What is a Warehouse Management System?

A Warehouse Management System, or a WMS, is essentially software and processes that allow businesses to control and facilitate warehouse operations during the time a good or product is present in the warehouse. Among the myriad of features a WMS offers, it can most importantly offer visibility into the businesses’ inventory. What’s more, a WMS gives you access to this information at any time, from any location. Another major facet to a WMS is its ability to manage supply chain operations from the grower or manufacturer to the warehouse itself. From there it’s on to the retailer or distributor.

Not all warehouse management systems are the same. They in fact come in a variety of versions and serve different purposes. In most cases, it all depends on the size and scalability of the company. The smallest businesses are easily able to navigate the warehouse environment with modest hard copy documents and various spreadsheets, etc. For small to medium-sized businesses to large companies, a state-of-the-art WMS is often necessary. There are certain warehouse management systems that are geared towards businesses of a certain size. Beyond that, some WMS’ can be scaled to accommodate the size of the organization.

A WMS can of course be incorporated into an overall ERP system, or it can be utilized as a stand-alone service. However, we would be remiss if we did not recommend utilizing the WMS as it comes with the grander ERP system. This is for a couple reasons. For one, the ERP system already has the data you need stored, ready to be accessed at any given time. Two, the WMS system works best in tandem with the parent ERP solution. For all of iNECTA’s verticals, the WMS comes with the ERP solution standard.

Finding the right solution for your business is crucial to the sustainability of your warehousing operation. Using an established, reputable vendor like iNECTA can bring your warehouse inventory to new heights. Precision is the key, and iNECTA is up to the task of maintaining your inventory at every stage of the warehousing process with ultimate accuracy.

A WMS can also be versatile and be configured to accommodate a business’ specific requirements. Not all businesses are alike, therefore a WMS cannot be a fit-all. Businesses vary drastically in their needs. Brick-and-mortar businesses will need a different type of WMS than a business that operates online. It also depends on the type of good that needs warehousing. There is a huge difference between warehousing perishable products and clothes or linens. 

Another way that a WMS can be used is through a scannable device that is highly accessible to those assigned to keeping a warehouse in good standing order. For example, a WMS can be compatible with any Android-based scanning terminal. This allows businesses to more easily handle items moving in and out of the warehouse. The technology powered by Microsoft makes warehouse management a breeze, with more devices capable of scanning and keeping tabs of a product’s warehouse timeline.

There is a considerable amount of complexity involved in implementing a WMS properly. In addition, the cost is something companies need to consider. Often, the benefits of the WMS outweigh the cost and complexity involved in the initial implementation. Among the benefits: significantly reducing labor cost, optimizing inventory accuracy, minimize the risk for error in shipping product, elevate customer service, among other things. Every WMS is different and offer different features.

iNECTA’s solution can bring your business’ warehousing capabilities to new heights with the software necessary to keep your inventory in good standing order throughout the entire process. iNECTA has the perfect solution for your business, whether it is produce, seafood, or any other food good. A top-notch ERP solution with warehousing capabilities is a great resource for any business to have. Keeping an accurate tab of product inventory is essential to the success of the business overall. The first step is finding a WMS that works for your business and can deliver based on the size of the specific operation.