1 December 2022 The dark store is a trend today, but to fully exploit its potential, it is necessary to use the right technologies. We have already talked here about the importance of technology for your company, right? After all, technological innovations have brought great agility and efficiency to distribution centers, ensuring advantages in operational optimization and significant cost reduction. In a dark store, which is one of the major trends today, it couldn’t be different. The format, which functions as a sort of micro distribution hub or closed-door store, requires much more planning and control so that all stages and processes are executed in the best possible way and with the speed that the consumer is looking for. Not to mention that it is necessary to make the best use of resources so that the operation becomes truly profitable. So, what technologies should be implemented? What should be prioritized? To help you with these issues, in this article we share the main dark store technologies available in the logistics market and are most welcome. Discover them below: WMS System The first aspect to consider is the management of the dark store. How will items be directed and tracked? How will tasks be distributed? How will orders be prioritized? How will transportation routes be organized? To help you with all these questions, the WMS system will be a great ally in your project. It will save you time and money, as well as ensure the accuracy and speed that your customers need. The WMS (Warehouse Management System) is software designed and created to optimize warehouse, distribution, supply chain, and order fulfillment processes in a company. It allows the management and control of all intralogistics processes, from receipt to shipment. With the system, it is possible to: Integrate distribution centers and conference upon receipt Have efficient routing Pay particular attention to storage Have efficient order picking Additionally, with the WMS, it is possible to integrate with other systems so that the processes of the entire company are interconnected, fluid, and simplified. Visual Management To successfully manage complex processes that involve high costs, it is important to monitor them in real-time with Visual Management. Today this is possible with the support of the WMS system, which offers complete operation dashboards, updating them instantly. This data can be shared with the entire team through monitors available at strategic points of the dark store or through access on smartphones and tablets. This way, it is possible to anticipate problems and make the best decisions. It is therefore one of the main technologies for dark stores. Router Integrated in the Control Tower The Logistics Control Tower has the function of integrating all the necessary data for managing logistics processes. In other words, creating an information center that allows the management team to monitor processes. It helps in decision-making and promotes problem-solving. By connecting to a route planner, it is possible to optimize delivery times and, consequently, costs. This itinerary defines the best routes so that deliveries or pickups can be made with quality and agility. Currently, there are several competent companies that can help you. Look for the one that best suits your goals. OMS (Order Management System) OMS (Order Management System) is software that tracks all information and processes related to orders, including all activities involved in obtaining, processing, or receiving and fulfilling a customer order received through any sales channel. This is indeed one of the main advantages of an OMS: providing a single centralized system to manage orders from all sales channels, such as physical stores, e-commerce, telemarketing, etc. This means that having an OMS in your company will help you not only manage the orders of the dark store but also other warehouses of your company. Picking Automation Currently, there are several automation systems available that can optimize the performance of your dark store, especially regarding picking, which is one of the most important stages in the order fulfillment process. First, you need to define the best picking model for your dark store. Options available include wave picking, order picking, zone picking, and batch picking. Once defined, choose the best automation like RF scanning, voice picking, pick-to-light, or shuttle, for example. Each company uses the selection model most appropriate for the type of activity and operation. If associated with automation systems, a visible increase in speed, reduction in labor costs, and greater accuracy is achieved. For a dark store, our experts recommend: batch picking and wall putting. Batch picking is a viable model for dark store operations because it focuses on reducing employee trips within the warehouse and prioritizes faster picking rates. Technologies a Dark Store Must Have Deagor WMS per ecommerce può aiutarti!