2. A warehouse management system will take months, even up
to a year, to install, and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars
in consulting and services fees.
o Choose WMS specifically designed for smaller
businesses.
o Choose software vendor with the right solution, technology
and supply chain experience.
o Choose software vendor who has demonstrated an
implementation methodology within the planned timeframe
and budget.
3. Any warehouse management system that fits our
business now will be too small for us in a couple of
years.
o Choose a software vendor that can provide what you
need today but with a technology platform that allows
for future growth
o Choose a software vendor who can provide an
upgrade path to add new functionality or additional
modules
4. Warehouse management solution software is too
expensive for small businesses.
o Choose software vendor that offers flexible or
subscription-based pricing plans.
5. Any vendor that can give me a decently priced
warehouse management system will be out of
business in a few years
o Be selective when choosing a software vendor
o Choose vendor with the right solution and supply chain experience
o Choose vendor that has financial viability
o Research several software vendors. Ask about their client base and
contact a company that is about the same size.
6. A low, up-front cost for a warehouse management
system will automatically provide a lower total cost of
ownership over the long term
o An usually low price tag should set off a warning
signal.
o The vendor offers a low initial cost but anticipates a
much higher cost of implementation services.
o Inquire about the vendors investment in R&D to
continually improve the product over time
o Avoid buying a legacy product that has limited future
liability
7. My business is too small to reap any benefits from a
warehouse management system
o Any company will save on labor, improve inventory
management, attain more accurate shipments and
improve space allocation. This will lead to increased
customer satisfaction.
o A WMS will reduce paper-driven processes
o Typical timeframe to expect an ROI is between 6 to
18 months. Perform a thorough cost/benefit analysis
before implementing.
8. I don’t need a best-of-breed WMS; my homegrown
system already works and gets the job done.
o Evaluate the cost of ongoing maintenance and
customization of this homegrown application
o Custom-developed applications become difficult to
support and become more costly to maintain
o Custom-developed applications are usually less
adaptable to changing business requirements
9. Training costs will be too high
o Training does cost time and money, but the right
WMS should simplify operations, not complicate them
10. Examine potential WMS and vendors greatly.
Choose a software vendor with long-term viability,
ongoing product support, and strong financial health.
Choose a WMS that won’t require initially purchasing
modules that the company does not need.
Choose a vendor/WMS that provides a straightforward
and flexible upgrade path.
11. Does the vendor provide a straightforward upgrade path,
or will you require an entirely new installation, product or
platform?
Is it possible to add specific supply chain modules such
as labor or transportation management?
Does the vendor bring domain expertise and experience
helping companies that are similarly sized and in the
same industry?
