Is it time to replace my Warehouse Software?
Advancements in cloud platforms have made it easier to get software running in your warehouse. The software you choose is crucial in determining how efficient your warehouse operates. Implementing a robust WMS relieves management of some tasks that allows them more time to focus on other aspects of the business.
Warehouse applications should help control and manage day to day operations in the warehouse. A true Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) software directs processes such as inventory receiving, put-away, storage, picking, packing, shipping and replenishment. There are many factors to consider as to whether it is time to replace your warehouse software.
Your business has grown over the past 12-24 months
Is your current warehouse software keeping up with the growth in the warehouse and the demands from customers? More business can expose issues with your current software. Your software may have been able to handle the smaller demands in the past, but now you are experiencing shipping errors, not getting product out on time or need more staff. As volume goes up, a good WMS should be able to help manage the ebbs and flows to help you grow even more.
Your customers require faster turnaround
Due to the “amazon effect”, customers expect product much faster. The recent demands in the market grown faster than the supply chain could keep up with and slowed down the flow of goods. It is critical that inventory turns are maximized in order to minimize the time the goods sit on the shelf and move them into the customer’s hands faster. A WMS should be able to ramp up the throughput of goods through your warehouse to produce a high turnover rate of inventory.
You face new demands for compliance and security
All warehouses have certain requirements placed upon them by their customers. This may have to do with lot tracking, product recalls, expiry dates, custom labelling, custom kitting, custom billing, etc. Many warehouse software packages or modules do not allow the level of detail on each product or allow custom tailoring for the needs of one customer over another. Many of these requirements will cause you to lose current accounts or not attract new ones. A WMS should be able to handle all the unique needs each customer requires instead of a generic limited use software.
Your warehouse software does not function with other software
Upper management, sales, customer service, and customers all need to know key data about your goods. They rely on software and web portals outside of the warehouse software. It is key that real-time communication takes place from with your warehouse software. If it is unable to communicate with other application then this will lead to miscommunication and reduced customer satisfaction. Most software has the ability to share data with other software. If your current warehouse software is unable to sync up with other systems such as ERP’s, MRP’s, TMS’s, EDI packages, Web Portals or others, you should consider updating your warehouse software.
Your warehouse software does not have key functionality
Having software functioning in your warehouse should make it easy for your workers to carry out daily tasks. The key with these systems is being able to do more with less. Each worker should have the ability to perform tasks with the technology better and more effective than prior. Key steps on how to organize picking, attributes of your goods, specific workflows, lot tracking, serial number tracking, reporting, employee restrictions, bulk storage, zones, etc. are all possible with the proper software.
In addition, technology makes training the staff easier. This opens to the door to seasonal employment based on demands. If you need features from your software that will help you bring in more business, there is likely a WMS out there to meet your needs.
Your warehouse software is becoming out of date
Many systems out there are old, were custom built, or have not been keep up to date. Computer systems keep rapidly evolving and are constantly changing. You need software that is updated each year to meet all the newer requirements. In addition, the security threats to older or out of date software is increasing. These threats could render your warehouse inoperable. Older systems will be more difficult to upgrade the longer you wait. A new WMS can be up and running more efficiently within only a matter of months. It can be updated regularly without any downtime for the operation.
About ProVision WMS
A product of Ahearn & Soper, ProVision WMS is an off the shelf software solution. It enables distribution centers and Third Party Logistics (3PL) companies to rapidly improve warehouse operations and meet the growing demands. The software was created over a decade ago based on a .Net platform. It is easy to integrate with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System or Transportation Management System (TMS). Development and improvement to the software is ongoing with new revisions released to the customers regularly. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario with branch offices across the nation. For more information on our warehouse management solutions, contact us today.
