The introduction of a WMS (Warehouse Management System) in the dairy industry not only improves warehouse efficiency but also increases companies’ competitiveness in the market. WMS systems allow for precise monitoring and tracking of products, reducing errors and optimizing storage times. This is particularly important for aged cheeses, where quality control and traceability are essential to ensure that the final product reaches the consumer in the best condition.
Differences between Basic and Advanced WMS System.
The focus of ING. Ferretti has always been to meet customer needs by building tailored solutions.
In this context, the solutions are divided into two main categories: WMS ‘Basic’ and WMS ‘Advanced.’
WMS ‘Basic’: This system is ideal for warehouses that manage cheese in batches. It does not require detailed mapping but focuses on identifying the shelves that host the products through barcodes. It is perfect for less complex logistics environments, where positioning accuracy is not essential, but traceability is still ensured.
WMS ‘Advanced’: The advanced system is designed for customers who require more precise management: it offers detailed mapping of the warehouse and allows for the identification of not only the shelf but also the exact location of each individual item. It is crucial for efficient management of products with specific needs, optimizing the entire storage and handling process.”
A practical example of using a ‘Basic’ system in the dairy industry relates to the management of the aging warehouse in a dairy, where the cheeses produced daily are loaded in an orderly and sequential manner onto the shelves. The system ensures efficient organization of inventory and proper handling of products in a simple and intuitive way.
Applications of the ‘Advanced’ Version in the Dairy Industry.
In the case of high-quality cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, Trentingrana, etc., which have complex, long, and rigorous aging processes, an advanced system is recommended. With this technology, it is possible to monitor each cheese wheel precisely, ensuring that it is stored in optimal conditions until distribution. The use of an advanced solution guarantees a high standard of quality throughout the aging process, helping to maintain the excellence of the final product.
Additionally, it allows for the assignment of specific tasks to machinery for each type of product, ensuring maximum efficiency in the handling and brushing operations of the cheese wheels. In this latter case, optimizing the cycles leads to a significant reduction in the “weight loss” of the wheels.
Conclusions
Whether it’s a basic or advanced solution, adopting an appropriate warehouse management system is essential for optimizing efficiency in the dairy sector. The choice of system type depends on the complexity of the warehouse and its traceability and control needs, with the aim of improving the quality and management of cheese wheels at every stage of the process.
Implementing a well-calibrated solution ensures greater competitiveness for dairy companies, allowing them to offer excellent quality products to consumers.