The simplest solution to effective warehousing is a QWIX Warehouse Management System (WMS)!

Warehousing and Supply Chain Management – despite modernisation over recent years – are still basically doing what they’ve done for years: storage of products in warehouses after manufacturing and then distribution of the products by means of the supply chain.

While the basics or the ‘what’ and “why” of warehouse management hasn’t changed there has, however, been a major shift on the “how” side of things… how things are done on the warehouse management and supply chain front is being transformed and the future of Warehousing and Supply Chain is looking very different! This revolution is all thanks to the introduction of automated warehousing systems or Warehouse Management System (WMS).

The role that automated warehousing plays in the greater scheme of today’s economy cannot be underestimated – warehouse management software solutions key to a functional, efficient supply chain and a healthy national and global economy. What it boils down to is – businesses need a healthy, efficient supply chain and effective warehousing is vital to this!

The simplest solution to effective warehousing is a Warehouse Management System (WMS)  – a QWIX WMS!

The future of warehousing is looking brighter and brighter with WMS solutions becoming more affordable and far easier to integrate than in the past and bringing with them huge potential for scaling and growth in warehousing and productivity and operations.

How does WMS and its associated technology affect the future of warehousing and supply chain management?

• simplified and streamlined processes
• improved inventory tracking and management

• faster order processing and shipping
• instant, accurate data and real-time information at your fingertips – from sales through to system information
• virtually eliminating manual processes, trails of paperwork and the dreaded ‘human error’ factor
• automating tasks such as order dispatching, payment processing, and inventory tracking
• the potential to easily scale up your operation or business thanks to accurate, instant stock and order tracking and real-time operational data.

All of the above will continue to develop in the future as the implementation of WMS in warehouses of every shape and size becomes the norm and as a result they all become even better, easier and faster

Into the future of Warehousing and beyond

Future warehouses will be built with WMS fully integrated from the start and will rely entirely on WMS to monitor all their processes.

While the implementation of WMS, may currently seem daunting and comes with challenges the result is definitely worth it.

Partnering with a company like QWIX, with a supply chain consulting team with years of experience and a wealth of expertise and our QWIX warehouse management systems, definitely eliminates many of the potential issues and pitfalls which may be experienced.

Why is WMS and its associated smart devices and automated technology the future of Warehousing and Supply Chain management? It is, simply put, because it has been proven – without fail – that they work! WMS drives success in a business by optimizing processes and procedures so that warehouses and supply chains run like a dream.

Head into a bright warehousing and supply chain future with QWIX at your side… Experience the QWIX difference – contact the our team today.

The QWIX Supply Chain Consulting team has some advice and a few general rules which, if followed, should help you along a far smoother path to success

“One size fits All” is definitely not the case when it comes to Warehousing and Supply Chain management.  We know very well that every warehouse, although similar in many aspects, has its own unique ‘characteristics’ and dynamic elements such as staff experience, staff changes, warehouse layout, supply chain,and so on, which all need to be considered in the managing of things and which come with their own challenges and problems.

There are, however, some rather common mistakes or pitfalls which most companies battle with and although there’s no “bog-standard” answer or solution to these, the QWIX Supply Chain Consulting team have some advice and a few general rules which, if followed, should help you along a far smoother path to success.

Mistake no. 1 – Rushing things under pressure

Rushing things is generally never a good thing and when it comes to goods in process it’s NEVER, EVER a good thing.  Warehousing is, in theory, a fairly simple, straightforward process, right? It’s just a case of ‘Goods in and Goods out’ but when the pressure is on, things go wrong – for instance when there is an increase in the number of orders to be filled within a certain time. Ensuring you have the right processes and skilled staff in place to deal with the pressure efficiently and effectively can make a difference.  Going a step further and having a QWIX Warehouse Management System in place can make ALL the difference.

Mistake no. 2 – Piles of paperwork

Paperwork, paperwork and more dreaded paperwork… guaranteed to go missing, slow down processes, cause delays and even result in lost stock. Larger warehouses tend to avoid this one by realising the need for and value in implementing a WMS to reduce or eliminate paperwork. Smaller warehouses, however, often fall victim as they are either seen as ‘too small’ to warrant implementing WMS technology or they want to avoid the ‘huge’ cost and effort involved in going digital. A warehouse management system need not be expensive or complicated. In fact, our QWIX WMS systems are suited to all sizes of operations, easy to use, integrate well with existing processes and cost effective.

