What is WMS?
WMS (Warehouse Management System) is software for managing a warehouse. For small-scale e-commerce businesses ERP systems (Enterprise Resource Planning) can play that role, mostly due to the cost of running two tools. In addition, at a small scale a single system holding all relevant logistics information for the e-store will be more efficient.
However in cases such as: a high volume of orders varying in size and pick-pack complexity,
a growing number of inter-warehouse transfers,
outbound flows across multiple sales channels: B2C, B2B etc.
rolling out a WMS will simplify managing many warehouse operations.
The basic difference a WMS brings beyond other systems is direct alignment of the chosen tool with the required processes. By default, WMS systems handle basics like: inbound planning,
goods reception,
putaway to the right locations,
top-shelf storage planning,
goods release,
release control,
picking,
packing,
dispatch via carriers,
shortest pick path planning,
fast-rotation algorithm,
stocktaking,
pairing with handheld terminals — useful for receiving, releasing, and stocktaking by easy scanning of EAN barcodes.
What sets WMS apart from other tools capable of those default tasks is easy automation and using the warehouse for harder tasks such as: sorting automation,
packing automation,
product assembly from components,
production line tie-in,
efficient resource management,
auto replenishment (analyzing and controlling stock levels and lead times).
In addition, WMS systems are by default ready to support large-scale businesses: out of the box they handle big operation volumes and large data sets. At the same time, because such systems are used by many companies, these tools have proven solutions and minimal-friction integrations with many other systems.
A well-chosen logistics system can simplify many e-commerce processes, so it pays to think carefully about what functions it should fulfil in your store.
However in cases such as:
The basic difference a WMS brings beyond other systems is direct alignment of the chosen tool with the required processes. By default, WMS systems handle basics like:
What sets WMS apart from other tools capable of those default tasks is easy automation and using the warehouse for harder tasks such as:
In addition, WMS systems are by default ready to support large-scale businesses: out of the box they handle big operation volumes and large data sets. At the same time, because such systems are used by many companies, these tools have proven solutions and minimal-friction integrations with many other systems.
A well-chosen logistics system can simplify many e-commerce processes, so it pays to think carefully about what functions it should fulfil in your store.