WMS Selection & Specification Guidelines

With literally hundreds of WMS (warehouse management) suppliers to choose from, selecting the right WMS supplier can be a daunting challenge.

By Bill Hillebrenner, CEI Logistics

Considerations when selecting a WMS supplier should include:

• Robust Standard Functionality

Custom software is expensive, risky and typically unnecessary. Strong consideration should be given to the prospective WMS supplier that requires the fewest number of modifications to their base software.

• Proven Track Record

It is obviously important for the selected WMS supplier to have the necessary software code. It is equally important, however, to have the resources, tools and methodology required to successfully implement their system into an existing operation. There is no better way to demonstrate this capability than through a long list of happy clients.

• Industry Knowledge

Most software evolves over time. Customers request and pay for modifications that then become standard functionality. Future customers benefit from those system enhancements. By selecting a WMS supplier with recent experience in the target industry, it is often possible to minimize customization.

It is also critical that the selected WMS supplier have a thorough understanding of the client's business. By selecting a supplier with prior experience in the industry, the discovery process can be shortened, and the supplier's knowledge can be leveraged to arrive at a superior solution.

• Solid Financials

Requirements change. The WMS will have to be modified and upgraded over time to keep up with those changes. Every effort should be made to ensure that the selected supplier will be in business for the life of the system.

• Total Cost of Ownership

When considering the cost of a WMS, the price of the software is just part of the picture. The total cost of ownership over five years is typically two to five times the installed software price. Other factors to be considered include:

• Hardware

• System Integration

• System Maintenance / Upgrades

• Escrowed Source Code

• Change Orders

---

© Copyright 2007, Order Fulfillment Systems and partners. All rights reserved.

Call 888-877-3861 for questions. Email: Online Contact Form

We value your privacy and will never distribute any data you submit to this site to any other entities.