Mistake no. 3 – Stock overload

While we all hold on to things for ‘just in case’ moments or for a ‘rainy day’, the slope to becoming a hoarder is a slippery and steep one. Warehousing is no different and, despite knowing full well it’s better to reduce stock in order to run a ‘lean’ operation, we still find that an overload of stock is still one of the most common mistakes made, overall.

Our advice – don’t fall for discounts which are “too good to be true” or bulk discounts that could result in tons of stock you cannot move and a negative impact on your cashflow by weakening it with having large amounts tied up in stock. Need some advice or pointers on what your optimum stock holding levels should be? The QWIX Supply Chain Consulting team are on hand to help.

Mistake no. 4 – Avoiding the ‘picking path’ gauntlet

Figuring out a clear, straight, efficient, picking path or run can be a lot like ‘running the gauntlet’.  Tripping up along the path results in inefficient pick paths and a lower picking rate.  All of which have a knock-on effect on timing throughout your supply chain and inevitably on the company’s bottom line. Taking the time to plan and optimise picking routes to be efficient is key to avoiding this common mistake. Don’t have the time? Do not fear – the QWIX Supply Chain Consulting team is here! Give us a shout and we can help you optimise the life out of (or into) your picking paths.

Our QWIX team of supply chain consultants, armed with our very own QWIX management systems software, has years of experience and the knowledge to help you avoid common pitfalls and to streamline your warehouse and supply chain.

Experience the QWIX difference – contact the QWIX team today.

QWIX Warehouse Management System (WMS) features that can make your workflow simpler, better, faster

Making the decision to invest in, install and implement Warehouse Management System (WMS) software in your business is not an easy one but at QWIX we guarantee you that a QWIX WMS will definitely make your workflow  simpler, better, faster.

Our Warehouse Management system offers businesses comprehensive Inventory Tracking resulting in seamless Logistics and Supply Chain Management.  Does ‘seamless’ sound like a bit of a ‘pipe dream’?  With QWIX WMS any supply chain dream is possible… Here are some of the key features of the QWIX warehouse management system and how they can turn dreams into reality, profit and success.

Peace of mind and Greater Control with QWIX WMS Software –  Take total control of every process in your warehouse from Inbound (Receiving and Putting away) right through to Outbound (Picking and Transfers). The QWIX WMS will manage your inventory and stock every step of the way including check and dispatching your packages and track them all the way to the end user with our integrated EPOD (Electronic proof of delivery) module. You can even log successful deliveries, manage returns and optimise every step of the process to best suit your logistics management needs.

Optimise your warehouse with our Android Devices compatible with various operating systems and devices which allow you to track changes on your Desktop interface with customisable today screens and scanner interfaces.  These devices enable your team to have the latest, most reliable information on hand. 

Client satisfaction through QWIX WMS – WMS software improves your business workflow and thereby support your clients and their often unique and complex needs, effectively.

Optimum stock levels through WMS Inventory and Stock Tracking – QWIX WMS’ Inventory Management feature allows the efficient tracking of goods between locations throughout the entire supply chain process and during shipment.  It gives you total control of receiving new merchandise and over all warehouse processes including picking, packaging and delivery.  Product obsolescence and spoilage become a thing of the past and ensures that products are never out of stock.

Near perfection in the ‘last mile’ of the customer journey thanks to QWIX EPOD – this brilliant cutting-edge feature is critical to providing your customer with the ultimate final leg of their online order experience and is also a crucial measure of the customer’s engagement experience.  The QWIX EPOD offers live proof of delivery, barcode scanning and e-signature and provides and electronic audit trail for supply chain management and enterprise resource planning software.

Forget the fear of not seeing the ‘big picture’ with a live- action, real-time view of operations with QWIX Automation Work-In-Progress – have your finger on the pulse of your operation with the QWIX AUTOMATION solution which gives you a precise live picture with work in progress tracking (for tracking raw materials into production), live visibility of materials on the shop floor as well as tracking materials, lots and batches live through all processes of manufacturing with PLC integration for automated verification during the manufacturing process.  You will also have the latest, in-depth and accurate information as it provides for shop floor data-collection by recording user production with date and time stamps, providing live dashboards on productivity and recording time spent between different manufacturing processes. 

