Analysis and Suggestion of an e-Commerce Logistics Solution: Effects of Introduction of Cloud Computing Based Warehouse Management System in Japan

Abstract

It has become increasingly important to have both visible and accurate real-time inventory management tools when managing merchandising/logistics in the clothing industry. A comprehensive, sophisticated, and company-wide inven- tory management system, which can integrate incoming inventory, logistics center inventory, store inventory and return goods inventory is required. The capability to deal with and analyze massive amount of sales data for thousands of stores, for each store, area, and brand in a short period of time, by unit control (e.g. color, size), is also a requirement. In order to meet these requirements to control and manage inventory, an expensive and heavily-featured warehouse management system (WMS) is being conventionally used today. However, an ever-more sophisticated clothing market, with a shortened fashion cycle and diversified trends and tastes, has increased the demand for more advanced and inexpensive IT-driven logistics services. The ability to promptly introduce and upgrade state-of-the-art IT logistics systems is essential, not only for establishing actual physical stores, but also for developing web-based clothing stores. Using case studies, this chapter will discuss the possibilities for a Cloud Computing based WMS and services in the fashion and apparel industry and business. Keywords