Note: This article has been updated to reflect the increase in the number of Caterpillar dealer stores that have deployed WMSv2 and the number of dealers that are starting their implementation journey.
Caterpillar dealers are dramatically improving the speed, precision, and efficiency of their parts warehouse operations by adopting WMSv2 from FDC Solutions. This advanced, second-generation Warehouse Management System (WMS) is integrated seamlessly with existing ERPs to deliver real-time data synchronization and automation for both inbound and outbound order processing.
WMSv2 is designed by parts operations specialists to enhance operational efficiency across the entire supply chain, giving personnel the precision and agility needed to excel in a fast-paced environment. The system’s rapid adoption—currently deployed in 82 stores across 7 dealers—makes it the fastest-growing WMS ever among Caterpillar dealers, with four dealers still adding stores and five more dealers currently starting their implementation journey. This rapid growth shows how dealers are re-evaluating their current systems in the context of their evolving needs.
What Makes WMSv2 the Best Strategic Choice?
WMSv2 stands apart from other warehouse applications available to Caterpillar dealers by focusing on flexibility, ease-of-use, and granular control:
- Browser-Based: v2 is an intuitive application with a user interface designed to be easy to use. This simplifies setup, enables deployment in weeks instead of months, and dramatically reduces the training time required for new warehouse personnel, which is critical as your operation grows and expands.
- Platform Independent: Offering maximum flexibility for dealer IT managers, v2 can be deployed on either IBM’s midrange servers or Windows servers (either on-premise or hosted), offering flexibility for dealers that continue to use their dependable legacy systems or are seeking alternatives.
- Real-Time Traceability and Monitoring: Managers gain greater precision with point-to-point traceability, allowing staff to track individual parts through every process step. Furthermore, managers can monitor real-time user activity to better understand the system’s impact on process results.
End-to-End Operational Excellence
WMSv2 ensures warehouse operations run smoothly with a comprehensive set of features covering every stage of parts movement:
- Inbound Processing: Streamlines receiving functions—including Advanced Shipping Notices (ASNs), stock transfers, and returns—with support for cross-docking, one-step (receipt to bin), and two-step receiving and put-away, all managed by customizable rules.
- Outbound Processing (Order Fulfillment): Offers parameter-driven control over order fulfillment, including customized order escalation, pick planning, zone picking, and batch picking, as well as support for hose build processing and content label production at packing.
- Inventory Management: Enhances control with a complete transaction history, a discrepancy dashboard, and advanced inventory counting features like daily cycle count planning and opportunistic counting.
- Integration Ready: WMSv2 is ready to integrate with a wide variety of systems, including sophisticated Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (such as AutoStore empowered by Kardex, vertical lift modules, and carousel systems), ensuring your warehouse can scale and modernize without limits.
WMSv2 represents more than just a software upgrade. It’s a migration to the next generation of warehouse management, delivering unmatched precision and agility to the dealer parts network.