F. Curtis Barry & Company Blog

If you have recently implemented a new Order Management System (OMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Warehouse Management System (WMS) or any system for that matter; are you fully utilizing the new system’s capabilities?  Companies spend large capital investments on the system as well as the time and implementation costs to install the new systems. We often see new system's functionality being underutilized.  This is true even after being live on the new system for a year or more - for a variety of reasons.  One of the best ways to assess the utilization  of the functionality for a new system is to perform a post-implementation audit.

Many warehouses can benefit from the full spectrum of bar code applications, but you should do the necessary detail cost benefit studies to determine your Return On Investment (ROI). Our recommendation is to begin with the basics and move to more advanced applications if you have the luxury and desire to use a phased in approach. 

While there are many critical issues in implementing order management systems, warehouse management systems, or eCommerce platforms; we have chosen the 7 topics which from our experience are the most important: 

More and more companies today are using third party logistics providers to avoid making investments in that non-core area, or in technology necessary for it. We’ve also seen hundreds of start up eCommerce companies that simply don’t want to be in the fulfillment business. All of these companies are turning to third party logistics providers. With so much riding on it, it is very important that as a third party logistics provider, your order management system (call center, customer service, and marketing) and warehouse management system (warehousing, order management, and fulfillment) and technology give you a continuing competitive advantage. The systems you select will have significant ramifications for your personnel’s productivity, as well as how effectively you serve your customers and help them grow their businesses—and the management information these systems provide can help you grow your business. No matter what type of system you’re considering, the purchase is a long-term investment. In short, selecting the right order management system and warehouse management system for your third party logistics business is a major undertaking.

 

Today’s warehouse operations are more complex than in the past and finding skilled employees who speak and understand one language can be a challenge. Continued pressure to do more with less, forces warehouse operators to look for ways to become more productive even with these constraints.  Many are turning to voice applications to meet their goals. Voice applications are not right for every situation, but given the right parameters, it can make a significant difference to the warehouse.

Recently we have been involved in a series of warehouse consulting assignments that all have a common theme. That theme is the investigation of the potential application of a Warehouse Management System package to their warehouse operations. This is not unusual in and of itself, but the wide range of the clients struck me in that the issues addressed by a Warehouse Management System crosses over many business types. 

This post is #3 and #4 in the continuing blog post series of mistakes that we have seen clients make before or after we are “on scene” to assist them with their order management, warehouse management, or inventory management systems projects.

If you are out searching for a warehouse management system there are lots of options depending on the complexity of your business and your budget.  One option to consider is an on demand solution or software as a service (SaaS).