Case Study: Implementing a Warehouse Management System for Howrah Warehouse

Case Study: Implementing a Warehouse Management System for Howrah Warehouse

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Introduction

Howrah Warehouse,  faced challenges in managing their warehouse operations due to increased demand and inventory complexity. They partnered with Indian Technology Company to implement a tailored Warehouse Management System (WMS) to improve inventory accuracy, streamline operations, and enhance overall efficiency.

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Client Profile

• Name: Bhutoria Brothers
• Industry: Diverse
• Facility: Multiple warehouses across India.
• Operational Model: Warehousing of materials

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Challenges Faced

1. Inventory Management Issues

• Manual inventory tracking resulted in frequent stock mismatches and errors.
• Difficulty in locating specific items within large warehouses led to delays in order fulfillment.

2. Inefficient Order Processing

• High order volumes required significant manual intervention, increasing processing times.
• Lack of integration between inventory and order management caused delays and miscommunication.

3. Space Utilization

• Poor visibility into warehouse capacity led to inefficient space utilization.
• Overcrowding in some areas while other sections were underutilized.

4. Lack of Real-Time Insights

• Managers lacked real-time data on stock levels, incoming shipments, and order statuses.
• Decision-making was reactive rather than proactive.

5. Inadequate Reporting and Analytics

• Absence of detailed reports on stock movement, order trends, and operational efficiency hindered planning and forecasting.

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Solution Overview

Indian Technology Company developed and implemented a Warehouse Management System (WMS) designed specifically for Howrah Warehouse’s operations. The system addressed their unique challenges by automating billing, stock management, and providing real-time visibility into warehouse operations.

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Key Features of the WMS

1. Centralized Inventory Management

• Real-time tracking of stock levels across all bonds.

2. Billing Processing Automation

• Seamless integration with client’s stock to generate billing.

3. Warehouse Space Optimization

• Optimized storage space utilization.

4. Real-Time Data Insights

• Dashboards providing live updates on stock levels, order statuses, and warehouse activities.

5. Reporting and Analytics

• Comprehensive reports on stock movement, order fulfillment times, and operational efficiency.

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Implementation Phases

1. Requirement Analysis

• Conducted detailed assessments of Howrah Warehouse’s warehouse operations to identify bottlenecks.
• Collaborated with stakeholders to define objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).

2. System Design and Customization

• Developed a customized WMS aligned with Howrah Warehouse’ operational model.

3. Deployment

• Phased deployment, starting with the largest warehouse to minimize disruption.

4. Training and Change Management

• Conducted comprehensive training programs for warehouse staff and managers.
• Implemented change management strategies to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.

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Results Achieved

1. Improved Inventory Accuracy

• Inventory mismatches reduced by 95% due to real-time tracking and automated updates.
• Reduced stockouts and overstocking by maintaining optimal inventory levels.

2. Faster Order Fulfillment

• Order processing time decreased by 40% with automated workflows and efficient picking processes.
• On-time delivery rates increased significantly, enhancing customer satisfaction.

3. Enhanced Space Utilization

• Space utilization improved by 30% with intelligent slotting and dynamic space management.
• Optimized storage layouts minimized movement within the warehouse, improving efficiency.

4. Real-Time Operational Insights

• Managers gained real-time visibility into stock levels, order statuses, and warehouse capacity.
• Proactive decision-making reduced downtime and improved resource allocation.

5. Data-Driven Decision Making

• Detailed reports and analytics enabled better planning and forecasting.
• Predictive insights reduced inventory carrying costs by identifying demand trends.

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Key Metrics Post-Implementation

Metric	Before WMS	After WMS
Inventory Accuracy	85%	99%
Billing Processing Time	2–3 days	1 min
Space Utilization Efficiency	70%	90%
On-Time Delivery Rate	70%	95%
Inventory Carrying Costs	High	Reduced by 20%

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Key Features Delivered

Feature	Impact
Real-Time Inventory Tracking	Reduced errors and improved stock management.
Automated Bill Processing	Automated billing wrt to stock of the bond
Space Optimization	Improved warehouse layout and capacity utilization.
Data Analytics and Reporting	Enhanced operational visibility and planning.

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Lessons Learned

1. Custom Solutions Deliver Better Results: Tailoring the WMS to Howrah Warehouse’s specific needs ensured greater efficiency.
2. Staff Training is Crucial: Equipping staff with the skills to use the system maximized its impact.
3. Collaboration Ensures Success: Engaging all stakeholders during implementation led to smoother adoption and fewer issues.

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Conclusion

The implementation of the Warehouse Management System transformed Howrah Warehouse’s operations. The WMS streamlined inventory management, optimized space utilization, and improved bill processing times, enabling Howrah Warehouse’s  to meet increasing demand efficiently and cost-effectively.

This case study demonstrates how technology-driven warehouse solutions can drive operational excellence and business growth.