7) Is it easy to ERP?
A top-notch WMS needs to be interoperable with ERPs from well-
known vendors, including SAP, Oracle/JD Edwards, Epicor, Infor and
Microsoft Dynamics. If it can't ERP with ease, there will be more
headaches (and costs) as the WMS implementation progresses.
For example, you might change ERP vendors as your company grows,
so it's crucial to know that your WMS will be compatible with new
products. One way to do this is to determine whether or not a WMS is
built around an open architecture. If it is, your WMS is more likely to
work with future applications and operating systems rather than locking
you into in a proprietary and potentially expensive platform.
8)
Since it's all about the money…what about the ROI?
Price is important, but so is functionality, flexibility, integration,
scalability, ease of use, customer support and more…all affect how the
WMS can provide a tangible return on investment. A poorly chosen
warehouse management system can end up costing you more than it
saves as you attempt to fix problems with costly integration or
customization work to fit requirements. That's why it's crucial to look at
the overall value of a WMS solution – does the slightly more expensive
WMS do more of what you need now and offer a lower total cost of
ownership in the long run?
The best WMS excels at simplifying tasks and boosting order/shipping
accuracy, which directly reduce labor costs by improving warehouse
throughput. The WMS can also be used to establish employee
performance metrics and incentive programs that help control labor
costs. These changes not only directly lead to higher profitability, they
contribute to improved customer service – the real win-win.
The difference between purchasing the right WMS and
the wrong WMS
can simply be a matter of asking these Magic 8 questions. The right
WMS will save you time and money, and ultimately increase the
efficiency and manageability of your business. The effects of that will be
faster turnaround, fewer errors, well-managed employees, lowered
costs and improved customer satisfaction.
P a t h G u i d e T e c h n o l o g i e s 8 8 8 . 6 2 7 . 9 7 9 7 c l i e n t s e r v i c e s @ p a t h g u i d e . c o m
The right WMS right
will save you you
time and money, time and money,
and ultimately and ultimately
increase the
efficiency and efficiency and
manageability of manageability of
your business.
