11 Key WMS Features That Every Warehouse Management System Should Have

Managing inventory, shipping, and other warehouse operations are complex tasks, especially for businesses that rely heavily on international supply chains and third-party logistics (3PL). A warehouse management system (WMS) is a solid investment for streamlining these operations.

It is essential to evaluate what WMS features could impact the seamless operations of your warehouse before you select a warehouse management system (WMS).

A good warehouse management system should enable you to maximize the use of your current space and resources while simultaneously fulfilling more orders on time. With that aim in mind, let’s get into the key WMS features you should prioritize.

What is Warehouse Management System?

A warehouse management system is a comprehensive software solution that has an edge over traditional order management systems and enterprise resource planning systems (ERP). A WMS covers all aspects of the supply chain from inventory and order management to labor management, financial management and reporting. It helps businesses to monitor, manage and optimize warehouse operations. In short, WMS solutions are designed to manage the operational aspects of a warehouse from inception to completion.

Using a warehouse management system allows warehouse teams to better meet customer expectations and maintain a competitive position in the market. WareGo is a software that covers all said essential warehouse management functions. Opting for WareGo’s WMS implementation, companies gain the control they need to adapt to the changing demands of the market.

11 Warehouse Management Software Features

1. Inventory Management

Inventory tracking and control is the core of a comprehensive warehouse management system. It allows businesses to manage their inventory in real-time. Not only does it track inventory levels, but also the location and status within the warehouse. Key inventory management software components are:

• Real-time visibility of inventory to know exact stock levels and locations via desktop and mobile apps.
• Automatically keeping data up-to-date without manual intervention.
• Reporting and analytics feature allowing you to gain data-driven insights on trends and performance of inventory.
• Manage inventory smoothly across different locations.
• Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies can manage temperature-sensitive goods and goods with special storage needs with little to no damage to perishable items owing to effective warehouse management.

2. Handling Unit System

The receiving and put-away process is a crucial step in warehouse operations that can seamlessly be streamlined with a WMS. The key features of handling units system in a warehouse are:

• Receiving: The process of recording incoming goods simply with the use of a mobile scanner based on WMS app. It direct workers the best location to shelve the product hence optimizing the use of space.
• Put away: Using scanning devices integrated with WMS, you can strategize for slotting and storing your goods depending on the type and characteristic of goods you deal with. WMS helps putting fast selling products in the most accessible areas, fragile products in areas where damage potential is minimized, perishable items according to their expiration date and so on.
• Replenishment: Using WMS on mobile devices, you can be notified when to move inventory from top shelves to lower racks for better accessibility or fast selling or just when the lower racks need to be restocked.
• Order picking and packing: WMS apps help to decide pick paths and shorten the process.
• Voice picking: Advances WMS software, such as WareGo, offers these WMS features. It integrates a voice system with ERP and WMS to enable hands-free order picking.
• Shipping: All these labor-intensive processes can be managed with WMS-based mobile apps, which assist in accurate shipment processing and fast loading.

3. Personnel/ Employee management

This is one of the many warehouse management software features that makes warehouse management efficient. While WMS helps automate warehouse management, it does not make it completely labor free and this feature is exactly what helps to manage that. Here is how it helps to manage warehouse workforce:

• Scheduling shifts: Shifts can be scheduled along with assessing the equipped required to perform specific tasks during the shift hours.
• Managing working hours: Supervisors and managers can track the tasks and the exact hours assigned to complete those tasks.
• Ensuring secure working conditions: Warehouse management software can manage working conditions by providing a system for recognizing any hazards in specific warehouse areas and notifying the relevant personnel. Other safety features in warehouse management systems also include forklift safety measures, fire detection and suppression systems.

