What is WMS software? Your complete guide to Warehouse Management Systems
What is a Warehouse Management System (WMS)?
A warehouse management system (or WMS software) is a software solution designed to help businesses manage and streamline their daily warehouse operations by improving the accuracy and efficiency of order fulfilment, inventory control, and shipping.
WMS software reduces human error, provides real-time inventory tracking and gathers valuable data to further optimise processes such as suggesting smarter inventory placement and optimal warehouse picking travel paths.
By automating processes, WMS software helps to streamline inventory management, picking and packing, order fulfilment and shipping of orders, saving time and money, as well as increasing customer satisfaction.
What does WMS software do?
WMS software is designed to perform a number of tasks and automate certain processes. The main functions of WMS software are:
- Inventory tracking – Track every item of stock in your system in real time, ensuring it is always accounted for.
- Picking and packing – Optimise the picking and packing process, reducing human error, duplication of work and improving the use of warehouse space.
- Order fulfilment – Process orders efficiently and accurately, reducing time between a customer placing an order and receiving their items.
- Shipping – Integrate seamlessly with courier and ecommerce platforms to improve the efficiency of the shipping process.
The business benefits of using a WMS
There are many benefits of using WMS software, whether your business is large or small. Benefits include:
Increased efficiency and accuracy
Warehouse management software helps automate picking and packing processes to streamline inventory management and order fulfilment. By reducing errors and removing duplicated work, WMS software speeds up the time from order placement to delivery, whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy.
Real time inventory visibility
Barcode Scanning allows inventory to be tracked from the moment it enters your warehouse to the moment it leaves, improving accuracy and data integrity, reducing the need for time-consuming corrections.
Reduced operating costs
If your warehouse contains date-limited or perishable stock, then WMS software can help identify expiring items to be picked first to reduce waste. It can also plan the optimal use of your warehouse floor and shelving to place inventory in places that reduce travel paths and make better use of storage space available.
Better customer satisfaction
By using WMS software, your business will be able to pick and fulfil orders much faster (without compromising on accuracy), meaning a shorter wait for your customers to receive their items after ordering. With many customers now expecting next day delivery as standard, being able to process and deliver orders as fast as possible goes a long way to increasing customer satisfaction.
Types of WMS software solutions
Warehouse management software comes in a variety of different setups, with each usually specialising in a specific area. Types of WMS include:
Cloud-based WMS software
Cloud-based WMS solutions are typically quicker to implement and more cost-effective upfront. The biggest benefit to using cloud-based WMS software is how flexible it is – you don’t have to worry about updating the software to the latest version as this is handled by the software provider, or changing software when your business grows as a cloud-based system will scale with increasing demands. Cloud-based WMS software is also great for integrating with other systems and software, including ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, Magento and Woo Commerce.
3PL WMS software
3PL WMS software is designed to cater specifically to third-party logistics (3PL) companies. Working closely with the 3PL company, the software is often built from the ground up with features like custom reporting, tailored dashboards, and deep integrations, creating a fully bespoke solution fulfilling the diverse needs of 3PL businesses.
Ecommerce WMS software
An ecommerce WMS solution will focus on the unique needs of the ecommerce landscape and the fast-paced nature and quick turnaround of orders. By seamlessly integrating with popular ecommerce platforms, ecomm businesses can benefit from quick and accurate order fulfilment, real time inventory management and in-depth analytics to ensure their business thrives.
Choosing the right WMS for your business
When comparing warehouse management systems, there are several areas to consider before choosing the software that’s right for your business. Consider:
- Flexibility– Will it adapt to your diverse needs?
- Scalability – Will the WMS scale with you as your business grows?
- Customer Support– Does the software use automated customer service or do they have real people readily available on the phone?
- Customisation – Are there options to customise the software to match your brand?
Why choose Optima?
Optima’s flexible warehouse management software is designed and developed around your business needs. Whether you’re a growing SME or an established 3PL, Optima WMS increases accuracy and efficiency, tracks inventory in real time, improves analytics, and optimises warehouse operations to reduce costs.
Steering away from a one-size-fits-all approach, Optima works closely with 3PL businesses, retail and ecommerce companies, plus manufacturers and distributors, to create a bespoke WMS solution that is built to meet the diverse needs of different companies – offering incredible flexibility and powerful customisation options.
Our final thoughts
By investing in a solid WMS solution such as Optima, your company can leverage the power of automation and optimise your processes, saving valuable time and money.
Ready to optimise your warehouse, or you have a proposal for a bespoke solution, schedule a call with one of our experts today.
