The rise of railway transportation in the 19th century had a huge impact on warehouse management, improving the efficiency and speed of cargo transportation, intensifying the demand for warehouse storage and sorting capabilities, and promoting the modernization and standardization of warehouse management. With the gradual maturity and popularization of computer technology in the early 1970s, computers began to be used in various industries, including warehouse management. The introduction of computer technology has brought revolutionary changes to warehouse management, improved the efficiency and accuracy of warehouse operations, and promoted the development and application of warehouse computers.
In modern warehouse management, a warehouse computer is a computer device specifically designed for use in a warehouse environment, with the ability to process and perform computing tasks related to warehouse operations. They support the operation of warehouse management systems and can connect and integrate with other warehouse equipment and systems.
Table of contents
1. What is a warehouse computer?
2. Functions and functions of warehouse computers
3. Main types of warehouse computers
4. What are the application scenarios of warehouse computers?
5. Which units need warehouse computers?
6. How to choose a suitable warehouse computer?
1.What is a warehouse computer?
Warehouse computers are the core component of the warehouse management system and the hardware support of the warehouse management system. They are computer devices specially designed for use in the warehouse environment and are specialized in processing and performing various computing tasks related to warehouse operations.
2.Functions and functions of warehouse computers
1. Provide the operating environment of the warehouse management system:
The warehouse computer is the basic equipment that supports the operation of the warehouse management system (WMS). They provide warehouse managers with a platform to operate and monitor warehouse operations by installing, configuring, and running software programs that manage the system. This operating environment is not only hardware equipment, but also software components such as operating systems and database management systems to ensure that the system can run stably and efficiently.
2. Connect and integrate other warehouse equipment and systems:
Warehouse computers have the ability to connect and integrate with other warehouse equipment and systems. Through various communication interfaces and protocols, they can be seamlessly connected with various devices such as barcode scanners, RFID readers, shelf management systems, sensors, etc. This connection and integration capability enables the sharing and exchange of data between various devices, realizing the automation and intelligence of warehouse operations.
3. Perform various computing tasks related to warehouse operations:
Warehouse computers can not only support the basic functions of the warehouse management system, but also perform various computing tasks related to warehouse operations. For example, they can quickly identify and locate goods through barcode scanning functions, realize real-time monitoring of the flow and location of goods through cargo tracking functions, and record and manage the inventory status of various commodities in the warehouse through inventory management functions. The execution of these computing tasks makes warehouse operations more efficient and precise, improving the level and efficiency of warehouse management.
3.Main Types of Warehouse Computers
Desktop Computer: Desktop computer usually refers to a desktop computer with a larger chassis and monitor, suitable for placement on a warehouse management workbench in a fixed location. They usually have strong computing power and storage capacity, can run complex warehouse management software, and are easy to upgrade and maintain.
Laptop: A laptop is a portable computer device that is suitable for warehouse management scenarios that require flexible mobility, such as warehouse inspections, cargo inventory, etc. They are lightweight and easy to carry, can be moved between different warehouse areas, and are connected to the warehouse management system via wireless networks.
Industrial-Grade Computers: Industrial-grade computers are computer equipment specifically designed for use in industrial environments and offer greater durability and stability. They are usually dustproof, waterproof, and anti-vibration, and can operate stably in harsh warehouse environments. They are often used for the control and monitoring of automated warehouse systems.
Special-purpose terminal equipment: Special-purpose terminal equipment is computer equipment designed for specific warehouse operation tasks, such as barcode scanners, RFID readers, etc. They are usually small and portable, and can complete specific operational tasks quickly and accurately, improving the efficiency and accuracy of warehouse operations.
4.What are the application scenarios for warehouse computers?
The application scenario of warehouse computers is where the hardware equipment in the entire warehouse management system is applied, which generally includes the following categories.
A. Warehouse management system operation:
As a key component of the warehouse management system, the warehouse computer is responsible for providing an operating environment and supporting the stable operation of the system. They play an important role in processing and performing various computing tasks related to warehouse operations, such as order processing, goods sorting, inventory adjustment, etc. Through warehouse computers, managers can monitor warehouse operations in real time, perform order management, task allocation and inventory control, etc., to improve the efficiency and accuracy of warehouse management.
B. Logistics system integration:
Warehouse computers usually need to be integrated with other logistics systems to achieve seamless connection between warehouse management and logistics management. This includes connections and data exchange with various systems such as supply chain management systems, transportation management systems, order management systems, etc. By integrating different logistics systems, warehouse computers can realize information sharing and business collaboration, optimize logistics operation processes, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of goods flow.
C. Barcode scanning and cargo tracking:
Warehouse computers are usually equipped with barcode scanning equipment for fast and accurate identification and recording of goods. Through barcode scanning, warehouse computers can track and record operations such as the entry, exit, and movement of goods, ensuring that the flow of goods is visualized and controllable. At the same time, using barcode scanning technology, warehouse computers can also realize inventory counting and difference processing of goods, improving the accuracy and efficiency of inventory management.
D. Inventory management and data collection:
Warehouse computers are responsible for real-time monitoring and management of warehouse inventory. By connecting with the warehouse management system and logistics system, they can obtain the incoming and outgoing information and inventory status of goods in real time, and collect and update inventory data. At the same time, the warehouse computer is also responsible for analyzing and processing inventory data, generating inventory reports and statistical analysis, and providing decision support and business guidance for managers.
5.Which units need warehouse computers ?
If you have a warehouse or distribution center and want to become more competitive, you need warehouse computers to help you build a warehouse management system. Relying on manual paper methods is ineffective. If execution is poor, you risk losing customers.
Many industries use warehouse computers to build warehouse management systems, but six major industries are the largest users.
Manufacturing companies need warehouse management systems to track multiple inventories from raw materials to finished goods.
Retail companies need warehouse management systems to help cope with the increase in online purchasing so their customers can see what's in stock at physical stores and schedule pickup or delivery.
Both the food and beverage and healthcare industries require warehouse management systems to meet the specific needs of products that may spoil or expire, ensuring that these products are kept in the right location and shipped in a timely manner.
Third-party logistics (3PL) manage inventory for multiple companies, so a warehouse management system is very important to these businesses to ensure that customers' products are stored separately and managed independently.
Wholesale distributors need to move large amounts of inventory, so a warehouse management system can help them streamline processes and reduce labor costs.
6.How to choose the right warehouse computer?
Here are some key criteria for choosing the right warehouse computer for your business:
1. Budget/Return on Investment
- Check out what a warehouse management system built by Warehouse Computers will bring you to help you determine your budget. You should get return on investment from the following 7 aspects:
- Improve processes and increase efficiency (do more with fewer resources)
- Reduce costs through increased efficiency and improved inventory management
- Better customer service, increased customer retention and revenue
- Improve accuracy, thereby reducing rework and improving decision-making
- Improve visibility and traceability
- Improve visibility and traceability
- Improve productivity
2.Functionality
- Find systems that perform the functions most important to your organization. Some basic features you'll need include
- Real-time inventory movement tracking
- Improve labor, equipment and space utilization
- Improve picking, packaging and shipping accuracy
- Better understand operations
- Latest technologies including barcoding, RFID, serialization, mobility, etc.
7.Summarize
This guide provides a basic understanding of what a warehouse computer is. To learn more about related services, see our other product guides, or visit the Discover CPDEVICE platform to find potential sources or view details about a specific product.