QWIX WMS is the best Turnkey Warehouse Management System developed to international standards and specifically suited to the South African market.  We know that by giving you total control of your operation it will transform your business and make your supply chain management dreams come true.

Experience the QWIX difference, contact our specialist Sales and Consulting Team today – sales@qwix.net

The QWIX specialist team of Warehouse Management Consultants answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Q:  What does WMS stand for in terms of Warehousing?

A:  WMS is an abbreviation of the term “Warehouse Management System”

Q:  What is a Warehouse Management System?

A:  A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a programme (usually made up of software and related processes) that helps to monitor and handle day-to-day warehouse tasks. It usually controls the entire warehouse process or journey from the time goods enter to the time they leave the warehouse or several warehouses and can reach as far as ending in the hand of the individual customer.

Q:  What are the functions of a Warehouse Management System?

A:  A Warehouse Management System has a wide variety of functions including:

• Receive & tracking inventory
• Picking, packing, and shipping
• Paperless documentation of all processes within the entire product or operational journey
• Reporting and analytics

Q:  What types of Warehouse Management Systems and processes are there?

A:  WMS Systems and Processes include:

• Standalone WMS
• Cloud-based WMS
• Supply chain system
• ERP systems

Q:  Why would you need a warehouse management system?

A:  To control inventory, track stock, improve customer services, enhance the company’s productivity, gain greater return on investment (ROI)

Q:  What’s the difference between warehouse management and inventory management?

A:  Warehouse management solutions give you an all-encompassing framework that covers all aspects of operations and business warehouse systems. Inventory management simply manages stock volumes.

Q:  How do I know what type of WMS I would need?

A:  This is where advice from the experts is invaluable.  The QWIX team has vast experience in the field of WMS and would be able to advise you on exactly how the QWIX WMS would best suit your needs. 

“At QWIX we are all about ‘Supply Chain Intelligence, Applied’ – which for us means sharing our Team’s vast knowledge and experience with our clients and applying this combined intelligence to their businesses, helping them to achieve optimal efficiency”  – Sean van Harmelen, QWIX director and head of the QWIX Consulting Team

Q:  What is Supply Chain Management (SCM)?

A:  The “snappy” answer is  – SCM is the management of the flow of goods, data, and finances in relation to a product or service.  Management involves the entire process from procurement of raw materials right through to the delivery of the product at its final destination.

Q:  Is a Supply Chain simply logistics?

A:  Many people tend to think that a supply chain and logistics are one and the same thing.  However, logistics is just one link or part of the supply chain.  Today’s supply chains are digitally based and include a number of ‘links’ including material handling, software for those in product or service creation, order fulfillment and information tracking.  There are also a number of different stakeholders involved in the process such as suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, transport and logistics provider, retailers and the customer and can be a local or international process.

Q:  What can a Supply Chain consultant help me with?

A:  The QWIX Supply Chain Consulting team is all about “Supply Chain Intelligence, Applied” and can help you with any and all of the activities involved in your supply chain from Supply Chain Planning to Operations and even Infrastructure development. QWIX realises there is a need for a consulting service for clients who don’t necessarily have the capability or perhaps the capacity to build the best supply chain for their business.  The QWIX team has vast knowledge of Supply Chain, based on years of experience and we are able to share this expertise and help You to take your Supply Chain into the future.

Q:  Do I need advice in regard to my Supply Chain?

A:  The short answer is YES – every supply chain can be improved on. The QWIX Supply Chain consulting team looks at each link in the Supply Chain and then the entire chain holistically – using years of experience and knowledge to fine tune the entire process

Q:  Where do I start when considering implementing WMS software or using a  Supply Chain Consultant for my business?

A:  The best place to start is by contacting QWIX.  The QWIX team can guide you and get you off to the best start.  QWIX offers a comprehensive consulting service backed by their own dedicated WMS.  So, if you are remotely considering a Warehouse Management solution or looking at either developing a supply chain or upgrading and improving on your current supply chain – QWIX is the answer.

Q:  What does taking on the services of a Supply Chain consultant involve? 

A:  The QWIX SCCS team members work alongside clients in an advisory capacity.  We don’t come in and dictate – we listen and consult.  Our team works with your team, helping clients with anything from building a supply chain from scratch to totally transforming an existing supply chain – use our expertise to give you the competitive edge.

