A warehouse management system (WMS) is a computer-based inventory management system that provides real-time control of inventory, labor, and equipment in a warehouse. A WMS helps guide the receipt, storage, picking, cycle counting of inventory and shipping of goods. It efficiently schedules equipment and resources, requires barcodes for inventory accuracy, keeps productivity measurements and is user-friendly.

A warehouse control system (WCS) is a computer-based system that is designed to bridge the gap between the WMS and the various possible configurations for automation material handling equipment. It directs the movement of material as it transitions through different types of automation and provides a single point of control or interface for the WMS software.