Transport and logistics giant UPS has teamed with supply chain solutions provider Softeon to launch a warehouse execution system (WES) it says will make distribution centers smarter and more efficient. Atlanta-based UPS's Supply Chain Solutions group said Thursday the new WES will improve order intake and fulfillment, allowing up to 50% productivity gains. The WES combines real-time monitoring of capacity, fulfillment requirements, backlogs, and labor status to identify and resolve potential disruptions before they arise, company officials said. "WES enables UPS to better leverage our global warehouse network and integrated technology to help our customers reduce capital, [and] improve service and speed to end customers," Philippe Gilbert, president of UPS Supply Chain Solutions, said in a statement Thursday. "We also can create more custom and turnkey outsourced fulfillment services to meet our customers' unique supply chain needs."