Much of the reason a company decides to invest in a third party logistics company is due to the valuable technology they have access to. Warehouse Management Systems enable 3PLs to adequately support their warehouse and distribution needs. So how exactly do you evaluate your Warehouse Management System to ensure it is the correct one for your company? Check out below for a closer look into the wide world of Warehouse Management Systems:
What is it? At its most basic a Warehouse Management System (WMS) is software that supports all the aspects of a warehouse and distribution center. From daily inventory management to staffing, A WMS offers a simplified and unique solution for your needs. Not only do they assist your company with day-to-day business, but they also produce valuable information to share with your clients so they can stay up to date on the status of their products.
How to evaluate your current WMS
Integration – Analyze an WMS’s ability to effectively communicate between different types of technology. Can it gather information via radio frequency? Does it read and respond to bar codes and Radio Frequency Identification? Is it responsive on tablets, computers, and mobile phones? As technology continues to grow, you will want to ensure that your MWS has the capability to grow with it.
Customer Support – In the event of a crisis can you count on reliable customer service? Most don’t consider this aspect until it’s too late. Be sure to evaluate your MWS’s support system to be sure you’re not left in the dark when you need them the most.
History & Sustainability – Your MWS’s history can be indicative of where it’s headed in the future. Regular updates and a streamlined system are imperative for continued growth. Do your research to confirm continued growth is a priority.
Cost – Although this may be a major upfront concern, don’t allow it to be your only one. It’s often true that you get what you pay for and skimping on one of the most important aspects of your warehousing and logistic needs is not where you need to save few bucks. To that end, be sure you are not overpaying for features you may not be utilizing or need.
Regularly evaluating your current Warehousing Management System can help maintain and grow your business’s efficiency. Additionally, if you are looking into a new WMS, these aspects can assist you with choosing the one that will work best for you. And keep in mind that the benefits of an effective WMS can set your company’s warehousing operations apart from competitors.