Lagerführungssystem
Also: LFS, LVS, Lagerverwaltungssystem, WMS, Warehouse Management System, Lagersteuerungssystem, Lagerführungssysteme
AI-generated
A warehouse management system (WMS) is software that controls and coordinates all warehouse processes – from goods receipt and picking to inventory management.
Key facts
- A warehouse management system controls all operational warehouse processes – from putaway and picking to inventory management – within a single central software solution.
- The terms warehouse management system, LVS, and WMS are frequently used as synonyms in the market, but refer to different functional scopes depending on the vendor.
- In automated warehouses, the WMS communicates directly with the material flow system to control conveyor technology and warehouse equipment.
- Integration capability with existing ERP and shipping landscapes is a key selection criterion alongside functional scope.
- Operating model, licensing structure, and vendor lock-in risk should be evaluated during system assessment with the same rigor as pure functional capabilities.
What is a warehouse management system?
A warehouse management system (WMS) is a software solution that centrally controls and monitors operational warehouse processes. These typically include storage location management, goods receipt posting, putaway strategies, stock removal, picking guidance, inventory management, and interfaces to upstream ERP systems and downstream transport or material flow systems. The term covers a broad spectrum – from simple inventory management solutions to comprehensive WMS platforms with automated system integration.
It is worth noting that the terms warehouse management system, WMS, and LVS are often used interchangeably in practice, but may refer to different functional scopes depending on the vendor and company. Anyone evaluating systems should therefore always focus on the specific functional scope rather than the label.
How does a warehouse management system work in practice?
In operation, the WMS directs the work of warehouse staff via mobile devices, stationary terminals, or pick-by-voice and pick-by-light systems. It assigns storage locations automatically, prioritizes orders according to defined rules, and manages batches, serial numbers, or expiry dates where these requirements are relevant. In automated warehouses, the WMS also handles communication with the material flow controller or system to direct conveyors, stacker cranes, or shuttle systems.
Typical process modules include:
- Goods receipt and putaway with location optimization
- Order management and picking guidance (single, batch, or multi-order picking)
- Relocation, replenishment, and stock corrections
- Goods issue, shipment preparation, and delivery note creation
- Inventory counting and real-time stock controlling
What matters when making a selection?
Several dimensions need to be examined when making a system decision. Process coverage and depth: not every WMS supports all warehouse types or levels of automation equally well. Anyone operating with a high degree of automation today or in the future needs a stable interface to the material flow system. Integration capability: connectivity to ERP, shipping platforms, and where applicable marketplaces via standardized API or EDI connections is critical for smooth data exchange. Scalability and operating model: WMS solutions are offered as on-premise installations, hosted solutions, or increasingly as cloud services – each with different implications for update capability, data sovereignty, and ongoing costs. In addition, the licensing and support model, vendor lock-in risks, and the availability of qualified implementation partners play a central role in the procurement decision.
Related terms
- Akustische Kommissionierung
Acoustic order picking is a paperless picking method in which warehouse employees receive pick instructions via voice and confirm each step using spoken responses. Both hands remain free throughout the actual picking process.
- Automatiklager
An automated warehouse is a fully or partially automated storage system in which the receipt, retrieval, transport and management of storage units are carried out without manual intervention, using conveyor technology, storage and retrieval machines, and a higher-level control software.
- Automatisches Kleinteilelager (AKL)
The Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AKL) is a fully automated storage system for totes, trays and small parts, in which storage and retrieval operations are performed without manual intervention by stacker cranes or shuttle systems.
- Barcode
A barcode is a machine-readable optical code that represents information as a pattern of bars and spaces or as a two-dimensional matrix. It enables the automatic identification of items, load carriers, and documents along the entire supply chain.
- Batch-Kommissionierung
Batch picking is a method in which multiple customer orders are consolidated into a single pick run. This allows the picker to travel one route while simultaneously covering positions from different orders.
- Beleglose Kommissionierung
Paperless picking refers to the assembly of orders in the warehouse without paper pick lists, where all instructions are transmitted digitally via terminals, displays, voice, or optical signals.
- Bestandscontrolling
Inventory controlling refers to the systematic monitoring, analysis, and management of stock levels using defined key performance indicators. It connects logistics and procurement to reduce tied-up capital and ensure delivery capability.
- Bestandsführung
Inventory management refers to the system-supported administration and continuous updating of all warehouse and material stocks within a company. It forms the basis for planning, procurement and accounting – and ensures that the book inventory and physical inventory are in agreement at all times.
- Bestandsmanagement
Inventory management refers to the systematic planning, control, and monitoring of stock levels across the entire supply chain. The goal is to ensure delivery capability while keeping capital commitment and warehousing costs within economically viable limits.
- Chaotische Lagerhaltung
Chaotic storage is a warehousing principle in which items are not stored in fixed, pre-assigned locations, but are instead dynamically placed in any available, suitable slot in the warehouse. A warehouse management system handles the control and tracking of all storage locations.
- Datenfunkterminal
A data radio terminal is a mobile device for wireless data capture and transmission in the warehouse, combining a display, input, and scanner in one unit. It typically communicates with a warehouse management system via Wi-Fi and supports processes such as goods receipt, picking, and inventory counting.
- Dispositionssoftware
Dispatching software is a software solution for the operational planning, control, and optimization of transports, routes, and resources in logistics. It helps dispatchers efficiently coordinate orders, capacities, and time windows.