Dozens, if not hundreds, of warehouse management system vendors exist. Comparing and contrasting the differences between the systems is an ideal way to review system features and benefits for your organization. Unfortunately, the time it would take to review all systems in such detail would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and it would erode your organization’s budget for upgrading your WMS. To determine the best system for your organization, says Jason Rosing, CEO of Veridian, ask vendors this list of warehouse management system FAQs about immediate system capability and performance.

1. Does the System Integrate With Other Systems?

Compatibility and the ability to integrate with another system, including your existing enterprise resource planning, yard management, and other respected systems, is a key concern for organizations considering a new WMS. This should be number one on your list of warehouse management system FAQs. Some of the primary first system integrations include the ability to integrate with the following systems:

• Specific Host Systems
• Material Handling Systems
• Voice Picking
• Vision Picking
• Transportation Management Systems

If the system cannot integrate with other systems, it may be necessary to move to the next-best system.

2. Can I Assign Different Roles and Permissions to Users?

An effective WMS should also have the ability to assign different roles and permissions to users. This prevents unauthorized access to information throughout your enterprise. By assigning roles, upper-level management can give other floor managers and individuals access to the information needed to perform their function, without compromising potentially proprietary information.

3. Can It Track Labor?

Labor tracking is another area of focus when asking warehouse management system FAQs. An effective system should track labor costs from a per-pallet cost through per-line cost.

4. How Well Do the System’s Primary Functions Align To Business Requirements?

Another WMS FAQ to address is how well the functions within an application are aligned to the defined business requirements. An application that has a lot of neat features or bells and whistles that don’t support day to day operating scenarios may not be the best choice when compared to a simpler system that more solidly matches the capabilities that are a better fit to your business needs. For example, as noted by Bridget McCrea of Logistics Management, a consideration to make is if your business requires a WMS capable of cross-docking, bypass shipments, and multiple-manufacturer facilities.

5. How Does the System Route the Shipment?

Shipping capability also makes up another FAQ in this list. Which carrier will be used for the shipment, and what type of freight classification or process is required to schedule shipment pick up or delivery? The system should also define and print the appropriate shipping labels and documentation required for shipping.

Know Which Questions to Ask to Kickstart WMS Selection and Implementation Now

Asking these top five questions will help your organization determine the immediate system performance capabilities during vendor selection, but your organization can gain a greater view of which system is best by asking a few other warehouse management FAQ. Part II will focus on the FAQs affecting the longevity of the system and how it will resound with your organization in the future. If you are uncertain about what questions can help your organization find the right vendor, Veridian can help. Visit Veridian online to get started.