eCommerce
January 18, 2022

5 Steps for Choosing the Ideal Warehouse Management Software

Choosing the right warehouse management software can be a daunting task. With so many options available, how do you know which one is right for your business? In this blog post, we'll walk you through five steps for choosing the ideal warehouse management software. By following these tips, you'll be able to find a software that meets your needs and helps your business run more efficiently. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get started!


The Reason For Choosing The Best Warehouse Management

A warehouse management system (WMS) is more significant than an inventory management system and data gathering tool. Instead, it's a solution that aims to automate as much of your warehouse activities as possible.


What is the point of paying for a new inventory management system? What is the primary reason for the need for a new operating system?


Regardless of functionality or price, the answers should guide your purchase choice. This will be the first hurdle that various systems must overcome to be considered a viable alternative for you, so be sure you understand the system's primary goals.


If you are modernizing material-handling equipment like carousels, conveyors, sorting systems, and reach trucks, now is an excellent opportunity to implement a WMS that integrates the various technologies. If you're adapting to a more extensive warehouse, you may build a new warehouse management system into the design from the start.


Choosing the Best Warehouse Management Software


Ecommerce business owners searching for warehouse management software should consider the following:

-The system should work seamlessly with the ecommerce company's ERP system.

-The system should provide a speedy return on investment.

-The vendor should offer regular training, technical support, and timely upgrades.

-The operational capabilities of the system should be heavily influenced by the ERP system.

-Run a test run to the vendor's location and note any issues in the contract if you choose to go for that seller.

Evaluation Of Resellers

You will be dealing with a distributor for several weeks, if not months. Furthermore, the reseller you choose directly impacts the WMS deployment and ROI. The reseller must provide regular training, technical support, and timely upgrades to maintain the WMS operational.


Run A Test Of The System

Once you have narrowed it down to three systems, schedule a test run to the vendor's location. It is, without a question, a cost, but it will substantially aid you in selecting the best WMS. The real-data pilot will give you a better understanding of how the system will operate in your warehouse. If the system has any issues, note them for documenting in the contract if you choose to go for that seller.


Interact With ERP

It is critical for your company's success that the WMS you choose works seamlessly with the ERP system you're using. The operational capabilities of the WMS, such as transferring data and linking the warehouse to production, are heavily influenced by the ERP system you're using.


Essentially, the WMS and ERP should work together to guarantee that the warehouse does not operate independently. Instead, it should be linked to production and purchasing on the back end and customer support on the front end.


Decide The ROI

The technology you eventually choose should provide a speedy return on investment. The average time for a WMS to pay off is 6 to 18 months. The bigger the extent of warehouse operations optimization, the higher the potential for money and effort savings. Request a cost breakdown of the variable and fixed costs from the suppliers, which you may use in your ROI calculations.


Conclusion

As we've walked through the five steps for choosing warehouse management software, it's time to apply what you've learned and see which one is right for your business. If you're still not sure where to get started, let us know! We specialize in building tools that help 3PLs win new clients by improving their efficiency and providing them with a competitive edge over other companies. So let's get on the phone or hop onto Skype so we can start brainstorming about how our products could work for you!


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