Why is Finding the Right WMS Solution Important?
Gartner defines a warehouse management system (WMS) as “a software application that helps manage and intelligently execute the operations of a warehouse or distribution center (DC).”
Right WMS software includes all the essential features to process data quickly and efficiently coordinates stock movements within the warehouse. It is also capable of producing accurate reports and handling large volumes of transactions done in multiple payment modes.
Implementing an appropriate WMS is going to provide you with operational efficiency and facilitate warehouse automation to increase asset utilization. You would be able to more accurately monitor work processes at various levels, which improves inventory control and output speed.
The potential benefits of the system include:
- Optimized space and lower operating expenses
- Accurate inventory counts with increased stock visibility
- More traceable materials with fewer picking and return errors
- Efficient and effective labour management
- Improved responsiveness and better customer service with internal automation
- Optimized supply chain with efficient shipment tracking
- Ongoing process improvement and minimized paperwork
What to Look for in a Warehouse Management System?
A modern-day, best-of-breed ERP for warehouse management features a large variety of functionality and capability. From handling major warehouse operations such as inspection of products, procurement, acceptance of stock, put-away to picking and packing goods, order management assembly and shipping of commodities, the system is responsible for monitoring every step involved in inventory movement. So, the way it handles these processes can make or break the success of a business. Here are the eight most critical capabilities of the software solution and their implications on warehouse operations.
Seamless integration with other software applications
When your WMS solution supports integration with ERP and other software, it facilitates accuracy and real-time data streaming across the organization. This ensures that all information is synchronized and stored on a single platform. Information uniformity expedites the warehouse processes like layout planning, kitting and de-kitting, picking and packing options, billing and invoicing, creating reports, and more.
Mobile-ready system for anytime, anywhere access
Accessing your warehouse information anytime and anywhere would provide you with the flexibility to stay updated about your business round the clock.
A cloud-based warehouse management software offers this mobility. The system is accessible from mobile devices, allowing you to view the purchase orders, raw materials procured, finished goods stocked, and other warehouse information on the go. It also lets your on-site workers record transactions, generate reports, and manage the daily tasks from their smart phones. This facilitates effortless information visibility and better data utilization.
Furthermore, a cloud ERP system for warehouse management is easier to implement than its on-premise counterpart. It can safely backup business information that could be recovered in case of any system error.
Department wide tracking and data analysis
Needless to say, inventory management is a tedious and puzzling task that requires proper recording of data so that you are always aware of when to refill your stock.
Every department of a warehouse business must maintain a record of goods receipt with reference to purchase, production, or delivery orders so that necessary action is taken to process them. The warehouse management system with barcode and RFID (radio frequency identification) scanner compatibility makes all steps involved in product tracking effortless.
The system also includes other advanced tools to filter data for analysis to highlight the areas that need improvement. It provides business insights to help you make informed decisions.
Performance monitoring
When you have the right WMS, you could define KPIs for all facets of warehouse performance and track employee activities against those standards. This helps you better plan and allocate tasks to your warehouse staff for optimal productivity. The system also allows you to design incentive programs to create a healthy competitive atmosphere on the shop floor and increase your overall warehouse efficiency.
User-friendly interface for ease of use
Having easy-to-use warehouse management software saves much of your employees' time on training. Its user-friendly interface offers clear navigation, enabling your staff to leverage its functionalities to the fullest. You need less time to set up the system, and it could be quickly adapted to new requirements to make monitoring daily operations effortless.
Scalable solution to support business growth
A growing business needs a scalable solution that would be able to adapt to meet future requirements. Otherwise, in the long run, as your warehouse business expands and you have more employees and data to manage, you might need to undergo a long-drawn, hectic process of selecting and deploying new software.
Scalability is essential as it lowers maintenance costs, improves user experience, and increases software agility.
Proven track record of the service provider
Timely support and experience in providing service to clients from similar businesses are two critical aspects to look for while evaluating whether the ERP vendor is a good fit. So, always choose the warehouse software provider who offers ongoing support, responsive customer service, can be reached through a wide range of channels, and has prior experience supporting businesses like yours.
Warehouse Management System you Need
A warehouse includes a wide array of functionalities, so you need to choose the software that perfectly fits your needs for efficacious warehouse management.
Implement Focus WMS, an advanced software solution designed to manage the day-to-day warehouse operations. The system tracks and controls the movement of inventory and supplies to help you create a profit-generating warehouse business.
Fill in the form to discuss your business challenges with our product experts and get solutions from them.
