Effect of Warehouse Management Systems on Supply Chain Performance of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Manufacturers in Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of warehouse management systems on supply chain performance of fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers in Kenya
 Methodology: The study adopted descriptive research design. The unit of observation was the operations manager of the 51 FMCG manufacturers located in Nairobi. The sampling frame of the current study consisted of operations managers in the manufacturers of the FMCGs in Nairobi. The study used the census method to select 51 manufacturers of the FMCGs in Nairobi, thus the sample of the study was 51 respondents. Primary data was used in the study. The study used questionnaires to collect data. Mixed methods technique of analyzing data was used where both descriptive and inferential analysis were used. The data collected from the field was analyzed using SPSS 23 program. The questionnaires were referenced and the items in them coded for easier data entry. The presentation of the findings was done using tables.
 Results: The study found that warehouse management systems positively and significantly influences Supply chain performance of FMCG in Kenya. The study found that the respondents were in agreement that warehouse management system helps to reduce picking errors; warehouse management system facilities the maximum use of storage space; warehouse management system helps to optimize stock control; warehouse management system improves work productivity; and that warehouse management system guide workers through risk assessments and flag up warehouse safety requirements.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommended that when warehouse management systems are improved, supply chain performance of the company improves as well. The study recommends management of the company to ensure they remain informed on the changes in the market to ensure that their warehouse management system is up-to-date and therefore avoid process redundancy and inaccurate inventories. There is a need to use strategic approach in practices of managing logistics by embracing modernized technology and training of employees on the use of the same.

Inventory Management and Sustainable Performance of State Corporations in Kenya

“…According to Chalton (2018), resources skills and capabilities of the organization are a package of the organization's assets. The entity is obliged to develop internal company processes, laws and policies that direct how resources required should be acquired, stored and managed when carrying out internal organizational activities (Muhalia, Ngugi & Moronge, 2021). These procedures are necessary in inventory sourcing and control decisions.…”

“…Inventory grouping is an element of inventory management with benefits of inventory planning and control, procurement, warehousing of inventory, material handling, material identification and accounting inventory kept in an organization (Ofula et al, 2016). According to Obura (2018), Current inventory models, philosophies and systems and models enable an organization to effectively monitor inventory in store to avoid overstocking and under stocking (Muhalia, Ngugi & Moronge, 2021). Jepchirchir and Noor (2019), carried out a study on the effects of inventory optimization on performance of government ministries in Kenya.…”

Inbound and outbound flow integration for cross-docking operations

“…Otro aporte en este tema puede encontrarse en Baruffaldi et al (2019), quienes proponen una herramienta de soporte a las decisiones, que a través de la simulación de eventos discretos permite seleccionar el sistema de gestión de almacenes más apropiado. Muhalia et al (2021) analiza el impacto de los sistemas de gestión del almacén (WMS) en el desempeño de las cadenas de abastecimiento en Kenya, donde evidencia un impacto positivo en productividad, reducción de errores y uso de espacio en el almacén. Por su parte, Kumar et al (2021) analiza la evolución en la investigación sobre almacenes en los últimos 30 años, evidenciando el impacto de la automatización y la integración en la eficiencia de las operaciones.…”

Warehouse management system enhancement for a-to-z textiles limited

“…Countries (Muhalia et al, 2021). This leads to overstaffing, overstocking, understocking, pilferage, poor record keeping of goods and items in warehouses, human errors like forgetting to register all goods and items going in and out of the warehouse (Gyawu & Adzimah, 2015).…”