Questions and answers

Hi guys, feel free to ask any questions relevant to this topic here, we will do our best to answer any pertaining queries :)

Responses to Queries:

Responding to Junhui's Query

Hey Junhui, for your question: Under the constraints of WMS, the adoption of the WMS seems feasible only to large companies, would this deter small-mid size companies from adopting and thus limit WMS's user range?

As to whether the product can be tracked even if it's not within the country's perimeter, it can be tracked. This is because RFID tags contain information that can link wirelessly with the Warehouse Management System(WMS). RFID tags can also be used for animal identification. Also called passive RFID technology or just simply chips you put on your pet in case he/she goes missing. Anyway, RFID tags contain smart memory and a radio transmitter. Unlike bar code reading, RFID receivers receive this information and are able to identify the item/product effortlessly based on information stored on the memory in the tag. Technically wise, RFID readers can collect information from varying distances, based on the frequency of the radio transmitter. Just for your information, low frequency RFID transmitters require the person receiving to be within 1 foot. High frequency transmitters requires readers to be within 3 feet of the item. UltraHigh frequency tags have a read range of 10 and 20 feet.

To showcase clearly the advantages of RFID technology over bar code systems, major retailers in the UnitedStates such as WalMArt and Target are in the process of testing UltraHigh frequency RFID technology. Since WalMart are the only major retailer that has set the stage and integrated RFID technology seamlessly into it's system, they are requiring 100 of it's top suppliers to have RFID tags on shipments. This effectively reflects the growing trends in using RFID technology and WalMart have set an example model.

Nowadays manufacturers have been requiring RFID tags on their pallets of goods and cases that leave their warehouse. When we talk about real time information, it means the RFID tags are able to track the products from the moment they leave the manufacturer to the point it reaches the customer. This is known as efficient tracking and tracing and more importantly, provides transparency to the entire supply chain flow. So, it is true the product can be tracked even in the transportation process, during shipment when it is out of the country. But however, ultimately it all depends on the frequency of the radio transmitter. With the popular RFID trend now, there will come a time to likely have many suppliers requiring to have RFID tags on shipments as requested by manufacturers. This technology will be developing and bring even greater benefits. Who knows, so by then whether or not the product can be detected may not be a question many manufacturers would face.

Hope this helps! :))


Responding to KangCheng's Query

Kangcheng: Under the constraints of WMS, the adoption of the WMS seems feasible only to large companies, would this deter small-mid size companies from adopting and thus limit WMS's user range?

Hi Kangcheng, good question.

It's true that there are many (particularly small-mid size) companies still continue to rely on non-commercial WMS solutions like manual and spreadsheet-based solutions to maintain warehouse business operations. Citing high upfront costs, expensive software integration and lack of knowledge as part of the main hurdles to adopt WMS.
However the mounting pressures for growing companies (supporting increased sales without increasing staff, customers demanding faster order turn-around time and warehouses out of space) have clearly reached a point where information visibility and information automation are becoming more and more important to sustaining the business. These companies will find the rising need to invest in WMS as they continue to deal with these increased pressures.
The solutions to these small-mid size companies would be that they have to find other alternatives to combat these restraints, by conducting thorough investigation and evaluation phases, and in depth research on what options are availble before making decision on wheter to invest. The vendors could also play their part by educating the public and differentiate themselves when it comes to how their solutions can be deployed, helping to overcome the hight upfront costs and expensive integrations hurdles.

The future of WMS
WMS vendors are continuously honing their products to meet client needs, seeking to offer broader suite of products in the near future, with the WMS moving away from RF and instead incorporate the use of voice controls with RFID as a way to create even faster, more efficient systems.

Here's a very useful article that contain information and dicussed everything about the WMS, do read it if you have the time.

http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/wms-essentials/warehouse-management-systems-wms-going-beyond-the-warehouse-walls-26649


Responding to Solyh's query:

Hey man!Toyota has international and domestic models of cars. International models of cars are built for export overseas, based on overseas customer demands, such as in Singapore. Depends on the different geographic locations where the cars are exported to, retailers in Singapore request for certain specifications for a particular model. Borneo motors would request for standard parts/components/features in the car based on their own research on market trends, customer demands. They request for what they want in the car, and what they would not want. By the way, toyota cars are not manufactured in Singapore because of labor costs. These cars are manufactured in probably different parts of the world, where manufacturing costs and facilities may be lower.In any case, Toyota has manufacturing plants in many continents across the world.Borneo Motors will be the sole official distributor in Singapore for Toyota cars.As to your question of how JIT works for Toyota. JIT is a strategy whereby components arrive just in time for production. Many trends nowadays are towards reducing inventory and costs. Also reduces stock out situations and this is all part of risk management. This JIT system is part of the Toyota Production System(TPS). Toyota visited Piggly Wiggly and modelled after them after observing a successful functioning JIT system. As for Toyota's JIT system, many of their vehicles are built to order. Toyota redesigned their parts of almost everything so that they could accept varying customer demands and tolerate such changes. Some parts were also reduced in numbers and types to standardize assembly items.In fact, several of their car models use the same kind of assembly components. Having their JIT has this one primary purpose: that is to have the right material at the right time and at the right place in the right quantity.


Responding to Yuanhao's Query

To Yuanhao's query: Globalizing the supply chain is an upcoming trend that many companies nowadays are moving towards to. The need for 3PL services for added value logistics services provider is essential in many businesses as they move towards trying to concentrate on their core businesses. The level of trust and confidence these manufacturers have towards the 3PL companies is one not to be undermined. Hence, many manufacturers opt to allow 3PL's to handle their non-core logistics needs.

On the other hand, such practices globalize their supply chain at the same time, for some companies the globalization is huge and something to be proud of. However, for some such globalization comes along with risks and other forms of obstacles along the way. For example, the huge and high fuel prices has deterred some companies from outsourcing in foreign countries. Global issues such as Global Warming has also raised demand for green supply chains. Despite the advantages and disadvantages of globalization, there are some companies that is able to balance between the both trade-offs and even balanced it well. Being cost-effective and yet conscious about the environment is some achievement some companies have.

Some Barriers to globalizing supply chains are that the environment may be harmed. However, some companies are still trying to be the leader in this new trend of being "Green". For example, Walmart has set the stage of this new trend, starting to work down from top management and educating employees at the lower management. This process in the hierarchy is effective, as everyone in the company is aware and plays a role. It is all basically, about having the right balance in your operations. Some occassions, there is a need to be environmentally friendly and making profits for your own company's interests may not always be the right thing. Start with the little changes and you never know how big an impact it has on you.

Please refer to the example on Walmart's case.

Hope this helps !

Here is an interesting read for your reference:

http://www.scmr.com/article/CA6627635.html