Crucial for logistics and supply chains, warehouses can be complicated spaces. There’s a lot going on in the average warehouse, with workers, equipment, and materials all moving around and many tasks to accomplish. An optimized, efficient space demands careful, considered management, and tools like warehouse control systems (WCS) and warehouse management systems (WMS) assist with that.

While a warehouse management system and warehouse control system might sound similar in name, they each have very different roles. This guide explores the distinctions between a WMS and a WCS and how warehouse managers can decide on implementing either solution.

Key Takeaways

• WMS and WCS serve distinct roles: A Warehouse Management System (WMS) handles high-level operations like inventory, order processing, and labor, while a Warehouse Control System (WCS) focuses on coordinating real-time equipment activity within a single facility.
• Choosing the right system depends on scope and needs: WMS solutions offer broader, strategic functionality and scalability, whereas WCS tools provide focused control over material handling equipment for facilities with high automation.
• Used together, they unlock full warehouse potential: Integrating WMS and WCS can bridge strategy and execution, helping warehouses maximize throughput, reduce downtime, and operate with greater precision.

Brief Overview of Warehouse Systems

Three main types of warehouse systems exist:

• Warehouse control systems (WCS): Manage and control automated equipment within the warehouse (i.e., conveyor belts, sorters, pickers)
• Warehouse management systems (WMS): Oversee order processing, personnel management, and inventory management
• Warehouse execution systems (WES): Bridge the gap between WMS and WCS, coordinating tasks and resources to optimize workflows

What Is a Warehouse Management System (WMS)?

The oldest of the three main types of warehouse software, WMS solutions have the most complex features and roles. They optimize many warehouse operations, including order processing and fulfillment, labor management, and inventory control. They also can, in some cases, work across multiple warehouses and distribution centers, not only one.

Key features of a WMS include:

• Real-time inventory tracking, with alerts about shortages/overstocking
• Order fulfillment automation – picking, packing, shipping, etc.
• Barcode and RFID integration for inventory management
• Assigning tasks to individuals or teams of workers
• Analyzing warehouse performance and optimization through stats and data

What Is a Warehouse Control System (WCS)?

A WCS is all about equipment, rather than personnel or other parts of warehouse work. It manages the automation equipment within the warehouse that helps goods and materials move from point A to point B. An easy way to think of WCS is like the “command center” or “brain” of material handling equipment. Additionally, unlike a WMS, a WCS only works for one warehouse at a time.

Its key features are:

• Real-time control of automated systems and equipment
• Workflow optimization, to minimize delays and disruptions as goods move around
• Integration with other pieces of warehouse software
• Detecting and reporting any equipment malfunctions

Key Differences Between WMS and WCS

To better understand the distinct roles of WMS and WCS software, here’s a detailed list of the key differences between them:

Scope of Functionality

Warehouse management systems have a much larger, broader scope than warehouse control systems. A WMS looks at the big picture, helping with managing inventory and personnel, order processing, and improving warehouse productivity. A WCS, meanwhile, is focused purely and exclusively on the automated equipment within the warehouse – conveyors, sorters, etc.

Focus on Operations

A WMS offers more of a holistic, strategic level of operations, focusing on optimizing multiple aspects of warehousing systems and supply chain management in both the short and long term. The focus of a WCS, meanwhile, is more concentrated and operational, making sure that equipment is working as it should and that materials are flowing correctly in real time.

Workflow Management

A WMS works to optimize multiple workflows throughout warehouses and fulfillment centers. It helps with everything from ensuring workers are given appropriate tasks in a timely fashion to ensuring orders are processed and shipped out on time. A WCS is less broad in its applications but focuses on optimizing workflows for individual pieces of automated equipment.

System Integration and Collaboration

A WMS can work alongside multiple software solutions, from supply chain software to business intelligence tools, integrating seamlessly with the likes of transportation management systems, customer relationship management tools, and so on. A WCS can work alongside other warehouse software systems, but much of its integration is focused on connecting with automated equipment.

Granularity of Control

As the more advanced, versatile, and mature of these two types of warehouse systems, a WMS provides greater levels of control over different elements of warehouse operations. Many WMS tools have modular designs and can be configured to take on more or fewer tasks to suit the needs of the user. WCS systems provide granular control specifically over automated equipment.

User Interface and Interaction

Given the added complexity and larger set of features of WMS tools, their interfaces can be more complicated and involved than those of WCS solutions. Many feature dashboard-based interfaces with various menus and tabs to access different reports, settings, and functions, like tabs for order processing, inventory, etc. WCS are often more streamlined.

