SYSTEMS INTEGRATION
technologyreview
move to the cloud …
Before you
Yes, it’s possible
to use a cloud-based WMS
to run an
automated
facility, say the
experts. But
there are some
important issues
to address first.
WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR SOFTWARE, A LOT OF warehouse and DC managers have their heads in the
clouds these days. Rather than buying a traditional warehouse
management system (WMS) and installing it on their corporate servers,
they’re opting for cloud-based applications that are hosted by the vendor or
a third party on an off-site server, often far away, and delivered via the
Internet.
Much of the appeal of cloud-based solutions is their low cost. Companies
can avoid a hefty upfront capital outlay for software licenses as well as ongoing expenses for upgrades and maintenance. At present, most cloud-based
WMS users are small warehouses that use basic equipment like forklift
trucks, bar-code scanners, and radio-frequency devices in their operations.
But what if a user wanted to trade in its forklifts and RF devices for, say,
sorters, carousels, pick-to-light systems, or automated storage and retrieval
systems? Would it have to rethink its choice of software? Or is it possible to
use a cloud-based WMS to run a facility with sophisticated automated
material handling equipment?
NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART
Industry experts say that while they haven’t seen much activity in this area
yet, it is possible to use a cloud-based WMS to manage an automated facility. “Our market is still green with respect to integrating material handling
equipment in the cloud, but it can be done,” says Frank Camean, president
of the 4Sight Supply Chain Group, a supply chain consulting and systems
integration firm.
Nonetheless, they caution that this type of project isn’t for the faint of
heart. Along with the usual challenges of getting an automated system up
and running, a company would also have to address some issues raised by
remote operation. “Fragility, security, and response time are all issues
with cloud-based computing,” says Steve Martyn, chief executive officer
