WMS: Warehouse management system software, an essential tool at Viaposte

The WMS, or Warehouse Management System, is an important tool in logistics. A warehouse management software, it is used to coordinate and organise the flow of goods within a distribution centre. As a first-rate logistics partner, Viaposte has developed high-performance WMS software and, above all, real expertise in this area, in order to meet the demands and requirements of its customers.

Punctuality, responsiveness and productivity have all benefited from the introduction of robust WMS software and the training of the teams using it. Find out how Viaposte has benefited from a competitive tool tailored to its needs.

What is a WMS ?

The WMS, or Warehouse Management System, is an IT tool used to manage a logistics warehouse. From goods receipt to dispatch, this software enables products to be traced and flows to be optimised within a warehouse.

An efficient WMS is therefore essential not only for good stock management and order preparation, but also for optimising space and time: the whole supply chain is improved as a result. 

The functionalities of a WMS are as follows:

• product reception and labelling ;
• optimising storage space ;
• stock monitoring, with data updated in real time ;
• dispatch and return of goods.

Potentially connectable to a wide range of tools, such as a WCS (Warehouse Control System), the WMS is a software package designed to improve the efficiency and productivity of logistics warehouses, and more broadly of the entire supply chain.

WMS at Viaposte: what processes for what benefits ?

Viaposte uses WMS software for its logistics operations in its busiest warehouses. Today, 5 of Viaposte's 14 warehouses in France are equipped with a WMS. 

The tool manages around fifteen logistics customers and over 421,000 items. But what are the advantages?

The WMS tool used by Viaposte: Reflex

For its warehouse management system, Viaposte has chosen one of the market's leading solutions: Reflex. One of the top three WMS systems, Reflex is used by many large companies.

In 2024, Reflex will have already enabled Viaposte to receive almost 9,000 supplier orders, compared with around 7,600 in 2023. Reflex is a key factor in Viaposte's success, offering productivity gains and the ability to manage a larger number of references.

A WMS/ERP link for a seamless experience

The WMS also acts as a link between the customer's ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning, the customer's stock management tool) and logistics. When a customer places an order via any channel (e-commerce or physical shop), the integration of the WMS enables the order to be prepared and dispatched in an optimised way for the customer, depending on the stock available.

The result is a real fluidity from order placement to dispatch, with a reduced risk of error and improved productivity.

Viaposte expertise: real mastery of the tool, adaptable to each client

Viaposte offers its customers not only its WMS tool, but also the expertise of its teams in this area. As Emmanuel Macary, WMS logistics project manager, explains: "If the tool performs well, a lot of that performance comes from the people behind it."

Since it was first introduced in 2010, the Viapost teams have developed and perfected their logistics activities and their use of Reflex. Today, a complete team is dedicated to installing this tool for our customers, who can adapt the functionalities and parameters to suit their needs.

For example, Viapost teams can specifically create modules or procedures based on a client's size, requirements and needs. In this way, Viaposte's expertise can be used to leverage the full potential of Reflex.

The strengths of Viaposte's WMS solution

When asked about Viaposte's strengths in logistics management, Emmanuel Macary answers without hesitation: "Our local presence, our flexibility and, above all, our Reflex expertise."

He adds: "Anyone can buy and use Reflex, but not everyone knows how to use it, configure it and get all the benefits. Today, our customers no longer turn to Viapost just for its WMS solution, but also for its expertise in this area."

 Indeed, after years of training by the Reflex publisher, Viaposte employees are now trained in-house, demonstrating their solid command of the tool. For the customer, this means that Viaposte is positioned not only as a Reflex user, but also as an expert capable of adapting and optimising the WMS according to the specific constraints of each customer.

This expertise is combined with a well-established network in France, with numerous warehouses providing links between Viaposte's logistics and transport departments. Finally, flexibility is one of the company's strong points, as it aims to meet the needs of both small and large companies.

"Where large groups are very standardised, Viaposte can and wants to adapt to small structures and their logistical constraints. For example, some B2B companies don't necessarily have an ordering tool. Rather than having to buy an additional ERP, Viaposte offers them an integrated tool, "My logistics portal", explains Emmanuel Macary.

This portal enables them to manage and track their orders, check stocks and ensure that goods have been received correctly, via an interface directly linked to our WMS.

Proud of its WMS solution and the commitment of its teams, Viaposte is continuing to develop as a first-rate logistics and supply chain partner!