WMS integration planning

From the smallest warehouses to fulfilment operations on a massive scale, a fully functional Warehouse Management System (WMS) should be seamless, making even the most complex warehouse operations effortless, writes Jamie Mottershead, Technical Director at Renovotec.

But how do you go about integrating a WMS into your current system and processes? How do you prepare for optimal WMS integration? Planning is everything.

This article will outline Renovotec’s simple yet impactful three-stage process for WMS integration – Observe, Consider & Recommend (OCR). But firstly, it is important to dispel some of the myths about WMS integration that might be holding your business back.

Getting real about WMS

1. The WMS won’t integrate with legacy systems

Myth: Integrating WMS with legacy systems can seem daunting, and there is a misconception that WMS integration with old systems may cause more issues, more stress, and potential operational shutdown. Fact: WMS solutions today are developed and designed to seamlessly integrate with existing systems and applications for a rapid rollout that enhances productivity and efficiency across warehouse operations.

2. The WMS is too expensive

Myth: WMS solutions are a huge investment and require too much of an overhaul of operations to warrant the investment. Fact: A reliance on manual operations and manual data entry for fulfilment, has a myriad of cost implications due to manual processing errors. For example, one picking error can impact a customer’s satisfaction, loss of sales and has cost implications for the return process.

WMS solutions today are cost effective, and easy to integrate. Shifting warehouse operations online with a WMS enables processes to be automated and modernised, delivers performance and cuts costs while allowing users to adapt to changes in the market and future-proof operations. From picking and packing right through to backend automation of shipment and customer services functions.

3. Innovative tech can’t come before the WMS upgrade

Myth: Robotics and other innovative tech can only work when the WMS is in place Fact: A WMS system can effectively optimise and work in harmony with modern technologies, such as robotics, but in some scenarios, the WMS is not necessary. For example, a follow-the-robot style AMR coordinates the movement of robots in harmony with the movement of humans.

With any new tech, such as robotics it is fine to start small, to test and learn how the solution will impact your operation in the long term. We have customers who have introduced robots just to manage waste, and that alone has taken one person out of the cost.

With the right setup and support WMS can be continually updated, to make the most of evolving trends, such as AI, machine learning, and IoT for maximum ROI.

The OCR three steps of integration

1. Observe: Every solution integration should begin with a period of observation. From the systems currently used to the challenges that come from working in a specific industry sector. An evaluation of what makes a business unique. A thorough analysis of warehouse operations will help understand how a new system can automate and improve established processes and define the specific requirements for the new or improved WMS.

2. Consider: Next, it’s time to consider and evaluate your entire warehouse set up including existing workflows and the main challenges the WMS should aim to overcome from software and hardware intersect. For example, a key objective for your warehouse operation could be to significantly reduce manual errors that result in shipping wrong items, due to not having mobile barcode scanning in place. In this case, a WMS with barcode and RFID scanners compatibility should be a top priority.

3. Recommend: Through a deep analysis of operations, to gain a holistic view of your business, a complete solution that honours the unique objectives of the business can be implemented. Working with an ecosystem of hardware and software partners is the best way to leverage the latest innovations in mobility technology and will ensure the tailor-made WMS addresses the key pain points discovered in previous phases.

Working with an end-to-end solution provides the warehouse operation with a pathway to success that maximises efficiency gains while remaining cognisant of budget restrictions and future growth plans.