Top 3PL Software Reviews—From Real Life Operations Managers

If you’re on the search for the right 3PL warehouse management system for your needs, you’ve come to the right place. Made4net is proud to support over 100 3PL customers worldwide. In fact, 10 members of our customer community have been recognized as Top 100 3PL Providers, including two in the top 10. In this post we’ll share what some leading 3PL providers have to say about our 3PL software, Synapse 3PLExpert.

What Does 3PL Software Do? 

A 3PL WMS manages essential operations in the warehouse. Base functionality includes inventory management, order management, receiving and putaway, picking and packing shipping and transportation management integration, and barcoding and scanning integration capabilities. Advanced features include cartonization, task interleaving, optimized scheduling, labor management, cycle counting and more. 3PL software equips logistics companies to navigate unpredictability and complexity with confidence. The right solution delivers robust functionality and configurability, enabling businesses to adapt to evolving customer demands, disruptions, and seasonal fluctuations.

Below, we examine five key capabilities that empower 3PL providers to stay competitive and responsive in today’s dynamic market.

3PL Software Review #1: We needed flexibility, especially in regard to billing

Billing significantly impacts a 3PL’s profitability, and manual processes often result in lost revenue. A robust WMS with activity-based automated billing ensures every task beyond storage and handling—like shrink-wrapping, kitting, repackaging, or relabeling—is captured and tied directly to client invoices. 

Key benefits include: 

• Prompted activity tracking for associates to ensure all value-added services are billed. 
• Automated invoice generation and delivery, eliminating manual steps and reducing errors. 

When Banneker Supply Chain Solutions, a third-party logistics provider to a wide range of Fortune 100 companies, went looking for a new WMS, their main request was a system that offered flexibility, especially in regard to billing. Banneker needed a system that could bill by square footage, by pallet and by case. Synapse 3PL Expert WMS delivered what they needed and today, according to David Grant Junior, Director of Operations, Banneker Supply Chain Solutions, they can now “serve customers of all sizes seamlessly.”

3PL Software Review #2: The customer portal gives our customers more control

Effective communication between a 3PL and their customers is critical to success. This includes exchanging data on inbound and outbound shipments, real-time inventory levels, and tracking information to ensure transparency and meet service expectations. Additionally, billing and activity reports are shared to provide clear visibility into services performed. When cold storage solutions provider, Arctic Logistics, implemented Made4net’s 3PLExpert, one major benefit realized came from having access to a customer portal that facilitates a seamless exchange of data. 

According to John Connor, President & Co-Owner, Arctic Logistics, “The customer portal gives our customers more control. In the past, they would have to email, call, or even fax us to request or relay information. With the portal, they can now manage that directly—sending us information they want us to have, and receiving updates from us electronically. They can see in real-time when we receive their loads, check on their orders before they go out, and track scheduled shipments. They can also access billing and invoices, seeing both current charges and upcoming bills. This supports their budgeting and helps them understand their cash flow and standing with us.”

3PL Software Review #3: We were looking for comprehensive reporting tools

Real-time data is essential to running an efficient and profitable operation. You want and need data on every aspect of your operation – from how your associates are performing to how inventory is moving in, out and around the building. A tool like 3PLExpert brings together data mining tools, analytics and configurable dashboards to prioritize the metrics and key performance indicators that matter to your operation in a comprehensive, easily digestible view.

When 3PL leader, BRW, underwent the rigorous process of selecting a WMS, they knew they needed robust reporting capabilities to meet the evolving needs of its diverse clientele. According to Derrick Vanover, Director of IT, BRW, “We chose Synapse 3PLExpert for its comprehensive reporting tools and overall system functionality, which perfectly aligned with our goals for operational efficiency and scalability.”  

3PL Software Review #4: We wanted to scale and add larger facilities

3PL software provides 3PLs with a flexible, automated platform that makes it easier to adapt to increasing demand and complex logistics requirements. With tools for efficient inventory management, order processing, and transportation coordination as well as real-time data reporting, companies can handle higher volumes without extensive manual processes. 

This was certainly the case for warehousing leader Buske Logistics who modernized operations by implementing Synapse 3PL Expert to overcome outdated processes and as a result was able to scale to add larger facilities to its business. According to Larry McGriff, VP of Operations, Buske Logistics, “In the past, we were limited to running warehouses smaller than 200,000 square feet, but since implementing Synapse 3PL Expert we’ve been able to open multiple 300,000 to 400,000-square-foot facilities.”

3PL Software Review #5: They understand our unique requirements

Today’s 3PLs need a software provider who is there for them. Errol Gonzales, Account Executive at Made4net explains, “The majority of prospects I speak with today aren’t necessarily dissatisfied with their technology, they are dissatisfied with the service they are receiving. Emails and calls go unanswered. There’s simply no urgency to getting things done and there’s a lack of shared commitment to mutual growth.”

Given the investment and time needed to successfully implement a WMS solution, it’s important to choose a solution provider that’s been in business for a long time and plans to be around for even longer. You also want to ensure they know the ins and outs of the 3PL business.

This was a key factor for Findlay Warehousing when they chose Synapse 3PL Expert. According to Chase Hatfield, VP of Business Development at Findlay Warehousing, “Made4net’s dedication to understanding our very unique requirements and finding tailored solutions has undoubtedly contributed to our success in streamlining processes and improving overall productivity. Their expertise and willingness to assist have made them an invaluable partner in our journey towards business growth and development.” 

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a new 3PL WMS, definitely consider one with positive 3PL Software Reviews. It may also be worthwhile to work with a WMS consultant or 3PL consultant to ensure you get the right software for your business. If you’re ready to see how Synapse 3PLExpert can drive your operations forward, reach out to speak to an expert.