Warehouse Control System

Warehouse Control System (WCS) – Intelligent solutions for efficient warehouse processes

The warehouse control system (WCS) controls, monitors and coordinates the execution of all processes in the automated warehouse areas in real time - right through to the machine level (PLC). Our WCS optimizes the use of resources, taking into account the performance of man and machine, avoids bottlenecks and ensures the required delivery quality. The WCS integrates subsystems such as the DFT product range GarmentFlow®, EcoFlow™, EcoPocket® and AutoPocket®, as well as the KNAPP product range such as the storage system OSR Shuttle ™ Evo, the picking robot Pick-it-Easy Robot or the free-navigating Open Shuttles. It also provides interfaces to the respective machine control system and transfers individual tasks for processing. Manual picking processes such as RF or voice technology and smart glasses can also be integrated into a WCS.

As flexible as your business

Digitalization is progressing at a rapid pace. Markets are changing and new business models are emerging. Innovative software solutions for the efficient handling of logistics processes pave the way to the smart warehouse and create the necessary agility and performance – today and in the future. Our WCS service portfolio is based on the expertise and experience gained from over 3,000 installations in a wide range of industries. Flexibility and scalability are essential characteristics in order to reconcile the diversity of requirements. The focus is always on the cost-effectiveness of the system and the KNAPP philosophy of making complexity simple: making complexity manageable.

A person wearing a black shirt operates a computer with a green screen in an industrial setting. Conveyor belts and machinery are visible, alongside large blue containers. The environment appears to be a modern, automated facility.

Logistical functions

Screenshot of a sorting module interface displaying a data table. Columns include status, progress, and counts. Rows show details like ID numbers and percentages. A navigation pane on the left lists sorting modules. The interface uses German labels.

Material flow control
Order release
Order start
Weighing
Checking
Document approval
Recording and control of Serial and batch number

Human-machine interaction

Control station
Workstations (Induct Station)
RF – mobile terminals
Voice – voice-guided end devices

A computer screen displaying an inventory management system interface. It shows details for an item: SKU1, a blue shirt in size XXL. Below, theres a large green icon with a down arrow above a container. Navigation buttons are at the bottom.

All advantages at a glance

A solid black square with no visible elements or details.

Modern man-machine communication

Innovative and intuitive operating concept

User-oriented presentation of information and data

FAQ - Frequently asked questions and the answers

What is the difference between WCS and material flow computer?

Terms such as Warehouse Control System (WCS) and material flow computer are usually used interchangeably.

The WCS is used in warehouse logistics to control data flows in automated warehouse systems. This type of software is also known as a data concentrator.

A WCS is able to control a wide variety of automated components and devices. They also play a major role in detecting, analyzing and rectifying faults.

What does a WCS control?

A warehouse control system can take over the control of many components up to very complex production systems. In an automated small parts warehouse, for example, it takes over the control of and communication between:

Conveyor systems (such as pallets or goods containers)
Storage and retrieval machines (such as automated removal devices)
Sorting machines (for sorting goods)
Transport systems (which transport goods/pallets in the warehouse)

To support the warehouse operator, the WCS can also communicate with a higher-level warehouse management system (WMS). For example, it can pass on changes in stock levels to this system.

How does the WCS software work?

The Warehouse Control System (WCS) manages and coordinates the flow of goods in an automated warehouse and organizes the movements of the automated devices. The WCS sends instructions to the system that controls the individual handling devices – PLCs or industrial PCs – to execute the movements.

The WCS is therefore the software that coordinates the movement of goods using automated devices such as conveyors, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), mobile robots (AMRs) or storage and retrieval machines for pallets, containers or trays.

What is a PLC (programmable logic controller)?

The term “PLC” is derived from the English term “Programmable Logic Controller”. A PLC is a digital electronic system for use in industrial environments with a programmable memory for internal storage of user-oriented control instructions to implement specific functions such as logic control, sequence control, timing, counting and arithmetic functions to control various types of machines and processes using digital or analog input and output signals.

Specific functions such as sequence control can be implemented in PLCs so that both the input and output signals of processes or machines can be controlled in this way.