It’s no surprise that so many companies struggle to successfully implement a new WMS. One mistake many companies make is to underestimate the level of detail that goes into selecting the right software and adjusting this software to their needs. Logistics Advice, Inc. is an expert in managing Warehouse Management Systems implementations and has done many over the years. Here we offer some tips to take into consideration before purchasing a WMS.
The most important tip we can give someone who is about to upgrade to a new WMS is a simple one: before purchasing the software, create a process description of your current warehouse process and how you want it to be. This process description describes every step of your operation and becomes your starting point in discussions with the software company who you are purchasing the WMS from. This sounds easy but the process description is only valuable if it describes the operation accurately and if changes to the document are made every time you and your WMS supplier agree to a different process.
In addition to creating the process description, we also recommend not to sign the WMS purchase agreement until the process is outlined and both you and your WMS supplier can sign off on it. Software companies often include the cost for this process (system design or configuration) in their implementation cost and start the process after you signed the purchase agreement. However it is better to work with your supplier on this process before you commit to a system of which you don’t know what it is capable of. If your supplier is not willing to invest the time before the contract is signed you can offer to pay him an hourly rate for the work until the process description is finalized. In the end you will save (potentially lots of) money!
There is an endless number of details like the ones above that will make the difference between a successful WMS implementation or a failed and very costly one. Make sure your project manager has the knowledge and time to successfully implement a new warehouse management system.
But before anything starts you have to select the software company you want to work with…and there are many. Work with a dedicated company that is motivated to deliver a good end product, not just motivated to make the sale.
And make sure that the WMS supplier’s project manager (the one you will be working with on the project) has a good understanding of warehouse operations because this will make the discussion so much easier.
If you need assistance with your search for the right WMS, with creating a process description or with the implementation process, feel free to contact us.