Scalability and Adaptability

A WMS is more scalable than a WCS. As touched on earlier, you can often configure a WMS to oversee operations in multiple warehouses, not just one, which isn’t possible with a WCS, which is more limited in scope and scalability. However, it can still adjust its functionality up or down to suit different amounts of equipment and automation infrastructure.

Data Management and Analytics

A WMS offers a plethora of advanced analytics and data management tools. It can work alone or with other software to track inventory, orders, warehouse efficiency, and personnel management, producing reports on each aspect. A WCS also gathers and analyzes data, but solely regarding the real-time use and performance of automated material handling equipment.

Choosing the Right System for Your Business

Warehouse management and control systems both have valuable roles to play in the smooth operations of any warehouse. But you might be better off with one tool over the other, depending on factors like budget and the size of your operations. In general, a WMS will do more for you and offer more comprehensive support, but a WCS is best for coordinating and optimizing your equipment.

Assessing the following factors should also help you make the right decision:

Total Cost of Ownership

The costs of WMS ownership and usage are generally higher, both in terms of the initial up-front purchase and setup costs, as well as the costs of licensing, integration, and training to use the system. A WCS, by contrast, will usually be cheaper but is most effective when paired with sophisticated, automated equipment, which has its own lofty price tag.

ROI and Long-term Benefits

Both of these tools can offer impressive ROI and long-term benefits, but in different ways. A WMS can streamline numerous aspects of how your warehouse operates, helping you maintain better control of your inventory and avoid costly issues, like overstocking, as well as aiding with personnel efficiency and rapid order fulfillment. 

A WCS will help you make the most of your warehouse’s automated gear, reducing your reliance on human workers and manual oversight, with smaller risks of error.

Future Technological Advancements

WMS systems are progressing rapidly, with today’s tools offering more advanced features than those of the past. The latest systems embrace emerging technologies, like machine learning and AI, to deliver more sophisticated benefits in areas like reporting and workflow optimization. 

The same can be said for WCS tools, which are also embracing AI in automation and predictive analytics to alert users when equipment may be about to break down or require maintenance.

Discover Logix WCS

At BoxLogix, we offer Logix WCS, a proprietary warehouse control system designed to streamline high-volume operations with precision and flexibility. Built for seamless integration with your existing WMS or WES, Logix WCS offers advanced features like:

• Real-time equipment monitoring through live 3D warehouse views
• Dynamic order routing that adapts to current conditions
• End-to-end tracking of pick, pack, and ship workflows
• And more!

With predictive diagnostics, intelligent sortation controls, and configurable automation, Logix WCS helps warehouses increase throughput, reduce downtime, and future-proof their operations. 

Browse the full Logix WCS feature list and watch our short overview video to see how it can elevate your warehouse operations.

Learn More from the Experts at BoxLogix

As you can see, while they have major differences, both WMS and WCS solutions help warehouses in their efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity metrics. Both are valuable additions to a warehouse or distribution center. 

If you’d like to learn more about them or discover the right solution for you, reach out to the BoxLogix experts today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a warehouse control system and a warehouse management system?

A warehouse control system (WCS) manages and coordinates the real-time operation of automated equipment like conveyor belts and sorters within a single warehouse. A warehouse management system (WMS), on the other hand, oversees broader warehouse functions such as inventory tracking, order processing, and labor management—often across multiple sites.

What is an example of a warehouse control system?

A warehouse control system might be used to manage real-time operations of conveyor belts, automated sorters, and robotic pickers within a facility. These systems help ensure that goods move efficiently through automated equipment with minimal disruptions.

What is an example of a warehouse management system?

A warehouse management system could be used to track inventory levels, assign tasks to warehouse staff, and optimize order picking and shipping processes. These platforms support end-to-end warehouse operations and often integrate with broader supply chain tools for improved efficiency.

What is the difference between an inventory controller and a warehouse manager?

An inventory controller focuses specifically on managing stock levels, tracking product movements, and minimizing losses or overstocking. A warehouse manager has a broader role that includes overseeing personnel, workflow efficiency, safety compliance, and the overall day-to-day operations of the facility.

Why does a company need a warehouse management system?

A warehouse management system helps businesses streamline operations, reduce human error, and improve inventory accuracy. By automating and organizing processes like order picking, tracking, and labor allocation, a WMS increases productivity and supports better customer service across the supply chain.