Warehouse management software (WMS) is one of the tools that most ecommerce businesses overlook. There’s a reason why WMS software was worth 3.07 billion in 2023―this technology satisfies many warehouse functions, such as inventory management and fulfillment.
But even with all these benefits, 52% of companies don’t use a warehouse management system! Are you one of these businesses? Are you trying to find warehouse management software solutions that meet all your needs?
The key is to choose the platform that’s best for you. Fortunately, you have many options. Here are the best warehouse management software options and more information about this technology.
What Is Warehouse Management Software?
A warehouse management system (WMS) is a cloud-based technology that manages different functions at a company’s distribution center. It aims to simplify warehousing functions while utilizing space, saving labor, and optimizing equipment.
Customers have many demands from ecommerce businesses. Users want to buy whenever they want and demand you fulfill their orders quickly. If they need to return a product, they want the return process to be smooth.
As an ecommerce business, you must meet these demands. A warehouse management system can keep you organized, manage your inventory and orders, ensure you’re shipping the correct parcels, and help you and your customers track your items.
That said, not all warehouse management software platforms are created equal. Knowing the benefits of these platforms is essential to choosing the best-quality one.
Benefits of Using Warehouse Management Software
Ecommerce transformed how customers shop, and warehouse management software revolutionized how ecommerce brands store and fulfill products. Here are more benefits of having a warehouse management system.
Rapid Adoption
Most WMS systems operate on the cloud. In other words, you only need the internet and the right devices to set up and access the WMS.
The best warehouse management platforms download quickly and have a seamless set-up process. This means you can adopt the warehouse management software immediately and use this technology for new and existing orders.
No Need to Manually Update
Since warehouse management software is on the cloud, you don’t need to update or maintain the system manually. The software does that for you; if the platform has updates, it will install them automatically.
How do you pay for these updates and installations? Since most WMS platforms are in the SaaS category, you pay a recurring fee to use the software. That fee includes any maintenance and installation costs.
Scalable
Since warehouse management software is a SaaS program, the program has different plan options. While this is convenient, knowing the best plan that fits your budget can be difficult.
What if you only need and/or can afford the entry-level plan? If you need to upgrade, most warehouse management software is scalable. That means you can change or upgrade your plan with ease. This is important if your business changes or you need your WMS to meet current market needs.
Affordable
That said, warehouse management software is usually affordable. With all the plan options, you can find one that fits your budget and meets your needs.
There are many reasons why a WMS is affordable. Most plans don’t have upfront costs, and you’re also not paying for installations, upgrades, or modifications. If you need a custom plan, most warehouse management software companies offer a custom quote instead of added fees.
Can Integrate With Your Existing System
Are you already using technology in your business? Many warehouse management software platforms offer integrations to manage all your technology in one place. While all these WMS platforms differ, most will integrate with merchandising, ERP, and/or supply chain programs.
The Best Warehouse Management Software Options
Are you ready to choose warehouse management software? Many platforms are on the market, and it’s always a good idea to compare your options. Here are some popular examples among businesses.
NetSuite Warehouse Management
NetSuite offers solutions for nearly every type of business, but its software for warehouse management handles day-to-day operations.
Some of the functions that NetSuite offers include barcode scanning, item storage, inbound logistics, and order fulfillment. You also get a reporting section and can personalize your dashboard.
Since NetSuite operates various platforms, you can integrate them with warehouse management.
The downside to NetSuite is you must receive a custom quote. While this is beneficial if your business has unique needs, comparing different options is difficult if you’re on a strict budget. That said, they are scalable―you can add users and modules for an extra cost.
Extensiv 3PL Warehouse Manager
If you want to access all warehouse functions remotely, Extensiv’s Warehouse Manager should be your choice. Extensiv are the trusted 3PL partners. This cloud-based software offers both warehouse and order management, and offers solutions for businesses and customers.
Extensiv’s system is user-friendly and organized, making it easy to set-up and implement. As with the last company, Extensiv doesn’t offer plans and quotes on the website. That said, you can try a demo for free.
Flowtrac
Flowtrac offers many benefits for warehousing businesses, but their customer service is unmatched. You can access project managers and programmers who will help you set up and implement the platform.
If you have special requests, you can inform customer service to see if they will create a custom solution for you.
The platform is very user-friendly. Inventory management has never been simpler―you can search for products by name, description, or category. Once you have the data you need, you also have the option to export or print that information.
The mobile barcode scanner is also simple and effective. Flowtrac also offers detailed order logs, so you’ll always know who placed an order and when. All of this will help you optimize logistic costs.
Acumatica Warehouse Management System
While Acumatica offers an entire cloud solution for ecommerce businesses, they have a warehouse management tool. It’s simple to use and collects data effectively, so you always know which products are coming in and going out.
All updates are also live, so you’ll experience no surprises.
Acumatica also offers benefits for your customers. The system will notify customers when their order has been received and shipped.
CartonCloud
CartonCloud is another user-friendly system, but it offers a convenient all-in-one platform for all warehousing tasks.
The backend is intuitive and easy to learn. You can access all necessary tools to run your warehouse, track inventory, automate data, manage orders, automate invoices, and streamline transportation operations from one place.
If you’re ever stuck, CartonCloud offers training via customer service and a knowledge base filled with help articles and tutorials.
CartonCloud also offers different integrations and has an open API if you need more functionality. This is a solution for warehouses with the smallest budgets. Their plans start at $499/month and their programs are scalable.
Choose the Best Warehouse Management Software for Your Brand
Warehouse management software (WMS) is integral if you manage the warehousing functions of your ecommerce business. This is a cloud-based platform that manages different warehousing functions.
There are different warehouse management features, including inventory management and barcode scanning.
There are many WMS platforms for you to choose from. We recommend NetSuite Warehouse Management, Extensiv 3PL Warehouse Manager, Flowtrac, Acumatica Warehouse Management System, and CartonCloud. Compare these platforms to find the best solution for you.
Do you need help with other e-commerce functions? If so, we can create a high-level strategy for you to grow your business. Click here to schedule a call with us.
Author
Stephanie Jensen has been writing e-commerce content for seven years, and her copy has helped numerous stores rank on Amazon. Follow her on LinkedIn for more insight into freelance writing and creating high-quality content.
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