Warehouses are more than big buildings that store inventory. In the dynamic landscape of logistics, they serve as a cornerstone in effective supply chain management. Warehouses are the nervous system of every organization, and anything that happens in them can directly impact efficiency and end-user satisfaction.
That's why 80% of warehouses are planning to invest in WMS. The best warehouse management software not only helps you minimize errors but also enhances overall performance. It also helps you maintain a competitive advantage.
In this article, we examine the different types of warehouse management software and provide some great solutions for specific struggles in day-to-day operations. Read on to learn more.
Think of warehouses as giant, intricate machines with numerous interlocking gears. Each gear represents a different area of warehousing, such as shipping, order fulfillment, and inventory management. Warehouse management software serves as the oil to keep the machine running smoothly.
Warehouse management software provide tools that enable businesses to streamline their operations. One core function of WMS is tracking and monitoring inventory. This allows the system to provide relevant metrics, such as stock levels, work orders, available space, and more.
Businesses can opt for individual solutions to address specific problems or, if they need to manage a wide range of tasks, a single software that covers a wider spectrum of capabilities.
Standalone systems focus on core warehouse management processes, positioning them as best-of-breed or best-in-class software. Best-of-breed software excels in specific areas of warehouse management, while best-in-class software shines across all functions.
Standalone systems are more straightforward than integrated WMS since they focus on the basics. This is ideal for businesses that might still be developing their supply chain and logistics processes or for businesses that don't want the complexity of an integrated system.
Because these systems have a strong focus on core functionalities, they tend to be more customizable and can be integrated with existing or future solutions.
Whereas standalone WMS focuses solely on warehouse operations, integrated WMS communicates with other business aspects like sales, accounting, and customer service, often through an ERP or CRM system. Integrated WMS software provides an interconnected and holistic approach between various departments.
However, this type of WMS software tends to be clunky and often has a steeper learning curve. Integrated WMS software also has limited customization options due to its fixed nature.
With so many functions interconnected with each other, it can be difficult to find one that aligns perfectly with your existing SOPs. When you attempt to handle everything at once, you'll find that you can't excel at any one thing.
Integrating WMS software helps warehouses manage their operations with minimal manual intervention. This allows staff to focus on high-level tasks while ensuring accuracy in critical areas of operation. Here are some key features to look out for when choosing warehouse management systems.
A robust inventory management system will give you real-time insights into the exact location and quantity of every item in your warehouse. This will allow you to monitor inventory movement more accurately and maximize storage space.
WMS software provides valuable insights into worker performance, such as:
This helps managers pinpoint areas for improvement and offer targeted support. WMS software can also help with task assignment and workforce scheduling, sending updates and alerts to employees so communication remains seamless.
Fulfillment logistics covers everything from order processing to picking and packing to shipping and returns. Since there are so many steps to complete, there's more room for error or miscommunication. WMS automates the entire process to ensure accuracy and speed.
WMS also allows you to monitor parcels once they're shipped off to the end user. This gives you real-time visibility on the status and location, enabling you to provide accurate delivery estimates and resolve any issues that may arise during transit.
A warehouse's layout can affect how quickly and efficiently you process shipments. WMS software gives you tools to optimize flow paths, allowing you to define the best areas for storage, picking, packing, and shipment.
As you can see, WMS software has a ton of handy features that make everything better, faster, and, generally, just a whole lot easier.
Warehouses rely on accurate data to effectively coordinate and manage the different stages of their operations. Since warehouses mainly deal with inventory, even the smallest discrepancy can cause operational disruptions.
With accurate real-time data, you can minimize instances of lost, misplaced, or forgotten inventory. This enhances internal logistics efficiency, leading to smoother workflows and better overall management.
To err is human, but in a fast-paced industry like logistics, every tiny mistake can cost you. Automation is one of the key functions of WMS software, and it benefits businesses in two ways.
Minimizing human error makes your warehouse more accurate at processing shipments. Secondly, by eliminating tedious tasks like updating inventory and reordering, your employees can focus their time on more pressing matters. This also improves employee happiness, which in turn can boost their productivity.
Reducing operational costs is a priority for every business, and warehouses are no exception. It’s easy for warehouses to lose money due to inefficiencies, staff unproductivity, and poor inventory control.
Warehouse systems monitor their performance and inventory levels to save costs. Managers can also gain valuable insights to make informed expense-driven decisions.
Whether you choose an all-around WMS solution or a standalone one for specific processes, you will experience a significant adjustment period. Here’s what you need to know:
While some platforms require more technical expertise, it is vital to speak to the vendor’s support team for guidance. Receiving onboarding assistance will help businesses integrate software into their existing infrastructure with minimal friction.
Before opting for software, organizations must evaluate vendor support and take advantage of demos. This will give them insight into how well the vendor’s team can get them started and whether the warehouse system will work for their requirements.
Integrating software into warehouse supply chain management can impact existing systems and infrastructure. Businesses must assess their current processes before adopting a warehouse management system and understand how this software can integrate with other solutions effortlessly.
