Proven ways to choose the right WMS (Warehouse Management System) in 2024

The automation system in the shipping and warehousing industry is expanding at an unprecedented rate due to WMS. And it is not just the bigger companies anymore; small businesses have joined this trend to be competitive and avoid customer churn due to their poor supply chain experience!

The Global Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) market is projected to grow at a rate of 15% per year through 2028, with revenue reaching $7 billion by then. 

The reason?

Global manufacturers need to automate their processes and cut costs across all areas of operations while still meeting deadlines set forth by customers with quick turn-around times for delivery orders worldwide. The system’s capacity to deliver goods as quickly as possible via the shortest possible routes could be the reason behind this surge in the warehouse automation market.

WMS is being quickly adopted by logistics and supply chain teams to enhance their processes and boost productivity in the warehouse. Additionally, businesses know that a well-integrated WMS is necessary to manage warehouse operations and satisfy consumers’ growing demands effectively.

Why are companies automating their WMS?

• Rising consumer expectations and demands have created a need to deliver goods as quickly as possible to customers via the most cost-effective and risk-free shipping routes
• Hassle-free shipment planning and proactively identifying red flags along the route to avoid possible disruptions that could hamper the delivery schedules
• Real-time container tracking to share live updates with customers 
• Effortless collaboration with multiple stakeholders in the system 

Who needs warehouse management system (WMS) immediately?

If you operate a distribution center or warehouse and wish to stay competitive, warehouse management system is necessary. Relying on a manual, paper-based method is ineffective. If you cannot execute properly, you risk losing clients. According to a survey, inventory management issues cause more than 75% of businesses to lose sales.

A WMS is needed for companies looking to increase operating efficiency for both labor and physical space by monitoring work processes at various levels, boosting productivity, and optimizing asset use. 

Benefits of a Warehouse Management System

A WMS is a must-have for any business that has inventory. Its software can track your goods from the moment they’re loaded onto a truck until you ship them off, ensuring everything goes smoothly and efficiently without human error or mistakes.

Some of the benefits include:

Increased operational efficiency

WMS solutions automate and simplify warehouse processes from inbound receipts to outbound deliveries for enhanced efficiency, smoother operations, and the capacity to handle larger quantities. They remove duplicative and pointless labor and decrease product picking and shipment errors. A WMS also exchanges information with ERP and transportation management systems, providing a comprehensive perspective beyond your warehouse and accelerating the movement of goods.

Effortless business expansion

It’s no secret that most businesses want to grow. Without a WMS, managing your warehouse and inventory becomes exponentially more difficult as you expand into new markets or add suppliers for bigger orders – which means your current processes need evolving too. A must-have tool in any supply chain’s arsenal is an integrated solution designed with ease of use at its core so it can adapt alongside changes made by your business for its growth.

Better relationships with customers and suppliers

Customers that use a WMS gain better order fulfillment, quicker deliveries, and fewer inaccuracies, which boosts customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Reduced wait times at docks and loading bays benefit suppliers and foster better relationships.

Reduced Expenses

If you have perishable or date-restricted stock, WMS can help you determine which things need to be picked up first or which may benefit from a sales push to reduce waste. Additionally, it can assist you in choosing the best transport routes to move your perishable goods before they are wasted. This will have a significant impact on your overall warehouse costs.

Checklist – To evaluate a WMS for your business

1. Ease-of-use: Intuitiveness of the software should be your top priority. If your team cannot use it effortlessly, it will only add to your woes.
2. Customization: The software should be flexible and should allow customization to some extent based on your business and industry needs. You do not have to spend a massive amount on heavy ERP software if you don’t use half of the offered features.
3. Ease of deployment: The product should require minimal onboarding efforts and should easily integrate with your existing software or systems in place.
4. Excellent customer support: Your vendor testshould extend proactive support and be available to solve your queries and concerns quickly. 

Final Thoughts

With the appropriate WMS, you can boost your warehouse operations’ efficiency, speed, and order accuracy. Ultimately, this will save operating expenses while increasing customer satisfaction and helping your business become more competitive.

GoComet has contributed well in the way we manage our cargo. It has automated most processes, reduced manual intervention, and improved overall efficiency in the workflow while bringing excellent transparency to the system. 

Nilesh GandhiVP Procurement, Sun Pharma