What is Warehouse Management Software?
Warehouse management software (WMS) is a digital tool that provides by companies with improved visibility into their overall inventory, supply chain, and operations management. It also enables warehouse managers, supervisors, and supply chain directors, among others, to delegate tasks efficiently, maximize their warehouse space, streamline their use of resources, and oversee their operations from start to end.
Benefits
Warehouse management entails complex processes. One must be keen to detail and have great organizational skills to become efficient in their role for the overall activities involved. Hence, having an efficient system for it helps businesses ensure their warehouse operates at maximum efficiency while continuously improving processes and delivering expectations. That said, here are some of the top warehouse management software benefits that users can experience:
Quick and efficient implementation of software solution
Scalability
Cost-efficient
Enhanced security
Accurate inventory
Warehouse Management Software Features
Top warehouse management software solutions must have these functionalities:
Reporting
Asset and inventory tracking
Warehouse design
Receiving and putaway
Picking and packing goods
Shipping
Labor management
Yard and dock management
How to Choose the Right Warehouse Management Software?
In determining which software to utilize in managing your warehouse, it is important to define which features and capabilities you are looking for in a solution. By doing this, you’ll be able to narrow down and come up with a list of potential solutions that meet the specific needs of your business.
Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:
Assess your requirements – Specify your business requirements. Consider factors such as the warehouse size, the complexity of the operations, the average volume of orders, and regulatory compliance needs.
Determine essential features – Create a list of software features that are essential to your business. Some examples are listed in the previous section.
Evaluate integration capabilities – Make sure that the warehouse management system that you’ll end up choosing will be compatible with the current systems and solutions that you have.
Consider scalability and flexibility – Aside from making sure that it’s user-friendly and intuitive, also consider its capabilities to grow alongside your business and that it can cater to your customizable needs.
Evaluate brand reputation – When evaluating the reputation of a brand, it is important to consider the feedback from other businesses that have already used the warehouse system software you are considering. A reliable vendor with a strong track record can provide ongoing support and updates to ensure the software remains up-to-date and meets your evolving needs.
To help you choose the best warehouse management software, here’s a quick overview of our best 10:
Best Overall: SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor)
Best for Straightforward Solutions: Sortly
Best for 3PL Providers: 3PL Central
Best for Businesses Regardless of Size: Softeon
Best for Manufacturing Industries: Fishbowl
Best for SMBs: NetSuite
Best for Cloud-based Solutions: Blue Yonder
Best for Workflow Management: SphereWMS
Best for Unified Experience: Manhattan Active WM
Best for Automation and Robotics: SAP EWM
You may also use this table for the comparison of free version availability, pricing of paid plans, and mobile app capability:
Warehouse Management Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
SafetyCulture | Yes | Starts at $24 per user per month with a free 30-day trial | Yes |
Sortly | Yes | $29/month* | Yes |
3PL Central | None | Merchant plan starts at $39 per month | No |
Softeon | None | Details unavailable | No |
Fishbowl | None | Details unavailable | Yes |
NetSuite | None | Details unavailable | Yes |
Blue Yonder | None | Details unavailable | No |
SphereWMS | None | Details unavailable | Yes |
Manhattan Active WM | None | Details unavailable | Yes |
SAP EWM | Yes** | Details unavailable | Yes |
* billed annually
** available in demo mode only
Check out these ready-to-use warehouse management checklists and related templates that you can download, customize, and use in SafetyCulture for free:
Browse more templates