Rich Hite, President of QC Software, (www.qcsoftware.com) suggests, “The most important aspects of WCS for major distributors include dependability, modular functionality, configurable flexibility, and reliability. WCS is more dependable because…it uses standardized modules that are field proven, versus customized software. Many of the WCS modules have been running for over more than six years.”

The news coverage of warehouse controls systems is gaining momentum.

 DC Velocity â€" WCS Learn to Think for Themselves “Their days as a messenger boy for the WMS are over. Today’s smart warehouse control systems can balance workflows and boost DC throughput.”  Modern Materials Handling â€" WCS Takes Control “In complex distribution environments…robust warehouse control systems (WCS) are emerging to manage and synchronize the automated put away and picking activities.”  Supply Chain Management Review â€" WCS meets WMS “The lines between warehouse management systems (WMS) and the warehouse control systems (WCS) are blurring, especially in highly automated facilities.” “In fact, when it comes to inventory control…the two are beginning to merge.”  Logistics Knowledgebase â€" The Era of the WCS Has Arrived “The WCS optimizes the control and performance of an automated system by maximizing material flow and providing accuracy in order fulfillment and sorting.”

If a large company wants to know the cost to install at multiple sites as well as the stability, financial status and size of the WCS company, it is quickly addressed by establishing referrals and a strong industry reputation. Depending on the organization’s objectives, source code availability may also be a concern. The cost of doing nothing may be most expensive.

Hite goes on to say, “WCS modular functionality is important because additional functionality can be added as required. The system can grow as the customers need to grow. You don’t lose your initial investment when new functionality is needed. We’ve seen this growth in clients ranging from Tommy Hilfiger to Under Armour to Arbonne.”

WCS reliability is not a ‘buzz word’, it provides a specific benefit according to Hite, “When a WCS goes down, the lost man hours, late shipments and cost to the warehouse, can be tremendous â€" add diminished customer satisfaction, and it can literally cost the client significantly more money. The WCS market has grown because it has taken on the traditional ‘transactional’ processes that the warehouse management system (WMS) historically provided, such as order fulfillment, shipping and localized inventory control.”

QC Software is the leading provider of Tier 1 warehouse control systems to the warehousing and distribution industries. Since 1996, QC Software, utilizing state of the art technology combined with extensive research, development, and rigorous testing, has developed the QC Enterprise suite of products. Designed to be modular in nature, easily configurable, and platform independent, this highly scalable solution satisfies the needs of any size warehouse.