Selecting a warehouse management system (WMS) to manage the day-to-day operations of a warehouse can be very tricky. Since there are so many to choose from and each one comes with a distinct set of features, making the right call can be tough.
For the uninitiated, these systems are used to track inventory, improve order accuracy, and increase efficiency in the warehouse. However, as stated above, they vary in terms of features meaning selection can be complicated.
To be able to choose the best one, you need to know about the top features a WMS must have. And for this, we have got you covered. Here are some key features to consider when looking for a warehouse management system:
Real-time Inventory Tracking
A warehouse management system should provide real-time visibility into inventory levels, including location, quantity, and status. This helps organizations ensure they have the right products in the right place at the right time, while also reducing the risk of stockouts and excess inventory.
For modern Retail and DTC operations, this will be a critical line between poor and excellent customer experiences.
Order Processing
A fully-featured warehouse management system should streamline the process of receiving, picking, packing, and shipping orders. This includes features such as barcode scanning, automated routing, and real-time tracking of orders throughout the fulfillment process.
Additional support for advanced tools, such as voice, pick-to-light, as well as embedded accuracy checks, will automate and accelerate tasks keeping the inventory and order process synchronized.
Slotting Optimization
It is important that WMS software should help organizations optimize the layout of their warehouse by determining the most efficient locations for storing products.
This can be simply logic such as SKU velocity to ABC segmentation or complex concepts such as nesting, order synergy, or kit to order.
This can help reduce the time and distance needed for picking and packing orders, improving overall efficiency.
Labor Management
A warehouse management system should provide tools to help organizations manage and optimize their workforce, including time and attendance tracking, task assignment, and performance monitoring.
When combining traditional shift management with modern facilities, this can quickly become a weak point for organizations. Advanced WMS software systems can provide dynamic scheduling around velocity and throughput forecasting, bringing a Just-in-Time mindset to labor allocation.
Integration with Other Systems
If you want to maximize your WMS gains, choose a warehouse management system that provides minimal configuration integrations with other popular systems, such as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems or a transportation management system (TMS), to provide a comprehensive view of operations and facilitate the flow of data between systems.
Besides that, your WMS should also integrate with your shipping carriers to allow you to create shipping labels and track shipments. By doing so, accuracy improves and your order cycle times reduce.
Scalability
As an organization grows, its warehouse operations may become more complex. A warehouse management system should be able to scale to meet the changing needs of the organization, including support for additional warehouses, more products, and more users. This should also include the ability to scale the ‘power’ in the background.
Most SaaS platforms can silently scale CPU and memory in a step-function or on-demand style. Choosing a provider for your current and projected needs is critical.
Security
A warehouse management system handles sensitive data, including inventory levels, order details, and customer information. It is important that the system is secure and compliant with relevant regulations and standards.
Digging into your specific industry needs is important as well. For example, one of the more common areas of concern is HIPPA information for medical companies. Be sure that you know the regulations that you are under, and if your selection supports their processes and documentation requirements.
User-Friendliness
Even if the system boasts exceptional features, it won’t be useful for you if it isn’t user-friendly. Choose a WMS that’s easy to use and navigate, with a simple interface that allows users to quickly and easily access the information and tools they need.
Also consider the ease of onboarding a completely new employee like a temporary or seasonal worker. They should be able to learn the system as easily as they learn your procedures.
Warehouse Automation
Automation can help improve efficiency and reduce errors in the warehouse.
Look for a WMS that offers automation features such as automatic replenishment and the ability to generate reports and alerts based on predetermined criteria.
Barcode scanning, materials handling equipment, mechanization, haptic feedback, audio, and other features reduce the decision points for users and improves overall workflow efficiency.
Mobile Functionality
Mobile functionality is increasingly important in the warehouse, as it allows employees to access information and perform tasks using handheld devices. Look for a WMS that has a mobile app or that is fully mobile-optimized.
Unlike traditional systems, ones that utilize mobile always-on style processing benefit from frequent inventory and order status updates and reduce the lag time in information flow in the business.
Customer Support
When evaluating a WMS, it’s important to consider the level of customer support offered by the vendor. Look for a vendor that offers ongoing support, training, and resources to help you get the most out of the system.
Cloud-Based vs. On-Premise
Another factor to consider is whether you want a cloud-based or on-premise warehouse management system.
Cloud-based systems offer the advantage of being accessible from anywhere with an Internet connection, but may have higher ongoing costs. On-premise systems offer greater control and security, but require upfront investment and ongoing IT support.
In summary, a good warehouse management system should:
- Provide real-time visibility into inventory
- Streamline order processing
- Support slotting optimization
- Provide tools for labor management
- Integrate with other systems
- Be scalable, customizable, secure, and user-friendly, and
- Offer support and training
By choosing a WMS with these features, organizations can improve the efficiency and accuracy of their warehouse operations.
Learn about the industry’s most modern, effective, economic, flexible, and rapidly growing warehouse management system tools on the market. These solutions streamline crucial warehouse management tasks including paperless picking, packing, shipping and customer service workflows.
Through automation and real-time inventory visibility, best-of-breed warehouse management systems help businesses achieve +99% order accuracy, fulfillment in under 24 hours, and value in a very rapid timeframe.