In the modern world we live in now, you can get almost anything online. We buy things from shopping sites, pay for them from anywhere, and send them back from anywhere if we don’t like them.
So, when we buy and return something, this information should immediately appear. In turn, this is what companies need to do now. To meet this need, we will need software that can keep track of all warehouse activities, such as sending out items, tracking shipments, and sometimes bringing things back.
What Is a Warehouse Management System?
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) help us track all these tasks. Warehouse management tools help businesses gain an edge in the market. When WMS is used, labor costs will decrease, improving customer service.
With a cloud-based WMS, we will be able to see real-time data that will show us how the product is doing. If we can access the web, we can view it on various electronic gadgets.
As soon as the material, goods, or products get to the building, the warehouse management system keeps track of them. WMS will keep track of the thing until the end customer gets it.
If the customer sends it back, WMS will track it again until it gets to another end buyer. So, the duties of WMS are to receive goods, pack them, send them out, track the shipment, and keep their information up to date. A supply chain is a term for all of these jobs done together.
Kinds of WMS:
There are three kinds of WMS for 3PL companies. Third-party transportation is what 3PL stands for. The first is Standalone Warehouse Management, the second is Supply Chain Execution Modules, and the third is Integrated ERP.
Here are some things you should think about when picking the WMS:
Function: Each WMS does something different. Some WMS are made for certain kinds of businesses only. So, determine what you need and choose based on that.
Cost: The cost of your WMS is the second most crucial thing to consider when picking one because it affects your budget. The price of WMS relies on how complicated it is or what it can do.
Customer Needs: If you’re using a WMS, you must know its flaws.
You can use it to figure out what your customers want and choose the WMS functions that will help you give them the best service. This point is also about choosing and thinking about WMS features, but from the customer’s point of view.
Warehouse Size: As the size of the warehouse grows, so will the complexity of the WMS because more enormous warehouses will need more functions from the WMS. So, you must choose the tasks based on the warehouse size. So this point is also about choosing tasks, but this time from the point of view of the warehouse.
Top 10 Warehouse Management Systems
#1) NetSuite WMS
NetSuite WMS helps make warehouses and factories run more smoothly. It helps users do important warehouse tasks like getting, storing, and sending things out. Oracle is the company that makes NetSuite.
Tool features:
- RF barcode reading on the go.
- Putting things away and picking them up is an example of a strategy. This feature has three advantages: mobile receiving, picking, and cycle counting.
- Getting things done
- Authorization for returns receipt
- Plan to count cycles.
- Other features include real-time data, order management, barcode tracking, billing, inventory management, shipping management, workforce and load management, warehouse map, and buying.
Pros:
- It is easy to understand and use.
- There is a promise from the company.
- The information about how to get in touch is easy to see.
- It has add-ons made by other people.
- Warehousing without wires.
Cons
- It could be a better ERP system. It has some ERP tools, but they could be better.
Tool Cost/Plan Details: Contact them for the price.
Website: NetSuite
#2) Hopstack
Hopstack is a powerful digital warehousing platform with warehouse management features. This allows for the highest level of automation and optimization in warehouse operations to improve warehousing fulfillment’s inbound, storage, and outbound processes. It gives users granular real-time visibility, streamlined guided processes, and better management.
Tool features:
- Management of Inbound and Outbound Logistics
- Automatic restocking when specific amounts are reached
- Warehouse and order fulfillment tasks are done with the help of guided processes.
- option to set up various profiles for 3PL companies or to manage different channels
- Visibility, research, and reporting in real-time
- Workflow creator that can be changed in any way
Pros:
- Interface that is easy for people to use
- Many different kinds of hardware and apps can work together
- Platform with many features for managing various operations
- There are ways to cut costs through automation.
- Different ways to set prices
- Manage rights and levels of access
- Strong 24/7 customer service
Tool Cost/Plan Details: Contact the sales team to discuss custom pricing.
Website: Hopstack
#3) Sortly
Sortly is one of the best photo-based, visual warehouse management programs for small companies. With this software, you get a system that you can change to track any item or information about it in different places.
Users of Sortly can add custom fields, receipts, and multiple images to each thing to make it easier to keep track of assets, no matter which warehouse they are in. Users can also make and print QR labels and barcodes, which can be read with Sortly’s own QR code scanner from its mobile app.
Tool features:
- Use QR labels and barcodes to scan and update things.
- Set up automatic alerts to keep track of stock.
- Assign roles to users and manage who can view what.
- Keep an eye on stock and user behavior.
- Make custom results in CSV and PDF.
Pros:
- It is straightforward to use, and you don’t need technical skills.
- Cross-platform software can be used on almost every kind of gadget.
- Clean and complete overview for users.
- It’s easy to make your own QR stickers and barcodes.
- There is a free version.
Cons:
- There are no ties.
- Unless you choose their plan, you will only get help from their help center and email.
Tool Cost/Plan Details: It’s free for up to 100 entries, $25 per month for up to 1,000, and $59 per month for unlimited entries. You can also ask for ideas that are made just for you.
Website: Sortly
#4) Maropost
Maropost is a platform that can automate how you handle your inventory and make it easier to keep track of your orders. The platform stands out from its competitors because it makes it easy to manage various online stores from one place.
This platform allows running various stores from a single control panel. You get a bird’s-eye view of your whole online market business. You can easily keep track of all your product listings, orders, and customer information from a single, user-friendly website.
Tool features:
- Take care of several sales channels from one place
- Make your online store.
- Streamline how you handle customers
- Set rules for prices
- Sync Data on Shipping Tracking
Pros:
- Interface that is easy to use
- Multiple eCommerce tasks can be handled from one place.
