Best Warehouse Management Software

Every business today be it an online or an offline business requires an inventory. The inventory is a storage house for loads of material and goods and requires to be managed and monitored on a daily basis. Such large inventory can’t be managed manually and hence requires software. The warehouse management software serves the purpose of managing and monitoring the inventory and hence manages the entire distribution channel. Proper Warehouse software manages and boosts the business revenue by taking care of the optimum utilization of the resources, vendors, investors, and internal team. Operations in a warehouse include inventory management, picking process, and auditing.

Why Need Warehouse Management Software?

The warehouse is the backbone of any business. E-commerce retails rely heavily on warehouse goods. Hence the need to properly manage the warehouse components is a necessity. Warehouse management system software takes care of the stock record.

It involves details about the available material and goods in stock, stock location, stock level, maintain healthy stock levels, real-time inventory management, automated purchase management, routing and tracking shipments, and multiple order management. It cuts down the manual labor task of recording and maintains the files for individual stocks. With big stockpiled in the storehouse, it’s always a tremendous task to maintain the paper files.

However, before switching to automated software, companies tried to switch over excel and spreadsheets. But again, with the bulk of material stored in the warehouse, the accuracy and spontaneity in recording the data and the facts were hardly achieved. Moreover, the challenge was to update the data manually every time and keep track of the shipments. Hence, the warehouse management system came into the role. The software cuts down the need for manual management and does not involve a team to update and track the stock. Once entered and updated, the software takes care of all the details associated and keeps the detail in the record, to be accessed anytime.

Benefits of Using Warehouse Management Software

A Warehouse Management System is a major upgrade for any business- small or large. Implementing warehouse management software can have multiple benefits like reduce cost, enhancing visibility, and enabling just-in-time inventory. That's why proper warehouse management is important in business. A few of the benefits are:

Reduced Operating Expenses

If implemented properly, well-designed and better functionality warehouse management software reduces the company's operating expenses. The various warehouse management tools help determine the stockpiled in the warehouse, the expiration dates of products, the floor plans to define storage, and other features needed to maintain the stock well.

Transparent and Enhanced Inventory visibility

The features such as a Bar code scanner, serial number, and tagging help determine the accurate location of the goods. It helps determine the products in and out from inventory, giving a real-time update on the inventory.  Such transparency and visibility are required to create and maintain the demand forecast, which provides greater insight into the products that are more demanded by customers and also determines the time of the year when the demand for certain products is high. The traceability factor also ensures recall in case of any damaged goods.

Just-in-time inventory

Another feature of the warehouse management software is the just-in-time inventory which refers to the inventory management practice where the stock levels are maintained based on the demand and available goods. Rather than holding the products for long, the Just-in-Time inventory feature ensures that the product needs are fulfilled as and when demand is there. Demand forecasting hence plays a major role and generates optimal inventory levels to meet the demand without exceeding or underestimating it.

With all the available features and benefits, warehouse management system software is mandatory for any business dealing with inventory management. As it not only cut down the operations time but also helps increase the accuracy of the tasks involved.

Key Features of Warehouse Management Software

The warehouse management software is a multi-management warehouse management system that allows a retailer to maintain the inventory across multiple locations with the help of centralized monitoring and provides tools to enhance order fulfillment.

1. Real-Time Monitoring

   The admin can keep track of the inventory data in real time and can access details of any goods/material from a remote location. The real-time update provides data on current inventory and inventory value in total and evaluates and monitors the transactions done throughout the day. It updates the inventory on a daily basis and hence provides the exact data and value.

2. Mobile Deployment

   One of the best things about the warehouse management tool is that it comes with a mobile-friendly interface so that it can be accessed from smart devices like smartphones, laptops, desktops, etc. It allows the management professionals to set authorities, view purchase orders, raw materials, and finished goods, and track the inventory on the go.

3. Inventory Cost Management

   With goods being sold and added to the inventory, the overall cost of the inventory tends to fluctuate on a regular basis. A manual system consumes too much time in updating on the daily basis and still doesn’t assure accuracy. A Warehouse Inventory Management Software updates the inventory and calculates the cost and requirements on a regular basis with much accuracy. Hence, eliminating the need for manual cost tracking.

4. FIFO Stock Picking

   The goods and materials in an inventory should be utilized on the basis of the first-in, first-out model. Following this would save the materials from getting spoiled due to the expiration of the date. Such inventory is usually found in businesses dealing with eatable materials. The data warehouse management software takes care of the material to be released according to first in, first out the model and hence saves the loss which might incur if the material gets stale or spoiled.

   

5. Aging inventory

   An aging inventory is not good for any business. The inventory needs to be tracked and updated on a regular basis. The old products need to be dumped and the new ones to be added as and when required. To keep track of this, the warehouse management software updates the admin on the regular basis and hence inventory can be managed more effectively.

6. Order Management

   The key to any business is to satisfy and make the customer happy. The fast and error-free delivery of the order is most required. The best warehouse management software is dynamic in nature and takes care of the stock pick-up, invoice generation, and tracking of the order shipment effectively.

7. Minimized Cost

   It eliminates the inefficiencies and assists employees to manage distribution, procurement, and other associated tasks. 

8. Seamless Flow of Inventory

   When it comes to managing the bin operations seamlessly, WMS may help you out! It comes with a responsive screens feature, intuitive UI that may automatically adjust as per the orientation of the device.