Opting for a warehouse management system that has minimal influence on other operations is easier to integrate. However, businesses must determine the system's integration capabilities to avoid software that is incompatible with their existing tech stack.
The top ten warehouse management software include Parcel Tracker for automated package management, Zoho Inventory as an inventory management solution, and FleetGo for transportation management.
We've selected the ten best solutions on the market and analyzed their key features, integration options, and costs.
Parcel Tracker is the top warehouse management system for simplified package collection and delivery. As a lightweight solution, it is the ideal choice for established warehouses that need to streamline incoming and outgoing packages. Parcel Tracker can help maintain productivity and avoid disruptions by sending recipients automated notifications and ensuring they receive their parcels on time.
While Parcel Tracker does not cover a wide range of warehouse management functionality, this platform is excellent for efficient, secure parcel collection.
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Zoho Inventory is a cloud-based inventory management software that offers specialized features for warehouse operations. This platform enables warehouses to create and manage sales and purchase orders, receive real-time stock updates, and update inventory levels across multiple sales channels, such as Amazon, Etsy, and eBay.
This warehouse management solution is unique because it supports cross-warehouse management. It allows you to control inventory, track team activity, and generate performance reports for up to seven warehouses.
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Offering Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions for warehouses and distribution companies, SYSPRO supports strategic decision-making. Businesses can leverage workflow automation for just-in-time (JIT) deliveries and managing products and expiration dates.
SYSPRO also provides complete visibility into supply and demand so warehouses stay ahead of inventory levels. Warehouse managers can forecast product demands and identify all the resources and materials they need for order fulfillment, making SYSPRO stand out from competitors.
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Oracle Cloud offers a complete suite of tools to manage your warehouse’s supply chain, distribution, manufacturing, inventory, and fleet. This software focuses on order fulfillment, helping warehouses deliver fantastic customer service through omnichannel support and automating returns management to eliminate manual work.
Warehouse managers can coordinate the movement of merchandise by creating store-friendly shipments and tracking inventory from distributor to customer in real time. These capabilities are perfect for warehouses looking for a high-level order fulfillment solution.
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Blue Yonder is a warehouse management system that focuses on order fulfillment and management. This solution delivers in-depth visibility into inbound and outbound inventory processing, and businesses can leverage tools for efficient yard management. Blue Yonder also helps businesses streamline inventory management through tracking and reports.
Blue Yonder's focus on warehouse logistics sets it apart. This platform provides solutions for supply chain operations, resource management, and mobile workflows to improve user experience.
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FleetGo is a comprehensive and flexible warehouse management system. This solution offers tools for real-time inventory control and visibility, team activity tracking, product quality checks, and storage optimization. FleetGo is ideal for small- to mid-level warehouse operations.
Unlike other warehouse systems on this list, FleetGo specializes in transport logistics. Businesses can move inventory to and from various locations and use industrial vehicles for their warehouses.
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This web-based warehouse system is ideal for e-commerce businesses, 3PLs, wholesalers, and retailers. InfoPlus provides solutions for inventory tracking, automated operations, and shipping fulfillment. This platform also helps businesses leverage in-depth insights into labor activity and tracking metrics to detect bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
What makes InfoPlus stand out is that it focuses on helping warehouses optimize their floor layout. InfoPlus will help you create a custom layout to improve productivity while keeping inventory and machinery in sync.
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FenyaSoft is a barcoded inventory and warehouse management system that prioritizes efficiency through automation. Businesses can create and manage sales orders, print labels for their packages, and track the entire fulfillment of orders, from receiving to delivering goods.
This software can also help you scan stock between warehouses, create and manage job cards for staff, and centralize warehouse operations in various locations. FenyaSoft will also handle customer returns, supplier relationships, and consignment stock, making it an all-in-one solution for warehouse systems.
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Specializing in warehouse logistics, Click Reply provides complete visibility into inbound shipments, inventory and warehouse space, and customer deliveries. In contrast to some of its competitors, Click Reply delivers comprehensive coverage of all warehouse operations and logistics, giving managers control over every stage of the fulfillment lifecycle.
This warehouse management system also provides solutions to improve productivity. Click Reply provides dashboards and monitoring tools to track labor activity, strategically plan workforce, and boost operations.
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Khaos Control is all about streamlining warehouse operations through advanced automation. This platform gives you more control over picking, packing, and distributing goods while helping you manage inventory levels and effortlessly fulfill item returns.
The most attractive feature of Khaos Control is that this solution can handle all warehouse processes, from sales, supply chain, and inventory to CRM and accounting. This means Khaos Control can help you maintain supplier relationships, sales invoices, and quotes, as well as stay ahead of inventory through sales forecasting.
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Businesses need the best warehouse management software to optimize operations and reduce costs. From workflow automation software like SYSPRO to productivity tools like Click Reply, all the above options can help you achieve your operational goals. If your primary concern is package management, we’ve got you.
Parcel Tracker is a simple and lightweight solution that ensures the right recipient receives the right package every time. Sign up for Parcel Tracker today.
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