Warehouse Management System and its impact on the efficiency of an online store
According to the report E-commerce in Poland in the eyes of Internet users for 2019, as many as 55% of respondents believe that lower delivery costs could be a motivating factor for more frequent online shopping. For the respondents, the possibility of fast order processing is also an important incentive. The presented statistics confirm the hunch accompanying the entities belonging to the e-commerce sector that the main challenge for online store owners in the coming years will be the improvement of logistics services.
An effective way to achieve this goal is to gradually professionalize the warehouse management of the online store. The advantage of eCommerce over the traditional form of trade is the rapid circulation of information and greater ability to automate internal processes occurring in the company. Analysis of incoming data allows for better prediction of the number of orders and adjusting inventory levels to it. People who decided to use Warehouse Management System know that. What is this solution and what benefits does its implementation offer?
Impact of WMS on productivity and efficiency
Good organization is the basis for optimal use of the logistics unit capabilities of an online store. Warehouse Management System allows you to have a full overview of the current stock of your warehouse, and what's more, it contributes to the improvement of your inventory. The functionality of the software is measured by its ability to adapt to the individual needs of a retail company. Nevertheless, it is easy to distinguish a few advantages of WMS that are equally positively evaluated by companies from different industries and economic sectors.
One of the biggest advantages of this solution is the elimination of the so-called "bottlenecks" through the possibility of smooth logistics service from the moment of accepting the order, after releasing the goods, until the dispatch of products to the buyer. This type of warehouse management system makes it easier to determine the exact location of items in the assortment, so the e-store employees do not waste time on picking orders from different sectors of the hall. Warehouse Management System also provides quick access to up-to-date information about stock levels. This is a useful function, especially when dealing with goods with a short expiration date or which are particularly popular among customers.
From theory to practice, how to choose WMS for an online store?
Implementing a new warehouse system is troublesome and time-consuming at first, but choosing the right software vendor helps minimize the difficulties associated with innovation. The first obstacle is often the attitude of employees who are reluctant to accept change. Therefore, a WMS application should be clear and readable so that the convenience of its use shortens the period of getting accustomed to using the system. Hence the need to rely on developers who have both experience and qualified developers who are able to configure settings on an ongoing basis.
It is a good idea to outsource the maintenance of the WMS to a company that has a number of other similar eCommerce systems in its offer. Then, the process of data integration between applications becomes much simpler. Consistency within the management software increases the efficiency of work organization, which allows to focus on brand development instead of constant solving of minor problems. Ultimately, everyone benefits from a WMS implementation: customers - satisfaction with fast service, warehouse workers - comfortable support in performing their daily duties, and store owners - a modern system that increases the efficiency of eCommerce operations.
