A WMS is used to better control warehouse processes and increase efficiency indicators. In order to achieve the intended effect of improving the efficiency and quality of processes, it is necessary to equip the plant with the right software. Which WMS to choose and how much does it cost?
What is a WMS and how does it work?
A WMS is an advanced software system that allows you to manage warehouse processes, monitor operations in progress, collect data and identify events in real time. It gives you the opportunity to automate processes and increase the efficiency of the plant. Instant access to detailed information allows you to keep track of progress in the execution of the established plan.
The warehouse management system works through automatic identification, or traceability function. The identifier, which is the source of information about a specific product, is scanned during subsequent warehouse processes, thanks to which the current status and location of the article are registered in the system.
How to choose a WMS system? 4 factors to follow
To choose the best WMS for your warehouse, you need to consider your facility’s current needs and capabilities, as well as those planned for the near future. What are the key factors influencing this decision?
Functionality matched to the current needs and capabilities of the plant
WMS systems available on the market offer numerous functionalities. However, not all options need to be implemented during implementation – especially for smaller companies that are just planning to expand their operations. When making a decision, it’s worth choosing a system that allows you to expand the suite of functions as your business grows. At ANT, we present our clients with the best solution for the moment, and also suggest how the system can be expanded in the future.
Ability to integrate with other systems
A WMS should allow integration with other IT systems such as ERP or MES. It is worth remembering that this process requires additional steps necessary for proper implementation. The advantage of system integration is better communication – data obtained from multiple sources are available to all interconnected systems. This facilitates efficient warehouse management. An excellent example illustrating the cooperation of systems are integrations in the e-commerce industry. When a customer places an order, a specific commodity is reserved, and this information automatically goes into the system. This gives confidence that the inventory on the customer’s website is always up to date.
Ability to personalize the system and make modifications
A good WMS is a flexible system. Although at the initial stage of the warehouse’s operations the number of useful functions may be small, as the plant grows, so do the needs for the type and amount of data collected. This is why it makes sense to choose a solution that allows for personalization and further implementation of modifications in the future. Companies wishing to maintain a competitive position in the market should bet on a scalable and configurable solution that will grow as the warehouse grows.
A supplier with trust and reputation
Even the best software will fulfill its role only if it is properly implemented and tailored to the company’s needs. Attention should be paid not only to the capabilities of the system itself, but also to the supplier. Knowing the importance of tailoring a WMS to the needs of a specific plant, at ANT we relied on the development of our own source code. Independence from other entities allows a dedicated team of experts to carry out the implementation quickly and efficiently.
WMS system – how much does it cost?
How much do you have to pay for a WMS system? The price of implementation depends on many factors, including, most importantly, the sophistication of the software. The cost of implementing a WMS is affected by the number of functionalities and their type – the more sophisticated the software, the more funds you will need to invest. The supplier will also take into account the number of warehouses, the size of the staff using the software, and therefore the amount of data to be collected and monitored. Integrations with other IT systems also play an important role in terms of cost.
It is worth remembering that the implementation of a WMS should be treated as an investment and an opportunity for the development of the company. Efficient warehouse management translates into achieving better and better efficiency indicators and allows building trust among contractors. A dedicated WMS is a promising solution that supports the company in maintaining its competitive position in the market.
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