scheduling in a Warehouse Management System

WMS ‘Set-and-Forget’ Reporting for Assured Inventory Control

3PL’s manage the physical stock on behalf of their customers and more often than not, the stock is managed at locations that are geographically different from their clients. An essential element to any successful third-party logistics provider service will be the ability to provide accurate and timely reports to their customers. Reports are crucial for customers to maintain control over their inventory, make informed decisions, and ensure efficient supply chain operations.

Some common WMS reports include:In many instances there may be EDI integrations between the parties, and while this can keep systems aligned reporting demands on 3Pl’s is still a critical element on their service provision.

Most 3PLs operate public or multi-tenanted environments meaning that they can have many clients to provide reports for. Additionally, these clients will have varying requirements on the frequency of their specific reports, and finally, varying demand on how the data within reports is laid out, summarised and presented. It is essential that the WMS chosen can manage these capabilities.

Three mandatory questions about WMS auto-reporting to ask are:

1. Does the WMS have a user definable report writer?
2. Can this report writer summarise data in a flexible manner?
3. Can reports be generated and linked to a specified customer account or accounts?

A good WMS should also have an auto report scheduler as unless you have hours of administration will be spent daily, weekly or monthly producing reports and this process will also be dependent on “Human Glue” [People within the organisation remembering what reports to produce, whom they are to be set to and to perform this task correctly]. ProWMS Warehouse Management Software includes as part of its core functionality an innovative Auto Report Scheduler that allows users to ‘set-and-forget’ their reports.

The key here is that any report, once created, can be generated and sent automatically to the client at the dates and times of their choosing. The reports can contain almost any information stipulated or required by the client and be presented in locked formats such as PDF or in machine-readable and editable formats such as Excel that can easily be imported and used by other business applications. Neither the 3PL nor the client needs to intervene which saves considerable time and removes any risk of any error being inadvertently introduced because the report will have the same format and structure every time.

WMS auto-reporting deliverables include:

• User selected reports – attach to user-defined timetable.
• Reduces admin. time and effort.
• Optimises order efficiency, accuracy and improves customer satisfaction.
• Data can be presented in secured format for importing into any customer system.
• Automatically generated reports – circulated internally and externally via email.
• Audit trail: full log of all reports maintained.

The integration of an automated report scheduling tool into a 3PL’s WMS offers a multitude of benefits that can significantly enhance operational efficiency, accuracy, and client satisfaction. As the logistics industry continues to evolve, 3PL providers that embrace automation and advanced technologies will be well-positioned to thrive in this dynamic and demanding marketplace.