How to use warehouse management system sustainably

Abstract

A warehouse management system (WMS) is software designed to handle, automate, and optimize warehousing operations. Companies deploy WMS to enhance warehouse productivity; however, attention needs to be paid to more than just efficiency. Nowadays, sustainability is not a choice, it is a strategic necessity. Environment and human wellbeing should not be compromised while pursuing advanced warehouse productivity. This dissertation proposes a reconsideration of WMS perception by shifting focus to its use in the direction of sustainability. The research goes beyond the traditional concept of sustainability as a triple-bottom-line approach and considers the sustainable use of WMS, covering operational, social, and environmental sustainability.

The dissertation includes eight publications, of which five are articles in peer-reviewed journals, two are conference proceedings, and one is a book chapter. Publications I-III addressWMS usage for operational sustainability by identifying the key WMS aspects to prioritize. Publications IV-VIII address WMS usage for social and environmental sustainability. The research employs qualitative data collection methods, such as secondary data analysis through systematic and traditional literature reviews and primary data gathering through interviews, case studies, and questionnaires.

WMS ensures optimized use of warehouse resources and allows warehousing to grow to suit business scalability. WMS can manage warehouse personnel by providing work instructions and ensuring safe working conditions and ergonomics. Integrating WMS with other logistics systems and material handling equipment is advantageous in terms of data exchange, warehouse operation streamlining, ergonomic product handling, resource utilization, and equipment amortization. Through warehouse activities and process optimization, WMS facilitates the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Advancing warehouse operations, environmental sustainability, and warehouse workers' well-being, this research extends the literature base and provides inspiration to move beyond traditional warehouse functionality and utilize WMS, focusing on sustainability initiatives.