The effective integration and optimization of Warehouse Management Systems: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The significance of addressing warehouses role in supply chains is based on increased expectations from customers and the growing complexity of warehouse operations. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) have been introduced as a tool for the effective management of warehouses. The thesis delves into how WMS can improve warehouse logistics by conducting a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). To address how WMS can improve warehouse logistics, the study initializes by investigating considerations challenging a successful system implementation and integration. Thereafter, the study explores the practical implications of WMS and how it can contribute to enhancing warehouses operational efficiency. Findings suggest that the principal challenge and barrier hindering a successful implementation refers to managerial and organizational resilience, based on a reluctance to invest, commit, and adapt to new technologies. Regarding WMS practical contribution to warehouse logistics, findings demonstrate that WMS has an expansive field of applications allowing increased operational efficiency. Key findings refer to the system’s ability to simplify operational processes, optimize strategies, and cooperate with emerging technologies by utilizing real-time information. The significance of the concluded results is the argumentation for the importance of acquiring a WMS for businesses operating warehouses and the identification of key considerations, affecting the successful implementation, that needed to be examined when acquiring a WMS. The presented findings of the study are limited within the scope of the adopted SLR and considerations about WMS potential effect on businesses competitive advantage, businesses financial winnings, and the environment have not been made.