Anyone running a warehouse or tasked with improving operations has struggled with how to keep costs down while improving efficiency. Maybe you need more space, or you’re trying to track inventory across multiple locations. Perhaps your business has grown rapidly and you’re adding more products, outgrowing your current system. Have you tried to fulfill a new order and realized your inventory is depleted? These are all common problems that can be resolved with a Warehouse Management System (WMS).

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A WMS is more crucial than ever to ensure successful operations in your facility. While a WMS doesn’t replace your ERP, existing order entry and inventory systems, it does manage the interactions between your business system and the warehouse, and provides real time data so you can smooth work flow, prioritize pricing and help manage emergencies. These high-performance, paperless systems offer a variety of ordering, receiving, picking, packing, inventory control, and shipping features. Every aspect of the goods systems is designed for:

• increasing efficiency;
• improving warehouse and manufacturing stockroom productivity;
• improving customer service; and
• reducing errors and slashing costs.

Today’s supply chains are more complex, and implementing a WMS may seem overwhelming. Working with the right partner and having the right system in place, you’ll improve operational efficiency and productivity; including real time inventory and labor management, and maximize customer satisfaction. In most cases, they generate a very positive ROI.

As Warehouse Management Systems become a mission critical part of your operation, price is only one factor in the decision. A WMS solution needs to be flexible and scalable to adapt to your changing requirements, and easy to use. Otherwise, you may find yourself faced with costly integration issues to make it work properly down the line. It’s an investment in the future, so look for a provider with a solid background and successful track record in logistics/warehouse management to walk you through the selection process and tailor a solution specific to meet your operational needs.

Also see: The Magic 8 WMS Questions You Need to Ask