Checklist for WMS software

In today’s dynamic e-commerce landscape, efficient warehouse management is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Cloudbased Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) have emerged as a critical solution, providing enhanced flexibility, scalability, and operational efficiency. Given the strategic importance of a robust WMS, it’s vital to ask the right questions to identify the best system and vendor for your business needs.

Digital technology enhances warehouse management across various applications. Real-time data from digital technologies is expected to boost warehouse management systems, tracking the entire supply chain process. The integration of warehouses, supply chains, and consumers will likely drive the adoption of cloud-based WMS solutions. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and digital twins of warehouses and distribution centres are also boosting warehouse automation. As a result of this digitalisation, the demand for modern WMS solutions is expected to increase significantly.

Four dimensions

During the selection process of a WMS, companies should assess the available solutions and their vendors across four dimensions: software functionality, the technological basis, implementation experience, and domain expertise. When looking for software solutions, most companies mainly focus on functionality, resulting in endless lists of irrelevant questions about this aspect. In view of the rapid rise of Machine Learning and AI in supply chain software, it is crucial to establish how essential these new technologies really are for the company’s warehouse processes.

Next, check the extent to which the software vendor has already used these new technologies, especially in the relevant industry and geographical region. The most overlooked dimension is domain expertise in the software-supported processes. What kind of research is the software vendor conducting into this among existing or potential users (e.g. in collaboration with universities)?

Ultimately, choosing a software vendor is about weighing up the software capabilities against the costs and complexity of implementation. There is a vast range of WMS solutions on offer and the numerous vendors tend to see limitless possibilities for companies. This can be both a blessing and a curse, since in practice it often considerably delays the process of finding the right software vendor (and sometimes also the right implementation partner). Companies should make their requirements crystal clear to software vendors and should preferably evaluate potential vendors during a live, industry-specific demo.

Download the checklist for WMS software

Supply Chain Movement developed this practical checklist comprising ten critical questions to help manufacturing, wholesale, retail, and logistics companies select the right WMS solution vendor for them.

Find more checklists of Supply Chain Movement here >>