Wholesale distributors are turning to NetSuite WMS to aid success

Efficiency is the Holy Grail for many businesses, but in wholesale distribution, it is an essential element for success. Achieving flexibility and scalability, minimising handling costs and driving up profit margins can help industry players stay ahead of the curve in what has become an incredibly competitive arena.

For this reason, Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) systems have become a vital element in managing and executing key functions in warehousing – connecting people, processes and data, and providing visibility of the whole supply chain which not only facilitates smoother processes, but highlights any failures in the process that can then be quickly rectified. Utilising specialist software designed specifically for the wholesale distribution industry can transform business operations, through better management of vital activities such as inventory management and warehouse transactions.

Oracle NetSuite is a leading ERP system employed by many businesses across a variety of sectors, but its Warehouse Management System (WMS) extends NetSuite functionality and offers a sophisticated solution for important functions within wholesale distribution businesses. From warehouse set-up through to pick and pack processes and inventory accuracy, Oracle NetSuite WMS guides users through processing tasks – with real-time data offering enhanced visibility across the business.

Here, we outline the key considerations for optimum wholesale distribution success, and the functions within Oracle NetSuite WMS that can aid the efficiencies that lead to it.

Implementing the right set-up creates a solid foundation

Establishing the right warehouse set-up processes can be a ‘make or break’ element in any wholesale distribution organisation. Using a mobile device and processes, customised to the warehouse setup, helps improve inventory accuracy and reduces the time spent searching for and handling items in the warehouse. Having access to a customisable solution that allows warehouse layout and zone definition, and the ability to set up multiple UPC codes for items, can enhance efficiencies from the outset. Being able to customise options for elements, such as screens, to reflect the needs of on-floor warehouse tasks, menus, to add additional workflow and functionality, and measurements, to allow transactions in any unit of measurement (UOM), greatly optimises day-to-day operations.

Using the mobile app for receiving, picking and cycle counting increases productivity and accuracy, while the automation of ASN and EDI transaction generation is part of the enhanced warehousing task management functionality within Oracle NetSuite WMS. This unrivalled solution provides a robust foundation for a successful operation.

Enhanced inventory management functions negate common pain points

Inefficient inventory management, leading to overstocking, understocking or obsolete inventory, can create a variety of problems for a wholesale distribution business, limiting productivity. Effective automation of inventory management speeds up processes and improves accuracy. NetSuite WMS Guided Inventory Receiving and Putaway provides recommended bins and putaway rules for users, and automatically distributes inventory into bins by CSV import. The auto-populate lot expiry date means the system will automatically populate the expiry date based on shelf-life. Additionally, the composite barcodes facility allows utilisation of GS1 and HIBC barcodes to facilitate the receiving process, and the inbound reversal function means received lines can be reversed on purchase orders, even if they are multiple lines across multiple purchase orders. Its features such as these that make Oracle NetSuite WMS the premier solution in wholesale distribution.

Automation is key in order processing

Slow or inaccurate picking and packing can cause significant expense to any wholesale distribution business – which is why automation is being increasingly employed by wholesale distribution businesses. The Oracle NetSuite WMS Optimised Pick, Pack and Ship allows the definition of pick strategies based on a variety of criteria, establishing rules to optimise picking processes, with the added functionality to print labels on receipt – which are automatically generated during the receiving process. Efficiencies are enhanced with the ability to multi-order pick and pack for multiple sales orders in a single session.

Picking options are plentiful, with features such as picking by order type: order types can be defined to group orders, staging picked orders – order can be staged after picking to specified locations, and quick reversal of a picked transaction line. With support for up to 10,000 order lines per day, per picking location, fast processing can be achieved – which results in increased profit margins.

Connecting processes rather than executing them in silos holds a variety of benefits for wholesale distributors, and the right ERP systems are vital in the successful integration of these processes that will aid productivity, lower costs and increase customer satisfaction – all key ingredients for enhanced profit margins, and that all-important competitive edge.

If you’d like to have an initial discussion about your business operations, learn more about NetSuite WMS or arrange for a comprehensive demo of the software and features, please contact us.