Looking to Add or Update a Warehouse Management System?

The functions mentioned in the previous article, 5 Mission Critical WMS Features You Shouldn’t Live Without, namely: Real Time Inventory Management, Cloud Based Operation, Flexibility, Analytics and Visibility at All Levels, can and should be found in all superior WMS. Additionally, depending on the size of your operations and your growing needs you will want to look at this more comprehensive list of functions as well A good WMS will easily handle most, if not all, of the aforementioned needs, when operating a cost-effective and efficient warehouse or 3PL business. A great WMS will also be affordable, customizable, scalable and fully supported through the entire implementation process and beyond by a dedicated team of seasoned experts.

Does your current WMS or the WMS you are currently considering do all the following, and meet the criteria just listed for greatness?
  • Inventory Management: Real-time visibility into inventory levels, locations, and stock movements is essential. This helps optimize stock levels, reduce overstocking or stockouts, and prevent costly errors.
  • Picking and Packing: Accurate order fulfillment relies on effective picking and packing. Warehouse staff should be guided to the right locations to minimize travel time and ensure correct item selection.
  • Shipping and Route Optimization: A WMS should optimize shipping routes, carrier selection, and packaging. This reduces transportation costs, improves delivery times, and enhances customer satisfaction.
  • Cycle Counting and Inventory Accuracy: Regular cycle counting (partial inventory checks) ensures data accuracy. These counts should be facilitated, minimizing discrepancies and preventing stock discrepancies.
  • Geo-Positioning and Yard Management: For large warehouses or distribution centers, geo-positioning helps track items within the facility. Yard management features optimize truck movements, dock assignments, and trailer tracking.
  • Labor Management and Productivity: These tools can monitor employee performance, allocate tasks efficiently, and improve workforce productivity. This directly impacts operational costs and overall efficiency.
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Why These Capabilities Matter
  • Cost Savings: Accurate inventory management reduces excess stock, minimizing storage costs. Efficient picking and packing save labor hours, while optimized shipping routes cut transportation expenses.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Timely and accurate order fulfillment leads to satisfied customers. A WMS ensures that the right products reach customers promptly, enhancing their experience.
  • Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes reduce manual errors, bottlenecks, and delays. A well-implemented WMS improves overall warehouse efficiency.
  • Compliance and Traceability: Regulatory compliance (e.g., food safety, pharmaceuticals) requires accurate tracking. A WMS provides traceability, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
  • Scalability and Adaptability: As your business grows, a flexible WMS can adapt to changing needs. It should integrate with other systems and accommodate new processes seamlessly.
Conclusion
  • While a WMS can be a valuable tool in your belt, remember they are not all created equally. It is important to evaluate systems based on your current needs and future growth plans. In many cases, a cookie cutter approach to creating a WMS may in fact prohibit it from truly becoming a Warehouse Management Solution.
  • When investing in new operational tools within your business; and especially when making far-reaching decisions, it is always a good idea to involve experts with a knowledge base that exceeds your own. As one remarkably successful CEO once put it, I like to hire smart people and then get out of the way.
  • We recommend staying closely involved in the process of evaluating your current or future WMS, but we highly encourage the use of experts with decades of experience in building and implementing customizable WMSs. Turns out we know a few!

Now that you know what a WMS can provide to your company and your customers, why not tell us more about what your business needs so we can begin to tailor and help implement a great solution specifically for you? For more information or to schedule a demo click here.