In a totally integrated solution you will certainly have your raw materials got into your Warehouse Management System, be consumed by your Material Requirement Planning system and the completed items be deposited back into the WMS. The WMS will certainly assist in the monitoring the product through moves and cycle counts while in the warehouse, then finally be selected and sent out to either the shipping system or Transportation Management System for trucks. The whole time your Enterprise Resource Planning system will certainly be tracking the values, orders, sales, and billings with all of the systems.
There are various types of WMS varying from easy systems to more complex ones that are more suitable for big warehouses. When looking for a WMS system for your warehouse, there are various elements you have to consider before you can settle on one WMS. Few of them are:
Functions
Various WMS can carry out different functions and are constructed for various markets. What functions does your business need to encounter to satisfy the requirements of your clients, any managing bodies, and your investors? Look for a warehouse management system that is configurable and able to scale past where you are, however to where you prepare to be in 5 years.
Warehouse size
Larger warehouses need more detailed systems than smaller ones. This is since more activities and functions are performed in a huge warehouse and all such activities and functions require a more in-depth system. The bigger the warehouse, the higher the cost of travel in between locations, and for that reason the more crucial in-depth monitoring is.
Customer needs
By recognizing the loopholes in your existing system, you will certainly be in a position to identify the functions you require in a WMS, and choose a WMS that will certainly ensure that you are able to serve your customers much better and enhance their fulfillment with the services you provide. Are you an eCommerce site that requires auto-allocation so your offered inventory is constantly precise? Do you need to post tracking numbers to your clients?
Cost
The cost of setting up a WMS system differs depending on the complexity of the system and the system vendor. Choose a WMS system that will certainly serve your warehouse much better by fulfilling all the required functions, and also one that your business can pay for. Selecting a system that is method too costly for you will only put your business in trouble and end up jeopardizing the quality and efficiency you a lot want to enhance. Picking a standard WMS system on the other hand might not serve you adequately, particularly, if you have numerous functions in your warehouse. You have to find the ideal balance between cost and functions when choosing the right WMS for your business. Do not get caught thinking what your business requirements are today, consider where your business has to be in 5 years and pick a product that can take you there and beyond.