9. Go Paperless

   As the paperwork is eliminated, it offers features that make the transfer a time-saving task.

Factors To Consider When Implementing Warehouse Management System

The following are the factors to consider while implementing the right warehouse management system:

1. Don’t Overlook Usability

   Opting for a complex WMS could be potentially daunting. If you don’t want your team to get confused while working with the system, you must consider a user-friendly interface. 

2. Level of Customization

   When you are choosing the right warehouse management tool, the level of customization plays an important role. There are chances that your business needs may be completely different from other businesses ' needs. 

3. Prioritize Business Requirements

   Make sure you create a prior action plan of WMS and its working in your business environment. It is important for you to identify gaps in your processes and discover how the implementation of WMS can help bridge these gaps. 

4. Interfacing Capabilities

   Always remember that a good WMS should easily interact with the existing equipment and ERP platform. To match the specifications of your new WMS, make sure you replace every other system in your warehouse. 

5. Don’t Overlook Training Needs

   It is often observed that managers overlook the importance of training their team members on the new system. When you choose and implement a new WMS, you must give prior training to your team to ensure optimum utilization of the warehouse management system.

Types of Warehouse Management Software

Did you know? The warehouse management system market (WMS) was valued at USD 2.4 billion in 2020 and is likely to reach USD 5.1 billion by 2025. In such a scenario, a warehouse management system (WMS) serves as a boon as is it facilitates e-commerce businesses to manage their daily operations. Without a WMS, companies may risk falling behind on inventory control, picking, and shipping their orders, which translates into lost time and money.

The most popular types of WMS software often utilized by third-party logistics businesses include:

1. Standalone Systems

   If you are a business with a low budget, you must consider the standalone system as it only includes the most important feature of SaaS WMS software. It thus caters to all needs of small businesses.  

   These systems are typical on-premise systems deployed on the business’s native network and hardware. These can be used only for their warehouse management features.

   Features: 

   • Receiving

   • Put-away

   • Picking

   • Shipping

   • Bar code scanning

   • Tracking of the expiration date 

   • Cycle count

   A standalone warehouse management system software lacks many of the tools and features present in an integrated software solution that includes warehouse operations and inventory tracking management. However, these are ideal for small businesses with basic needs.

2. Cloud-Based Systems

   This web-based warehouse management system is equipped with manifold features that help to lower down the operational cost. The software facilitates the speedy implementation of warehouse management strategies. It boasts of higher data security protocols that are essential for medium to large-scale businesses managing high-value inventory.   

   Advantages of this cloud-based warehouse management solution: 

   • Minimized Cost 

   • Easy to Use

   • Quick Implementation 

   • Scalability

3. Supply Chain Modules

   This is the advanced and feature-oriented warehouse management system ideal for businesses of all sizes. The main goal of this system is to automate inventory management, product cycles, sourcing of materials, and other common tasks. Unlike other warehouse management systems, it supports the management of the entire supply chain.

4. ERP Modules

   Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software is a tool that helps to manage the resources of the whole organization or enterprise. It helps in managing all the day-to-day operations of an enterprise from inventory, tracking, sales, retail to supply chain. If you are an organization looking to improve software solutions and improve your ROI, ERP modules are an ideal choice.

Best Warehouse Management Software Systems

Let’s discuss the best warehouse management software systems to adopt:

1. NetSuite WMS

   The software tool helps the users in performing major functions of the warehouse such as receiving, storing, and shipping goods while streamlining warehouse and manufacturing operations. 

   Features:

   • Mobile RF barcode scanning.

   • Task Management

   • Returns authorization receipt

   • Cycle count plans

   Pros:

   • It is simple and so easy to use.

   • The company offers a guarantee.

   • Wireless warehousing.

   • The contact information is clearly visible.

   • It has third-party plugins.

   Cons

   • It is not an effective ERP.

2. Softeon

   Softeon is a cloud-based system that provides innovative solutions for the supply chain. 

   Features:

   • It is a web-native system.

   • Efficient management of orders. 

   • Productivity tracking

   • Scalable architecture

   • Task management

   Pros:

   • It provides very good customer support.

   • It can process high volumes of orders.

   • Require ongoing support.

   • Reduced cost.

   Cons:

   • Implementation is not as expected. 

3. 3PL Warehouse Manager

   Provided by 3PL Central, it is a cloud-based system that has a modern user interface and intelligent workflow capabilities.

   Tool Features:

   • Seamless integration

   • Easy expansion

   • Accurate billing

   • Mobile barcode scanning

   Pros:

   • It is easy to expand the system.

   • It is easy to use.

   • You can access and handle data from anywhere. 

   Cons:

   • You might need the training to use this system.

4. HighJump

   Highjump provides future-proof and mobile-enabled solutions for warehouse management as per the market needs. 

   Tool Features: 

   • Labor management

   • It is a cloud-based system.

   • Yard Management

   • Supports multi-client operations.

   • Omni-channel fulfillment

   Pros:

   • The system is robust.

   • Products can be enhanced. 

   Cons:

   • No card processing capability.

   5. Astro WMS

   Developed by Consafe Logistics, Astro WMS is one of the best warehouse management tools for any business size and serves its solutions for all industries.

   Features: 

   • Voice Picking

   • Resource planning

   • Real-time overview

   • Yard Management

   Pros: 

   • Accurate

   • Flexible

   • Scalable

   • Future proof

   Cons: 

   • Might be costly