All You Need to Know about 5 Essential Functionalities of WMS

Whenever you’re thinking of buying a new piece of equipment, be it a smartphone, TV, or a fancy kitchen appliance, the chances are you do your research to learn about all the basic functionalities of your future purchase.

Why wouldn’t you do the same while looking for a WMS for your business? To help you with that, we compiled a list of the absolutely essential functions that you should expect an efficient WMS to have. First one?

#1: Inventory Management

Similar to managing a pantry at home, where you organize, keep track of, and supply groceries regularly, this WMS’s function also helps you track and manage your inventory levels, but in your warehouse. Without it, it would be pretty hard to ensure accurate stock counts and minimize discrepancies.

Pros: 

• Prevents you from running out of essential items unexpectedly. 
• Offers real-time information on what’s available. 

Cons: 

• Initial setup requires you to organize, group, and label all the products you store in your warehouse. 
• Regular checks are necessary to maintain accuracy.

#2: Order Processing

This function makes it easier to go through the order fulfillment processes – from order creation to picking, packing, and shipping. In a sense it works similarly to an online shopping cart, handling the entire process from item selection to checkout and delivery.

Pros: 

• Significantly reduces the time from placing an order to shipping the products. 
• Minimizes human errors through automated workflows. 

Cons: 

• Customization for unique preferences may require some additional time; it may not be easy to introduce the changes. 
• Implementing new processes may slightly disrupt existing workflow.

#3: Barcode Scanning

This amazing function of WMS helps you swiftly and accurately track the movement of goods through the warehouse. Barcode scanning minimizes errors and improves order accuracy. In short, this WMS functionality equals efficient tracking of your inventory items.

Pros: 

• Significantly improves the accuracy in picking and shipping. 
• Provides a real-time overview of product movements. 

Cons: 

• Depending on the WMS provider you pick, barcode scanning may require an initial investment in scanners.
• Like with any piece of technology, regular maintenance and occasional calibration are required.

#4: Real-time Reporting and Analytics

Similarly to fitness trackers that give you current data on steps, heart rate, and calories burned, this functionality of WMS gives you access to real-time data on your warehouse “vitals.” Having those insights at your fingertips, you can make better decisions on how to improve your warehouse performance even more. 

Pros: 

• Helps you make better and wiser business decisions. 
• Shows you areas for improvement. 

Cons:

• The initial data interpreting may be a bit demanding for those who aren’t good with analytics.
• Some training may be necessary to understand the insights fully.

#5: Warehouse Slotting Optimization

This WMS functionality allows you to optimize warehouse layout and storage locations. This way you significantly improve picking efficiency and reduce travel time. Simply put, warehouse slotting optimization helps you place frequently shipped products in the most convenient spots.

Pros:

• Increases overall efficiency. 
• Enhances space utilization. 

Cons: 

• Requires thoughtful analysis and planning. 
• Adjusting to new product locations may take time.