4. Returns Management

Returns are an inevitable part of order fulfillment. How it is managed is what makes or breaks your clientele. A client will always stick to work with businesses that honor a good returns policy. To make the process seamless with timely return payments or exchange of products, a WMS is a great investment. Here are some key functions to look for in returns management:

• Return management logs: The WMS generates documents to log the returned items along with their condition and the option to either return or exchange the product. It also logs the reason of return to avoid any future instances. After this it updates the database for restock or scrappage.
• Return merchandise system: Function of the WMS here is to handle returned goods that require quality control check before entering the warehouse. It also assists the implementation of further quality assessment transactions other than those already available from ERP.

5. Reports and Analytics

To make data-driven informed decisions, reporting and analytics is an important feature. A WMS that provides real-time data reporting on all aspects of your warehouse helps to monitor KPIs (key performance indicators) and make decisions that optimize operations. Trend based analytics produced by WMS also enable artificial intelligence to suggest required inventory stocks in advance of peak trading periods. The reporting capabilities that you should ensure a WMS software features are:

• KPI management: Warehouse management software allows data from all the departments to be pulled, hence providing a clear overview. Managers or supervisors can control the overall processes accordingly, knowing the shortcomings and strengths before success at reaching targets.
• Reporting: Using the built-in WMS feature, administrators can create weekly reports in minutes to track current process and progress. Real time reporting of daily operational data like inventory, stock adjustments and outstanding orders gives a clear picture of where to pick up from next.
• Forecasting: Trend-based analytical data of a business logged over time allows analysis for optimization and forecasting. Artificial Intelligence can then be used to forecast peak trading periods and suggest required inventory stocks and resource levels. Businesses can analyze the data and make informed decisions accordingly to avoid process disruptions and delays.

6. Shipping Management

Aspects of shipping requirements of a warehouse should be automated too with the aid of WMS. The process of choosing the courier, considering the type of order, its destination, and packaging details, should be automated and tracked with WMS. Key features of warehouse management system that support shipping management in a WMS are:

• Shipping system: WMS allows you to track shipments from the warehouse to the door with the Proof of Delivery function.
• Communication with carriers: Automated receipt of tracking information is generated by a WMS software. It enables connectivity with third-party carriers, which facilitates the update of shipment locations and relevant data.

7. Integrations

One of the best warehouse management systems feature has to be integrations. Apart from shipment, order and courier integrations; a WMS should allow you to integrate to other elements of ERP such as finance management. While a WMS has standard integrations, it should also allow custom integrations to assist different business types. A WMS typically has the following integration features:

• Barcode scanning and RFID integration: Precise and efficient inventory tracking can be ensured with the WMS integrating barcode scanning and RFID. RFIDs are also more rapid and efficient as they do not require a line-of-sight scan.
• Connecting existing systems: A WMS can pull data from all departments and integrate every system across the organization for central data collection. A business has to look in one place only for all the data and it correlations.
• Invoicing: Based on the WMS, each department can collect all the financial data available. Third parties can send invoices to the internal systems.
• ERP integrations: WMS software should be linked to ERP software for a wider range of functions. It is an additional layer to the WMS software that allows the personnel in the organization to direct insight into all operations.
• Custom integrations: An open API allowing for custom integration that are not supported as standard or prebuilt integrations.

8. Cross-docking

Communication between the warehouse management system and transportation system is WMS’s cross-docking feature that facilitates the efficient transfer of goods from receiving to timely shipping again and reduces storage needs. Especially for a retail warehouse management system, cross-docking is an important feature. It also helps food and beverage and chemical companies. A cross-docking feature in a WMS aids in the following:

• Leaner supply chain.
• Faster order fulfilment.
• Reduced costs.
• Optimized use of existing storage space.

9. Mobile Capabilities

Accessibility of WMS on the move is one of the cutting-edge feature. As it is a cloud-based system, being able to access the full features of a WMS from a tablet, phone, or laptop on the go is an attractive feature to consider. Having insights into the full operations of the warehouse gives a great advantage to business heads. A warehouse management system’s mobile capabilities enable the warehouse staff to:

• Access and update information straightaway.
• Enables real-time inventory tracking on mobile devices.
• Maintaining up-to-date information on inventory, order status and other relevant warehouse data while efficiently performing tasks simultaneously.
• Mobile barcode scanning for goods.