Q:  Why is QWIX WMS Solution considered to be one of the best warehouse management systems available?

A:  Our Warehouse Management system offers comprehensive Inventory & Asset Tracking, for seamless Logistics & Supply Chain Management.  It is the best Turnkey Warehouse Management System developed to international standards and specifically for the South African market with additional components for Work-in-Progress Tracking (WIP) and Electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD).  Our solution gives you total control from raw materials, through manufacturing with (WIP) Work-in-Progress tracking and shop floor data collection and is capable of handling major distribution centers.

We hope we have satisfied your curiosity and clarified things for you with our answers to just the top questions regarding WMS and SCM – we know there are likely to be plenty more questions – so, if we’ve piqued your interest or if you have any further WMS or SCM questions please feel free to contact the QWIX Team – we’d love to chat and be of assistance.

Contact Sean and the QWIX Consulting Team today – sean@qwix.net

QWIX – Supply Chain Intelligence, Applied.

“It is difficult to judge supply chain practitioners’ experience,

knowledge, commitment and integrity.

I believe that supply chain designations are a great step towards

the maturity of the supply chain profession.”

– Sean van Harmelen, Supply Chain Executive

Sean was one of several professionals awarded as part of the professional designation programme launched by SAPICS which is aimed at standardising skills and practices in the Supply Chain Management field, across the continent.

Professionalisation of Supply Chain Management is vital to the profession as it is one of the largest in the world, spans just about every industry imaginable and encompasses people from countless different fields, all with a variety of experience and with diverse qualifications.

Sean is a classic example of just how varied and diverse the people who make up the ranks in the field are.  

“Many, like me, didn’t plan a career in it,” says Sean, who hails from a Technology background with a good dose of Retail experience thrown in the mix – all making for a great team member to have on your side when it comes dealing with anything Supply Chain.  

On the subject of why standardising the profession through the professional designation programme, is so important Sean says: “It is difficult to judge supply chain practitioners’ experience, knowledge, commitment and integrity. I believe that supply chain designations are a great step towards the maturity of the supply chain profession.”

“For me, personally, it is a way to benchmark myself; to give credibility to my experience and knowledge; to demonstrate my commitment to the supply chain community; and a way to show my dedication to lifelong learning.”

Professional designation will not only improve the quality of supply chain professionals and thereby enable the growth and advancement of supply chain specialists but also offer clients the advantage of knowing what they are getting when they enlist the services of a professional in Supply Chain Management field.

If you’re looking for advice on anything Supply Chain related – from Infrastructure through to Operations and Supply Chain Strategy – QWIX is here to help you.  QWIX Solutions are perfectly suited to your needs and enable growth, improve performance and help drive the all important bottom-line.

Contact Sean and the QWIX Consulting Team today – sean@qwix.net

QWIX – Supply Chain Intelligence, Applied.

How reinventing your supply chain with the QWIX Supply Chain Consulting Team can give your business the competitive edge

In today’s tumultuous, fast-changing world having a robust, sustainable supply chain that can weather the storms gives your business the competitive edge to not just survive but to thrive.

The drastic increase in the automation of processes over recent years has resulted in a highly competitive business landscape – with everyone chasing the ultimate prize – a satisfied customer.
Ensuring your supply chain is able to adapt, keep up and compete with the rest for the long-run, has become vital to the success of any business. This is where Supply Chain Consultants step into the picture and with their expertise are able to reinvent, transform and sort out any ‘kinks’ in an existing supply chain or advise on building a brand-spanking new one, from scratch.

At QWIX, we apply our knowledge and experience of supply chain elements such as warehouse layout, warehouse processes, inventory management, logistics network and vendor management (to mention but a few) – to your supply chain in order to drive up your customer satisfaction rate. We understand that neglecting any of these elements has a great impact on sales, servicing customers and ultimately stunts growth.

You may be considering managing the above elements in-house as it seems the reasonable option and would cost less, however, you need to take into consideration the fact that this process would require a lot of internal resources and you may also have a lack of expertise in the field, within your ranks.
Using the services of an experienced supply chain consultancy team will fast-track the process of designing and/or optimising your supply chain and will ensure you look at all available option and find the best-fit solutions for your unique set-up and processes.