- Detailed list of channels and stock
- Different prices
Cons:
- It might be better for small businesses.
Tool Cost/Plan Details: The Maropost commerce cloud offers four pricing tiers and a free trial period of two weeks. A monthly subscription begins at $71 per month. It costs $179 monthly for the basic plus plan and $224 monthly for the professional plan. There is also a unique plan for businesses.
Website: Maropost
#5) Fishbowl Inventory
David K. Williams started the software company Fishbowl Inventory based in Orem, Utah, US. Organizations of any size can use this method. This company helps QuickBooks with manufacturing and inventory control.
Tool features:
- It can be connected to QuickBooks.
- Taking Care of Orders
- More than one place
- Many currencies
- Sending out
- Work and Time
Pros:
- It lets you try it out for free.
- Any currency can be used to make sales or buy orders.
- Fishbowl has many plugins for sale.
Cons:
- It only works with the English tongue.
- It doesn’t have a shipping or e-commerce feature built in.
- Installation on-site is not possible.
Tool Cost/Plan Details: Starts from $4,395/user annually.
Website: Fishbowl Inventory
#6) 3PL Warehouse Manager
It is a method that 3PL Central runs in the cloud.
It has an easy-to-use layout and innovative workflow features. John Watkins and Nancy Rohman came up with the idea for 3PL Central in 2006. At that time, they had their building that they ran. This method was made by people who knew how to run a warehouse.
Tool features:
- Easy to grow
- Integration without a hitch
- Right billing
- Mobile reading of barcodes
- Customers, multiple sites, and multiple warehouses are all managed from one place.
- Shipments are accurately scanned, packed, and checked.
- You can handle sales and inventory from anywhere at any time.
- It makes it easier to connect to the EDI companies.
Pros:
- It’s simple to add more to the system or update the software.
- It’s simple to use.
- You can get to info and work with it from anywhere.
Cons:
- To use this method, you need to get training. The billing part is tough to understand.
- This is for small organizations or stores.
Tool Cost/Plan Details: Contact the company for its pricing information.
Website: 3PL Warehouse Manager
#7) Softeon
Softeon has come up with new ways to help with the supply line. Softeon is based in the United States. The Softeon Warehouse Management System is a system that works through the cloud.
Tool features:
- It was made to work on the web.
- Takes care of complicated inventory control tasks.
- Architecture that can grow
- Taking care of orders
- Keeping track of work
- Getting things done
- Integration that works smoothly to automate systems for moving materials.
Pros:
- Softeon’s customer service is excellent.
- It can multitask effectively.
- This method has made it less likely to need help in the long run.
- It has also brought down the price.
Cons:
- The way implementation is done is different from what was expected.
- The tool doesn’t have any features for billing management.
- The system doesn’t work with Linux OS or Mac OS.
Tool Cost/Plan Details: Contact the company for its pricing information.
Website: Softeon
#8) Infor SCM
When it first came out in 2002, Infor SCM was called Agilisys, and it had 1300 users. Infor SCM tries to solve problems that are important to your business. The main office of the global company Infor is in New York City, US.
Tool features:
- This product is designed for a warehouse and has many features like core and advanced warehouse skills, 3D visualization in WMS, transportation execution, labor planning, inventory management, space utilization, etc.
- In terms of transportation, it can handle transportation with multiple stops. It can also keep track of things that are in motion.
- It lets you track shipments from one central location.
- It supports early payment, financing before and after exporting, third-party fund programs, and financing depending on how well the business does.
- Along with these, it has many other tools for Supply chain planning, Sales & operations planning, supply chain visibility, etc.
Pros:
- It helps with functions that are specific to a business.
- It helps with the process of buying things.
Cons:
- Reports can’t be exported, and there are no pictorial reports either.
- It needs a way to keep track of documents.
- It can only be that good at managing inventory if it has support for material needs planning and an automatic stock-out report.
Tool Cost/Plan Details: Contact the company for its pricing information.
Website: Infor SCM
#9) HighJump
Highjump has warehouse management systems that meet the needs of the market. They ensure their solutions are ready for the future and can be used on mobile devices.
Tool features:
- It works through the cloud.
- How to Run a Yard
- Supports activities with multiple clients.
- Taking care of work
- Fulfillment through all channels
- Integrations of ERP.
- Order-taking capabilities
Pros:
- The method works well.
- The company improves its products based on what the market wants and what customers say.
Cons:
- There are no options for making reports.
- No way to take credit cards.
Tool Cost/Plan Details: Contact the company for its pricing information.
Website: HighJump
#10) Manhattan Associates
The company was started in 1990, and its main office is in Atlanta, Georgia, US. It has more than 1,200 clients, and its products have won a lot of awards.
Tool features:
- Integration with equipment for moving things.
- It works with mobile gadgets that you can hold in your hand.
- Setting up appointments
- Checks people in and out.
- Taking Care of Dock Doors
- Care of the garden
- Taking care of work
- Crossing over
- Check for the quality and
- How well a vendor does
Pros:
- It can instantly record information and works with hand-held devices and Material Handling Equipment.
- It gives you more ways to keep yourself safe.
Cons:
- If you want to customize it, it will cost a lot.
Tool Cost/Plan Details: Contact the company for its pricing information.
Website: Manhattan Associates
Conclusion
As the piece on Warehouse Management Software Systems comes to a close, Oracle’s NetSuite WMS has all the features needed, including wireless warehousing, which is a sure thing. If you’re worried about safety, Manhattan Associates is the best choice.
Suppose you want to change your process; TECSYS WMS is the best choice. Astro WMS is the best choice if you want to add certain features to your system.