6 Things to Consider Before Diving into a Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Implementing a Warehouse Management System (WMS) is integral to any business that operates a warehouse or distribution center and manages inventory. Like an ERP system, a WMS helps streamline operations by increasing efficiency, accuracy and order fulfillment. Before diving headfirst into a shiny new WMS, it's important to prepare your space, your employees and your expectations. Here are six important factors to consider before implementing a WMS.

1. Warehouse Process Review

Perform a thorough review of all warehouse operations and business processes. Understand your current workflow, pain points and areas that need improvement, paying special attention to processes where practice and theory don't align. Identify the specific challenges the WMS should address and the KPIs you want to enhance. Involve all key stakeholders, as no one will know the day-to-day details better than those in these roles.

2. Software Evaluation and Selection

Research and evaluate various WMS software options. Consider factors such as scalability, integration capabilities with your existing systems (e.g. SYSPRO ERP), ease of use, customer support and the vendor's reputation. Involving your ERP partner in the evaluation process is essential to ensuring the WMS and ERP system integrate seamlessly.

3. Clearly Define Your Requirements

Define a clear project scope and outline the objectives you aim to achieve. Set realistic timelines and milestones, and involve key stakeholders including warehouse staff, IT and management. Know what you want before you start, because once the groundwork begins it becomes increasingly difficult to change your process.

4. Prepare Your Data and Your Warehouse

Prepare your existing data related to inventory, warehouses, bins, purchase orders and sales orders, and ensure accuracy and consistency before implementing a new WMS. This is also an excellent opportunity to clean your data. Most systems require barcode labels for efficient use, so preparing bin sequences, product barcodes and a labeling solution will help ensure a successful implementation.

5. Training and Change Management

Prepare your warehouse staff for the upcoming changes by providing proper training on the new system and processes. If there is going to be significant change, it's important that users feel comfortable and understand the reasons for the change and how the business and employees will benefit.

6. Testing

Testing the new WMS before going live is essential. It helps you identify potential issues, fine-tune the system and gather feedback from end-users. Everything is harder to fix in production, so stress-test any new system thoroughly.

The Umbrella Consulting team can help you make a well-informed decision about choosing a WMS that's the right fit for your business. We provide end-to-end implementation services including discovery, process review, evaluation and selection, project management, implementation and support. Contact us to get started.