As the backbone of the supply chain, fulfillment operations need warehouse management system features that keep their processes running smoothly, quickly, and efficiently. Today, with WMS functionality becoming more standardized, operators are looking beyond core functions like inventory tracking and order management. They seek a warehouse management system that is easy to implement and upgrade, seamlessly integrates with existing systems or automation, provides valuable insights and analytics, scales as needed, and is backed by a strong support team. These features ensure the WMS not only meets immediate needs but also supports long-term success.
What are the Key Functions of a Warehouse Management System?
As mainstays of the supply chain, fulfillment operations need software to run smoothly. As “command central” for these operations, a WMS is the core software system that improves inventory visibility, optimizes picking, improves labor efficiency and minimizes errors.
Core functionality typically includes the following fundamental WMS features:
- Inventory Management: Tracks and manages stock levels in real time, including receiving, putaway, and storage of goods.
- Order Management: Manages order processing, including picking, packing, and shipping tasks, ensuring accurate and timely fulfillment.
- Receiving and Putaway: Supports inbound logistics by optimizing the receipt of goods and directing them to the best storage locations based on warehouse layout.
- Picking and Packing: Facilitates efficient picking and packing processes, including different picking strategies like wave, batch, or zone picking.
- Shipping and Transportation Management Integration: Helps coordinate outbound shipments, often integrating with transportation management systems (TMS) to manage deliveries and track shipments.
- Barcoding and Scanning Integration: Utilizes barcode scanning and RFID to track goods through all warehouse processes, improving accuracy and reducing human error.
Going Beyond the Key Functions of a Warehouse Management System
According to this year’s Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) report, while functionality continues to be the primary evaluation criterion for users selecting a WMS, many vendors now offer similar core capabilities. As a result, users are increasingly prioritizing other factors in their decision-making process. These include the technical architecture of the solution, its ability to integrate with other applications, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence capabilities, a more user-friendly experience, and robust product support. These warehouse management system features have become crucial in differentiating between software solutions in a market where basic functionalities are often comparable.
Warehouse Management System Features #1: Multi- tenant Cloud Solutions
Recent data indicates that 60-70% of new installations are for cloud-based warehouse management systems. This trend reflects a growing preference for the flexibility, scalability, and reduced upfront costs associated with cloud solutions compared to on-premises deployments. Additionally, the ease of updates, data security enhancements, and remote access capabilities have further accelerated the adoption of cloud WMS.
According to Tom Stretar, VP of Technology at enVista, “You’re seeing a tremendous amount of opportunity on the technology side related to multi-tenants and using clouds and single clouds.” With a composable, distributed microservices framework, WMSs can offer extensibility and continuous upgrades to businesses of any size. A reliable cloud-based WMS provides operations with 24×7 monitoring, support, and maintenance services, helping you avoid the pitfalls of unhappy customers. A cloud solution also eliminates the need for on-premises hardware, reducing IT infrastructure costs.
Warehouse Management System Features #2: Integration and Optimization
A WMS isn’t a standalone tool; it must be designed to work smoothly with other technologies to optimize operations. Seamless integration and coordination across multiple automation solutions—such as Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), conveyors, and RF technology—are crucial. A well-designed “out-of-the-box” WMS should be capable of assigning and orchestrating tasks across these diverse automation agents, ensuring efficient and streamlined workflows.
According to Amit Levy, executive vice president of sales and strategy at Made4net, “A WMS has always been seen as the control tower for everything that takes place within the four walls of the warehouse. The difference being that in the past, it was mostly about controlling people. Now, it’s about controlling people, automation and robots.”
Warehouse Management System Features #3: Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Operations these days need data that will help them create efficiencies and manage disruptions. WMS features that include comprehensive analytics and insights, tailored to meet specific operational needs, are critical. This includes personalized dashboards, custom widgets, and customizable reports that enhance the user experience and provide companies with the data they need to stay ahead. Advanced analytics, powered by artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) that is embedded into the WMS, empowers companies to make better decisions, improving efficiency and profitability.
The best WMS will offer:
- Predictive analytics to help businesses forecast future demand and needs, reduce stockouts and overstocks, and improve inventory accuracy.
- Real-time data on equipment usage to help supply chain managers predict when maintenance will be needed and minimize disruptions.
- Advanced analytics to help businesses identify consumer trends and behavioral patterns and empower them to respond more effectively to change.
Warehouse Management System Features #4: Enhanced User Experience
Today’s supply chain managers are looking for more than just a powerful WMS—they need one that combines advanced business functionality with a user-friendly, consumer-grade interface. Features like intuitive design, pull-down menus, shortcuts, mouse-free navigation, and built-in tools are essential for creating an efficient and seamless user experience.
A thoughtfully designed WMS can significantly boost productivity by enabling employees to work faster and more effectively. Tools like data visualization and integrated dashboards support better decision-making and simplify training for new staff. A clear, logical interface also helps reduce errors and training costs, ultimately driving operational savings.
Warehouse Management System Features #5: Enhanced Support
Choosing a WMS provider with excellent support is critical for maintaining smooth operations and maximizing the system’s benefits. Effective support minimizes downtime by quickly resolving issues, ensuring that operations run without costly disruptions. It also helps with customization, offering guidance to optimize the WMS to fit your specific workflows. During implementation, strong support aids in training staff, helping them quickly adapt to new processes. Additionally, it ensures that your system stays up-to-date with the latest WMS features and improvements, keeping your operations current and secure.
Tyler Linderman, Vice President, Strategy & Growth at Bricz suggests that finding a trusted partner or group of partners who understand both the technology and operational processes can be instrumental in driving supply chain success. These partners can provide valuable insights and guidance, from addressing immediate needs to strategizing long-term solutions, ultimately setting companies up for success for the long haul.
Indispensable Warehouse Management System Features
In today’s ever-changing supply chain environment, choosing the right WMS features can mean the difference between streamlined operations and inefficiencies that cost time and money. From cloud-based solutions and seamless integrations to advanced analytics and enhanced support for automation, businesses must ensure their WMS evolves with their needs. By focusing on these five key warehouse management system features, companies can stay ahead of the curve, driving both operational success and customer satisfaction. If you need support evaluating solutions, we’re here to help. Schedule a call to learn more.
