Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency Through WMS Implementation In Warehouse Management

Abstract

Research aim : This study aims to analyze the existing warehouse management conditions at Istika Grosir Kediri, identify the main problems affecting inventory accuracy and picking speed, design and implement a simple and adaptive Warehouse Management System (WMS) based on Excel and barcode technology suitable for micro-scale retail operations, and evaluate the impact of WMS implementation on inventory accuracy, picking speed, and overall supply chain efficiency.

Design/Methode/Approach : This research employs a mixed-methods case study with a before–after (pre-post) design conducted over a two-month period at the warehouse of Istika Grosir Kediri. Quantitative data were collected through direct observation, time studies, inventory audits, and performance measurements (inventory accuracy, picking time, error rates, delivery delays, and customer satisfaction). Qualitative data were obtained via in-depth interviews with warehouse staff and management. Data were analyzed descriptively and statistically using paired-sample t-tests to measure the significance of improvements after WMS implementation.

Research Finding : This study shows that implementing a simple, low-cost WMS can effectively improve warehouse efficiency and contribute to improved supply chain performance, particularly in micro-retail environments. The implementation of this system has successfully improved the accuracy of completeness, accelerated the picking process, and substantially reduced operational errors and delivery delays. Furthermore, these operational improvements have also positively impacted customer satisfaction.

Theoretical contribution/Originality : This research contributes to warehouse management and supply chain literature by demonstrating that a low-cost, Excel-and-barcode-based WMS can deliver significant performance improvements in micro-scale retail enterprises — a context often overlooked in previous studies that primarily focus on large companies with complex ERP systems. The findings reinforce the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in resource-constrained SME settings and provide empirical evidence of lean warehousing principles successfully applied through simple digital tools.

Practitionel/Policy implication : The study provides practical guidance for micro and small retail businesses in Indonesia and other emerging markets to adopt affordable WMS solutions without large capital investment. It emphasizes the importance of location coding, barcode integration, real-time recording, and SOP standardization in improving operational efficiency, reducing errors, and enhancing customer service. The results can also serve as a reference for policymakers and industry associations to develop digital transformation programs supporting SMEs in the retail and distribution sector.

Research limitation : This study has several limitations. First, the implementation period was relatively short (only two months), so it cannot fully demonstrate the long-term sustainability of the WMS performance. Second, the research used a single-case study approach, which limits the generalizability of the findings to other companies or broader contexts. Third, the developed WMS is still a basic version and does not yet include advanced features such as automatic integration with sales systems (POS) or predictive analytics

Keywords : Warehouse Management System (WMS), supply chain efficiency, inventory accuracy, picking time, micro-enterprise, Excel-based WMS, retail logistics, Indonesia