If you’re still unsure of the value of a supply chain consultant, read further.
Here are a few more reasons why you need to consider QWIX Supply Chain Consulting

1. Your business is unique
Each business faces its own unique set of challenges and uses various strategies to manage these. Factors such as location, product type, customer profile and distribution make for huge differences in the challenges faced by businesses. Supply chain consultants have experience in dealing with a number of varied challenges in diverse situations and can therefore offer a myriad of solutions each with their own outcome.

2. Keeping up with the trends
Supply chain consultants are on top of the latest trends and technologies available to address supply chain issues get optimal value in any supply chain. They use this knowledge to figure out which of thes technologies would be the best solution for your business, based on a thorough understanding of your needs.
QWIX has the added benefit of its very own technology division which has the latest in WMS (warehouse management systems) all geared towards saving time, greater efficiency and fewer errors.

3. Smoothing out the kinks
Kinks and bottlenecks pop up in any supply chain from warehousing through to inventory management. Supply chain consultants are able to identify these, analyse data, apply strategies to resolve them and get the process running smoothly once again – taking you to the lead in the race for customer satisfaction.

The supply chain consultant’s vast knowledge and experience of ‘all things supply chain’ are invaluable in navigating the new supply chain world of today and claiming the ultimate prize.

If you want to add value to your business by managing your supply chain efficiently, contact Sean van Harmelen  the QWIX Consulting Team today – sean@qwix.net today.
QWIX – Supply Chain Intelligence, Applied.

Why automate your warehouse? With QWIX it makes perfect financial and operational sense. QWIX Warehouse Management System (WMS) can save your company time and money.

How? WMS software can reduce labour, eliminate human processing errors and consolidate steps in your process making it more streamlined. The crux of the matter is – it can change the way your entire business operates.

1. Labour management & efficiency 

The QWIX Warehouse Management System (WMS) is designed to fully automate your warehouse management with dynamic workflow arrangements. This means all processes are linked to your workflow and this coupled with a full audit transaction trail of users, zero paperwork and automated team member direction means a more efficient team and process. The system provides the fastest picking routes, facilitates picking in multiple zones and walk-order optimisation saving your team valuable time as well as giving them concise, accurate answers related to tasks allowing them to move from task to task smoothly and without time-consuming hitches and reducing the ‘footpath’ of team members on the shop or warehouse floor saving not only time but also reducing the risk of injury.  An added bonus is that automation also allows you to more accurately assess your workforce requirement.

2. Fewer Errors

The human error risk factor is unavoidable in any warehouse operation. Every error takes up time – first with having to identify the error then formulating a rectification plan and eventually correction through implementing the plan. Errors are also risky business when it comes to your customers and can lose you business through unhappy or dissatisfied customers. The inherent, internal ‘checks and balances’ of the QWIX WMS reduces the risk of errors, allows for fast, automatic identification of any errors that do occur resulting in prompt correction and thereby also hugely reduces the chance of having to duplicate work which costs time and money. Fewer errors = Happy customers.

3. Streamlining your Process

Qwix WMS provides tools, systems and expertise to optimise your warehouse processes, thus increasing efficiency and also gives you insight and direction into your process which enables you to identify any unnecessary/extra steps which could save time.

It equips you with real-time results to effectively manage your warehouse logistics and is designed to fully automate your warehouse management, using intelligent, personalised digital interfaces and dynamic workflow arrangements which all add to a far more streamlined process.

4. Timing is everything

Automation of your warehouse with WMS software makes you a master of your timing….

• It ties in with delivery information and scheduling – ensuring deliveries go out on time.
• Order prioritising can be based on projected shipping windows – resulting in greater efficiency and ensuring deliveries are early rather than late.
• Delivery schedule problems also cost the company time and warehouse space – WMS saves time and money through optimisation of your space with system-calculated volumetric routing and system-directed put-away.

When QWIX WMS software “does its job” you are able to “do your job” effortlessly. You can expect a streamlined process with major changes to team productivity, speed of order movement and deliveries all of which will save you time and money in the long-run. QWIX Warehouse Management System  can save your company time and money.

Some QWIX clients who are reaping the rewards after choosing to automate with a QWIX Warehouse Management System include:  Clicks, HomeChoice, Duram Smart Paint, HellermannTyton,  Zest WEG Group, Sea Harvest, Verimark, BCE Foodservice Equipment.