Your WMS & TMS are Working Against Automation

In the dynamic world of Tier 2 and Tier 3 distribution, no company is immune to sudden supply chain changes or disruptions. Unexpected challenges arise every day: Inventory positions change quickly, customer commitments are fragile, and carrier disruptions surface late in the execution cycle.

Steve Shebuski (pictured, below), Vice President of Pre-Sales, MCA Connect, gives this response as to why logistics software may be hindering automation.

To avoid costly delays or broken commitments, businesses must be prepared to solve challenges quickly and effectively. The key is connected distribution. The systems that manage orders, warehouse execution, and transportation must be tightly integrated, ensuring that no change is made in isolation. That integration is where execution improves, making a tangible difference in a company’s day-to-day operations.

The goal of this model is not simply optimization… it’s coordinated iteration. When demand shifts, inventory moves, or transportation capacity changes, each system must adjust its decisions in response to the others. Without this orchestration, the consequences can be significant. Often, distributors will have to absorb the cost of expedites, rework, and broken commitments.

Three Systems, One Connected Distribution Network

Three systems propel a modern distribution network and keep its operations on track: the order…