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Opt for a WMS to optimize your supply chain

WMS software

Logistics

Supply Chain

May 30, 2024

A Management System (WMS) is a powerful tool for effectively orchestrating the operations of your logistics sites . However, with the myriad of solutions available, selecting the best WMS for your specific needs can be a challenge. This detailed article will guide you through the essential criteria to take into account to make the wise choice of a high-performance WMS, capable of boosting your productivity and profitability.

Evaluate your current and future logistics needs

Before you even begin your search, it is essential to current and anticipated logistics requirements Bring together key stakeholders and ask the right questions :

  • What types of flows do you manage (B2B, B2C, e-commerce)?
  • What is the volume and variety of your stocks?
  • Do your products require special management (traceability, batches, expiry dates)?
  • What are your goals in terms of cost reduction and increased productivity?

By clearly defining your needs, you will be able to identify the essential functionalities that your future WMS must offer.

 

The key features of a successful warehouse management system

 

A WMS worthy of the name must offer a wide range of functionalities to optimize every aspect of warehouse management:

  • Inventory management : Real-time tracking of levels, locations and movements.
  • Reception management : Validation, quality control, reconciliation with orders.
  • Management of order preparation : Picking, packing, shipping, returns.
  • Optimization of spaces : Intelligent allocation of locations, reduction of travel.
  • Performance monitoring : Dashboards with key indicators (turnover rate, accuracy, cycle time).
  • Traceability : Management of serial numbers, batches, expiration dates.

Make sure the WMS can meet all of your current and future needs, including managing complex workflows or integrating mechanized/robotic systems.

Prioritize flexibility and scalability

In a constantly evolving logistics environment, your WMS must be flexible enough to adapt to your business specificities and evolve with your business.

A configurable and customizable solution

Although implementing a WMS may require you to review certain processes, the solution must be able to mold to your organization. Opt for a tool that offers a high level of customization, allowing you to configure it to your unique needs.

A scalable and modular platform

Your business is set to grow: product diversification, increase in orders, geographic expansion. Choose a scalable WMS, capable of absorbing these changes thanks to easily integrated add-on modules.

A WMS in cloud mode for optimal scalability

Cloud-based WMS solutions offer remarkable scalability. They allow you to dynamically allocate additional resources to deal with peaks in activity, without physical infrastructure constraints. Plus, you'll benefit from continuous updates to stay at the forefront of innovation.

Ensure robustness and performance

For businesses managing large order volumes or experiencing seasonal peaks, WMS robustness and performance are crucial. Evaluate its ability to handle high loads with optimal response times, while maintaining a high-performance database.

Make it easy to integrate with your other tools

For real-time visibility across your entire supply chain, the WMS must be able to interface effortlessly with your other systems:

Check the supported integration protocols (API, EDI, publish-subscribe) to ensure smooth communication between your different tools.

Opt for an intuitive and mobile interface

The ergonomics of the user interface directly impacts the productivity of your teams. simpler and more intuitive it is , the quicker it will be to get started, including for seasonal employees.

In addition, choose a WMS compatible with mobile devices (smartphones, tablets), allowing use in the field for even greater agility.

Strengthen collaboration with your ecosystem

Your logistics sites are interconnected with multiple players upstream (suppliers) and downstream (transporters, customers). Choose a WMS that facilitates exchanges and collaboration within this extended ecosystem thanks to dedicated functionalities.

Master the orchestration of your automated processes

If your warehouse is mechanized or robotic, make sure that the WMS can control these complex systems (sorters, robots, conveyors) transparently, alone or via a WCS (Warehouse Control System).

Use advanced analytics to manage your performance

A modern WMS must offer you customizable dashboards and analytical reports to measure your performance, identify areas for optimization and make the right decisions.

Some companies even need a consolidated vision of their entire logistics network.

Easily deploy in multiple countries

For international organizations, the WMS must be multilingual and the editor capable of supporting deployment on all sites, regardless of the country.

Choose a long-lasting and reliable publisher

Beyond the solution itself, the WMS editor plays a key role in the success of your project:

A solid and experienced company

  • Proven financial health
  • Customer references in your sector of activity
  • Ambitious product roadmap

A competent project team

  • Logistics and IT expertise
  • Proven implementation methodology
  • Clearly defined deliverables and milestones

Responsive technical support

  • Guaranteed intervention times depending on criticality
  • Escalation Levels for Complex Issues
  • Multilingual support if necessary

Evaluate the pricing model

Finally, don't forget to carefully analyze the proposed pricing model:

  • Perpetual license or SaaS subscription?
  • Implementation and training costs
  • Accommodation and operational maintenance costs (MCO)
  • Guaranteed service levels (SLA), particularly in the event of peaks in activity

By following this sound advice, you will be able to choose the best WMS to sustainably optimize your supply chain and boost the performance of your business.