By Tompkins Solutions Ongoing labor shortages, capacity constraints, increasing customer expectations, and changing order profiles and volumes have created additional challenges for distribution operations over the last year. As a result, warehouse management system (WMS) providers have been charged with developing new solutions to combat growing supply chain disruptions and complexities. Below are a few new features and capabilities WMS vendors are offering to help distribution operations address these challenges: Warehouse Execution Systems (WES) While traditionally offered by material handling automation providers, more WMS vendors are now incorporating WES capabilities within their solutions. Operating between the WMS and warehouse control systems, WES applications help optimize and facilitate order processing and material flow across an automated distribution center.