10. Easy Interface

A feature of the WMS software allows the internal staff and managers to build their own system applications without external support. The WMS applications facilitates the staff to use the software easily by simplifying user interface on mobile devices and hence, reducing training time.

11. Automate Repetitive Tasks

Workflow automation feature is an advanced feature of WMS that can reduce a warehouse staff’s time spent on tedious and repetitive tasks. Automation leads to significant productivity gains. This WMS feature enables you to systemize your processes by automating repetitive tasks. Some of the key functions that a warehouse management system performs are:

• Sending emails to clients when their courier is received or shipped.
• Creating picking tasks when an order is placed.
• Generating receiving tasks for warehouse workers when the cargo arrives at the warehouse.

How to Choose the Best WMS for Your Business

Implementing a WMS automates your warehousing and distributing systems, giving you centralized control. It is a tactical decision that definitely offers a good return on investment. When taking the decision of getting a WMS and wondering how to choose a warehouse management system, mentioned are a few steps you can take to evaluate what type of WMS will work best for you.

• Analyze your existing system

Evaluate the way you are currently running your warehouse. Look into areas and aspects that have room for improvement and optimization. Then, choose a WMS that will assist you to operate more efficiently, saving time and resources. The adopted software should be capable of being customized to fit your business’ distinctive needs.

• Warehouse management features to take into consideration

Get a warehouse management system software that includes all essential features of a WMS. The top features that you should look for are:

• Inventory tracking
• Receiving and putaway
• Picking
• Order fulfillment
• Returns management
• Barcode and RFID integration
• System Integration
• Reporting and analytics

• Consider features that enhance warehouse operations

A competent warehouse management system should be highly configurable to make sure it can integrate with existing systems and adapt to future changes in demand, logistics, and increasing customers.

Systems that include 3PL management and upkeep of multiple warehouses with real-time data have a cutting-edge advantage.

A few other factors to consider when choosing a warehouse management system are:

• It should be mobile-friendly.
• The dashboard should be customizable and have a user-friendly interface. It should be uncluttered and easy to use by even a not so tech-savvy staff member.
• The customer login portal should be appealing, and the data input should flow seamlessly into the WMS.
• The WMS should manage inventory data across multiple warehouses seamlessly for a unified overview of stocks and their movement.

• Evaluate The Developing Company of the WMS

Warehousing technology moves fast with changing times, trends and the way things are done. The WMS software you choose should be able to keep up with the times. Their system should support ongoing developments without adversely affecting your daily operations.

WareGo incorporates all WMS features that are important for the smooth operations of a warehouse, making it an ideal warehouse management software solution. Get a free demo to completely satisfy yourself before getting onboard.

• Costing

Cost is a major factor when choosing the best WMS for your business. You not only want the best, but you also want it to be cost-effective. It should be a solid return on investment; optimizing warehouse management but also seamlessly managing warehouse operations giving managers some extra time on their hands to invest productively elsewhere.

Warehouse management system cost depends on the features a WMS offers. WareGo is leading in the market not only for all the standard and advanced features it offers, but for the plans it has to offer. It is great value for money with plans supporting 50 users, 15,000 LPNs per month, upto 10 facilities and upto 25,000 SKUs!

Benefits of a Warehouse management system

WareGo integrates with top-tier ecommerce platforms, marketplaces, CRM and ERP systems. From receiving a product at the warehouse to last-mile delivery, gain total control of it all.

Here are some benefits of WMS built on WareGo:

Reduced costs:

WareGo WMS software allows custom configurations and integrations with open API. This saves costs as you do not require costly third party software support then.

Reduced information acquiring time:

With automation feature and inventory logging on the move, time and effort is reduced to collect inventory and order data from customer.

Zero to none information errors:

An automated system has a lower chance of having errors as compared to manual data entry, recording and reporting.

