Savvy companies can use their warehouse management systems to uncover hidden inefficiencies that waste energy and money. A bustling distribution center is a crucial cog in most logistics operations, but these busy facilities can also run up big bills of their own, not to mention suck up energy. In the relentless search to cut costs and "green up" their distribution operations, many companies are turning to an unlikely tool—their warehouse management system (WMS). DCs have traditionally used their WMS platforms to direct basic material handling operations, such as planning a swift, efficient path for moving goods through the DC and directing complex tasks like picking and shipping. That hasn’t changed. But now, some are finding that every time the WMS identifies a wasteful step in a distribution operation, it’s also an opportunity to trim the building’s power bill—cutting costs and saving the planet at the same time. The typical DC incurs expenses around the clock, burning electricity to keep the lights on and conveyors humming, hosting up to three shifts of pickers and drivers each day, and heating or cooling large volumes of air. Reduce that electric bill, and a DC manager can cut the company’s utility costs and shrink its carbon footprint. That’s good for company budgets, the environment, and the corporate image. The only problem is figuring out how to get it done. With the ability to instantly analyze thousands of moving pieces in a complex logistics operation, WMS software can provide the answer. For example, the software might be able to uncover opportunities to save energy by cycling conveyor belts off during idle times or using occupancy sensors to switch off lights in empty rack aisles. "You can use a WMS both to run a warehouse most efficiently and to get maximum productivity," says Jason Mathers, […]