Introducing Optima WMS Consumables Module - Don't Overlook Your Warehouse's Unsung Hero

We are excited to introduce Optima's Consumables Module - designed to bring visibility, control, and accountability to one of the most overlooked areas in warehousing.

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Why Manage Consumables?

Consumables like packaging materials, void fill, inserts, and complimentary items are used daily but rarely tracked effectively. Without a clear understanding of usage trends, stock levels, and customer-specific requirements, warehouses risk running out of essential items, wasting materials, or misallocating stock.

Optima’s Consumables Module puts an end to guesswork, giving your team the tools to manage consumables with the same precision as any other inventory item.

Key Features of the Optima Consumables Module

Here’s what your team can expect with our latest functionality:

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Track and Manage Consumables with Ease

• Mark products as consumables directly in the system, ensuring they’re treated correctly in workflows.

• Monitor usage patterns and stock levels with intuitive reporting and analytics.

• Identify fast-moving consumables and plan purchasing accordingly.

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Smart Allocation & Sharing

• Ring-fence specific consumables or quantities to individual customers, ideal for those with branded packaging or unique requirements.

• Enable shared usage of generic consumables across multiple customers to maximise flexibility and minimise waste.

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Seamless Integration with Optima’s Packing Tasks

• During the Packing Process, consumables are automatically removed from stock as they’re used.

• Option to scan consumables out, ensuring accurate usage recording.

• Non-packaged items such as complement slips or samples can be scanned as product consumables — offering full traceability and flexibility.

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Transparent Reporting and Visibility

• View current stock levels and consumption trends at a glance.

• All consumable actions are fully visible within the Optima Despatch Pool, ensuring complete operational transparency.

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Built-in Validation

• The system validates consumable tags to ensure accurate categorisation.

• Receive warning messages if consumables haven’t been scanned during packing, preventing oversight and ensuring compliance with packing protocols.

Tailored Benefits for 3PLs

For 3PL providers, customer-specific needs are at the core of every operation. The Optima Consumables Module supports this by allowing consumables to be assigned or restricted to particular customers. Whether it's branded tissue paper, customised packaging, or promotional items, the module ensures that each customer’s materials are used only for their orders — with full visibility and control.

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The ability to report on consumable usage by customer helps 3PLs manage recharging, monitor profitability, and eliminate disputes over shared resources. Additionally, shared consumables such as generic boxes or tape can be pooled across clients, enabling operational efficiency without sacrificing control.

Tailored Benefits for Own-Goods Warehouses

In own-goods operations, consumables may not be customer-specific — but they are still business-critical. The Optima Consumables Module helps own-goods warehouses better manage internal costs, avoid packing delays, and streamline replenishment. With real-time tracking of materials like shipping boxes, void fill, and printed inserts, your team can anticipate shortages and make informed purchasing decisions.

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By integrating consumables directly into the packing workflow, your staff can scan and account for all materials used — including non-packaged items such as branded cards or samples — while the system automatically adjusts stock levels. This ensures smooth, efficient operations with no manual adjustments or lost inventory.

Real Benefits for Warehouse Operations

By tracking and managing consumables with the same accuracy as core inventory, businesses can gain valuable insights into material usage, reduce waste, and maintain essential supplies without the risk of running out at critical moments.

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Incorporating consumables into the packing process ensures consistency, accuracy, and accountability. The ability to scan items during packing, combined with real-time stock adjustments, means warehouses are no longer reliant on guesswork or manual updates. Instead, they benefit from complete transparency and control — all while ensuring customer requirements are met without compromise.

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Ultimately, the Consumables Module supports better planning, smarter purchasing, and improved cost control across the warehouse. Whether you're a 3PL managing multiple client needs or an own-goods operation looking to optimise internal processes, this module delivers tangible value from day one.

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Ready to Take Control of Your Warehouse Consumables?

With the Optima Consumables Module, you can finally give consumables the attention they deserve — ensuring your warehouse operates with greater accuracy, efficiency, and control.

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To learn more or to see a demo, get in touch with our team today.