Warehouse Management System (WMS) - An execution system used to manage people, inventory, time, and equipment related to picking and processing customer orders. The Warehouse Management System receives orders from the Order Management System or the Transportation Management System, then relies on rules and priorities established by the user to optimize the space and work within the four walls of the warehouse.

Wire decking - See Decking

Wire mesh spacing - The nominal center-to-center spacing of the wire mesh configuration.

Wireless controls - Just as the name denotes, these controlling devices utilize laser, radio and infrared medium to relay information to various types of material handling equipment.

Warehouse - A facility utilized to store, protect and secure items for inventory or staging for shipment.

Waterfall - Descriptive term for the flanged portion of the wire mesh rack decking. Most commonly the waterfall extends downwards over the outside face of the beam. The waterfall should extend past the radius of the beam a sufficient distance to minimize the potential for accidental displacement of the decking.

Work Station Crane - An overhead crane generally used for ergonomic purposes and consisting of bridge(s) and runways made from enclosed metal track. End trucks attached to the bridge girder allow for ease of movement. The entire system is designed to allow workers to move loads by hand pushing the load with the assistance of a vertical lifting device such as a hoist or vacuum lifter.