WMS Software Procurement Lifecycle: How to Evaluate, Select, Implement, Modify, & Realize ROI
The warehouse management system (WMS) serves as the system of record for warehouses and distribution centers. The WMS software procurement lifecycle remains a challenge for many supply chain leaders. As explained by Tom Gresham of Inbound Logistics:
“Evidence of a poorly conceived and managed warehouse management system (WMS) implementation sometimes is so apparent that passersby on the street notice it. Forty trucks lined up down the road trying to get into a warehouse is a sign of a bad WMS installation. When things aren’t working right, or the system’s down, the trucks must wait. And that costs money.”
Supply chain leaders can avoid that grim scenario by understanding the WMS software procurement lifecycle, including top challenges and the value of a comprehensive review of supply chain data from selection through implementation and a few best practices to evaluate, select, implement, modify, and realize better ROI.
The Challenges of the WMS Software Procurement Lifecycle
Supply chain leaders will face challenges when beginning the WMS software procurement lifecycle. Employees within the company may be reluctant to change. Shareholders may wish to avoid unnecessary investments. A general sense of maintaining the status quo could prevail. However, the ongoing complexity of operations and a demand for more from today’s supply chains will render these opponents meaningless. At the same time, hasty selection and implementation of a WMS may have a disastrous effect. “No error creates more problems for a WMS implementation than moving too fast,” as the aforementioned Inbound Logistics article states.
Why Evaluation Through Launch Matter Most
A comprehensive strategy for managing all processes of the WMS software procurement lifecycle is essential. Companies must consider how any change of operations will affect downstream supply chain activities and vice versa. The selection of a WMS becomes clearer as supply chain leaders determine how new software will add value. Evaluation goes back to leveraging supply chain data to its greatest potential. Data can provide insight and help with crucial decision making but data alone is not the whole picture. Leaders must also consider cost impacts too. How do supply chain leaders approach a new procurement process for software without letting costs run rogue and well out of control? To answer that question, we’ll discuss a few best practices.
Best Practices to Evaluate, Select, Implement, Modify, and Realize ROI
Vast online resources have been devoted to the best practices for evaluation, selection, modification, and realizing the ROI of WMS software. While hundreds of individual improvements exist, ensure your organization follows these simple best practices:
- Centralize communications.
- Set clear expectations for the software.
- Don’t go looking to create world-class software from a subpar system.
- Avoid unnecessary modifications.
- Think in terms of long-term value and benefit, including risk management as technology improves.
- Consider working with an expert, such as Veridian, to optimize the whole process.
Boost Your Company’s WMS Software Procurement ROI by Working With Veridian
Your next procurement is on the horizon. It is only a matter of time before your current systems fail to deliver on their promises, and it will be time to upgrade. Instead of getting lost and enduring the whole upgrade and WMS software procurement lifecycle again within a few short years, follow the best practices to picking, implementing, and leveraging the right software first. Also, let Veridian help you improve your next software implementation process from procurement through launch. Visit Veridian online to get started.