Technology
Partnerships Through Evolution of Technology
Winchester Cold Storage (dba WCS Logistics) has partnered with Camelot 3PL Software for the greater portion of 3 decades. Camelot 3PL software is a North Carolina based technology solution company focused on public warehousing and accounting solutions. WCS began working with them in the early 1990s using their public warehouser program built on top of the Real World platform. In 2004 WCS moved to their modern product built on top of Microsoft’s Business Solutions Navision (now Dynamics Nav). With this partnership came a plethora of customizations and special projects for WCS that have been added to their standard programing.
WCS is constantly working on updates and upgrades to our WMS
Going from version 3.1 in 2004 to version 19.00 in 2024, and are consistently reinvesting in our technology to provide a more accurate and user friendly experience for clients and personnel.
Electronic Data Interchange
In 2006, we began using EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) integration this system allows for our client using a totally different WMS to export a file, send it to WCS by means of a secure file transfer client (we use Cleo Lexicom) the file is then imported into our WMS, when the transaction is completed return files can be sent back to the client that they upload back into their system. Thanks to the push of modern technology this process is mostly automated. WCS has the most experience working with X12 interfaces and our normal transaction sets include but are not limited to: 856, 940, 944, 945, 947, 997
Note: beyond our limitations and experience with EDI, Camelot has multiple clients running various different EDI solutions.
Customizations
Since the 2004 version, we have enjoyed a great deal of customizations including user definable information we can store in our various transactions. If you want an additional piece of data tracked, we more than likely have a perfect place to put it…
Barcoding and Labeling
WCS generates bar coded labels directly from our WMS. This is a far more accurate methodology than utilizing 3rd party label generation programs then re-entering or as a throwback making labels with stamps and ink pad as they did in the 70’s and 80’s.
Scanning
Shortly after going live with our Microsoft based version of the software we started integrating wireless scanning initially using the classic WIMS (a VT100 plugin) that most people think of when scanning. We eventually moved to a more graphical version of the program built through a web browser. This technology now allows us to achieve:
- Receipt verification or data capture
- Receipt put away
- Various client based shipment functions
- Case ID capture
- Location changes
- Inventory lookups
Online Access
Since 2008, all of our clients have enjoyed the ability to have online access to inventory and transaction data. This is a direct front end to our active information by use of a web browser, meaning that you can see real time information as it is updated, no waiting for remote portal information to be pushed over from a live system. Through several iterations from Net View, to Web Portal, and now to Web Link we believe our current version is the most user friendly, offering:
- Inventory view
- Shipment visibility (pending and posted)
- Receipt Visibility (pending and posted)
- Ability for online order entry
Scheduling Technology
In 2010, Camelot and WCS built out our integrated dock schedule allowing transactions in our WMS to be tied to the appointment time directly.
Enhanced Visibility
In 2012, we took our electronic document management system live allowing quick visibility to shipment and receipt transactions for Customer Service Reps, and in 2018 we expanded this visibility to our client portal so our clients have everything at the tip of their fingers.
Streamlining with Automation
In 2016, we added electronic communications manager allowing us to automate the process of sending shipment, receipt, inventory, billing, and account aging report at set intervals eliminating the human error associated with sending documents manually.
Find a Facility
With four locations and over 900,000 square feet of space across the East Coast, we are pleased to announce the opening of a new 83,000 square foot cold storage facility as part of our ongoing business expansion. We are dedicated to surpassing our customers’ expectations by offering a variety of storage options, such as freezer, cooler, tempering, climate control, dry storage, office space, lease, and build to suit.
Other Solutions We Offer
We invest time in understanding your businesses, allowing us to offer cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs.
Third Party Logistics
We provide third-party warehousing solutions that offer cost-effective and flexible options for managing your inventory. Reduce operational costs, optimize space utilization, and enhance overall efficiency in your supply chain.
Build to Suit
Controlled climate solutions that maintain stable, room-temperature conditions. Catering to dry foods, packaging, and household items, ensuring they remain in optimal condition from receipt to distribution.
Food Safety / Compliance
We prioritize food safety and quality with a series of audits and certifications. Over the years, we have consistently achieved strong ratings in our inspections, demonstrating our commitment to maintaining high standards.