Increased warehouse capacity:

Products flow faster throughout the warehouse with the aid of a WMS, resulting in increased warehouse capacity.

Optimized utilization of space:

Updating information for warehouse staff instructing them where to shelve certain products, when to transfer the top shelves to the bottom, which items should be in the front according to their expiry and how fast selling items should be stored at an accessible location; all results in optimized space utilization.

Increases labor productivity and reduced labor costs:

A WMS helps manage the workforce more effectively. It boosts labor productivity by scheduling work time accordingly. It also automates various tedious and repetitive tasks, reducing labor costs.

Minimized losses:

WMS features allows you to get a better grip of demand and peak trading periods to stock accordingly and avoid any inventory discrepancies which aids in minimizes losses.

Integrations:

WMS software such as WareGo facilitates integration of internal systems. Integration helps pull data from all departments, giving a clear and unified overview.

Scalability and flexibility:

A WMS that is able to adapt to changing business needs supports growth and business scalability.

Improved inventory accuracy:

This is a great advantage to warehouse businesses. Real-time inventory tracking allows businesses to avoid stockouts and overstocking situations. Inventory accuracy translates to optimized use of storage space.

Improved supply chain visibility:

Advanced visibility into the supply chain process enables more efficient operations with better collaborations.

Enhanced customer satisfaction:

With a WMS, a business is able to achieve faster and accurate order fulfillment which in turn builds better business relationships.

Choosing the WMS Right for Your Business

The growing importance of warehouse management systems becomes evident from a report by MHI and Deloitte, which concluded that digital supply chains will be the predominant model in the coming years. Software like WareGo offer WMS features that make it an indispensable tool for warehouse managers. While there are many existing and emerging warehouse management systems out there, WareGo aids businesses in refining their processes and achieving superior results at such competitive prices, that it has become the top choice of many.

The needs and operations of each business will vary, and that will ultimately be the determining factor of what features are most important to you in a warehouse management system. By considering the types of products your business will handle, your KPIs (key performance indicators), and the time sensitivity of customer agreements, you can effectively choose the warehouse management system that best suits your needs.

FAQs

What is the main functionality of WMS?

The main function of a WMS is to centralize the operations of a warehouse and streamline inventory management. It handles daily activities within a warehouse, such as order fulfillment and inventory tracking in real-time. A WMS manages staff task execution, improves work accuracy, and responds to operational needs in record time.

What are the 4 types of WMS?

The 4 types of WMS are:

1. Standalone warehouse management system: Offers basic operations such as warehouse operations and inventory management, as well as tracking and reporting.
2. Advanced WMS: Offers additional features like automation, RFID / barcode integration and customized workflows.
3. Custom/ Enterprise WMS: Tailored to meet specific requirements of large warehouses with the option to customize with open API.
4. Cloud-based WMS: This cloud-based WMS stores all its data online. It avoids data losses and provides scalability, flexibility, and cost savings.

What are the key elements of WMS?

Key elements of a WMS from a technical aspect are:

• Software
• Radio communication devices
• Barcode scanning system

What are the key features of a warehouse management system?

To select a WMS, you should map out the criteria for your business. According to your warehouse, determine the requirement that you would want a WMS to simplify and optimize for you. The key features of a standard and advanced warehouse management system are:

• Inventory tracking
• Order picking and packing
• Shipment management
• Labor Management
• Coordination between warehouse and transportation operations
• Barcode Scanning and RFID Integration
• Batch and serial number tracking
• Reporting and analytics
• Space optimization
• Warehouse management across multiple warehouse locations

How does a warehouse management system work?

Wondering how the warehouse management system works? While it has technical aspects to it, it is not that difficult to understand the bigger picture. A WMS acts as a conductor of supply chain management. It streamlines the warehouse system by managing goods in and out of the warehouse (inventory tracking), managing orders, offering insights into location, and scheduling workforce tasks. Investing in a WMS, such as WareGo, is the best investment for running a warehouse efficiently.