Advice from true warehouse experts
Issue link: https://resources.pathguide.com/i/1398550
Go out and visit multiple customer sites. See how the system performs in real life. If possible, make these visits without any vendor salespeople present, to ensure that you get an accurate assessment of the warehouse management solution. In addition, a WMS vendor should be skilled at developing additional ERP integrations should it not have existing partnerships. Warehouse Focus In many cases, WMS solutions are sold by companies whose primary business solutions aren't related to warehousing. This may enable those vendors to diversify their offerings, but it means that they don't really concentrate on warehousing as a niche industry. A good WMS needs to be built around the warehouse. Core functions like receiving and picking must be as perfectly structured as more advanced features like lot control. Optional Advanced Functionality A warehouse management system's capability can range from very basic to extremely advanced. While you may only need basic WMS functionality now, as your business continues to expand and take on new business, it's good to know that your WMS has ala carte advanced features that you can opt for in the future. Look for some of the following features as optional add-ons that are a part of a robust warehouse management solution: Carousel integrations, inventory adjustment, cycle count planning, front counter orders, incident tracking, lot control and serial number tracking, manifesting, paperless zone picking, replenishment, route shipping, slotting, and truck loading verification. ■ About the Author Eric Allais, President and CEO of Washington-based PathGuide Technologies, Inc., has over 30 years of experience in marketing, product management and sector analysis in the automated data collection industry, including warehouse management practices in wholesale distribution. Contact him at eric@pathguide.com. About PathGuide Technologies PathGuide Technologies, Inc., a privately held company founded in 1989, is a leading provider of warehouse management solutions for industrial and retail distributors across North America. PathGuide's software and services help suppliers increase productivity and order accuracy, improve customer service, and lower labor costs – ultimately driving greater profitability. www.pathguide.com ● clientservices@pathguide.com