Selection Process

It is important to discuss order fulfillment, shipping/receiving, inventory control, labor, and equipment challenges. The process includes,

Build the case for a new system

The greatest challenge is to convince the management team to use and adopt WMS. One can sell the idea by using quantifiable metrics, such as predictive error rate, RMA (Return Materials Authorization) costs, etc.

Form a project team

Assemble the team of people who will decide the needs of the company and requirement of a WMS. Depending on the size of the company, team members may include the warehouse manager, a senior finance representative, and the director of IT. Define each person’s role and their level of involvement and decision-making during this process

Evaluate your current system

Discuss what modifications need to be made to current system procedures. What works? What doesn’t? Consider not only how technology can automate current processes, but also examine other ways they can be improved. Examine how the warehouse interacts with customers, suppliers, and organization’s departments; look for weaknesses and ways to improve these communications.

Share expectations

After agreeing on the process and timeline, conduct a session to brainstorm ways the existing system can be improved, including new functions and processes that aren’t currently in place.

Agree on your needs

Encourage team members to differentiate between functions they want and functions they definitely need. Achieve a general consensus within the team, defining the rank of each function and then combine those items into a prioritized list.

Create the list of required functions

Make a Required Functions List which should be a short, one- to two page prioritized list that includes all of the must-have functions. This list of mandatory features will help you quickly eliminate systems that don’t meet specific needs.

Consider the benefits of back-office integration

Selecting WMS software that integrates with the ERP system ensures complete control and flow of information between back-office and warehouse floor. An integrated WMS system will keep the warehouse activities in synchronization with accounting data, eliminating manual intervention and transcription errors while providing accurate and up-to-date inventory control

Don’t forget about hard-to-quantify benefits

WMS should maximize the productivity of warehouse staff by freeing them from tedious, time-consuming tasks and allows them to focus energy on picking the right items the first time, every time.

Avoid RFPs

The next step is not to create and send out a Request for Proposal (RFP) to resellers. Creating an RFP, sending it out, waiting for proposals, and reviewing them can take months. Same can happen in days by asking potential resellers if their system provides the key functions one requires. Obviously, if the company requires an RFP, this step is necessary.

Finding a Reseller

The ideal reseller has knowledge of end to-end operations, including warehouse management, accounting, order management, customer relationship management, and integration with EDI and wireless data collection systems. Another critical aspect is their experience with implementing software for businesses in your industry. When evaluating a reseller, ask these questions:

• Can the reseller provide the company with a complete service package?
• Does the reseller listen effectively?
• Does the reseller communicate clearly?
• Can management work with the reseller?

Find the Best Fit

Look for a system capable enough to significantly improve inventory control and staff productivity. This is first accomplished by integrating the warehouse staff with the tools and equipment at their disposal: radio frequency (RF)-based communications equipment, shipping systems, lift trucks, forklifts, etc. Secondly, all the information gathered by utilizing this equipment should be made available to the entire enterprise—including the accounting and inventory management data.

Know the benefits of working with a reseller

A good reseller will:

• Evaluate and suggest the best WMS software for the organization.
• Save company time and money during system installation and subsequent training.
• Help get the most out of WMS implementation based on the organization’s requirements.

Screen potential solutions

E-mail a copy of Required Functions List to the resellers so they have time to prepare and can quickly answer your questions. Conduct a phone interview with each reseller, also discuss the implementation time and then decide for the final WMS vendor.