We compare two different types of Warehouse Management Systems showing the differences

When searching online for Best of Breed Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) two things stand out. Firstly, the results produced varied from general Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) WMS modules to Best of Breed WMS. Secondly, the results also produced a plethora of all things warehousing, anything from scanners to technology evaluations, not necessarily a list of Best of Breed WMS providers.

On top of this there was also an awful lot of waffle. Wading through the results, you start to question "What is best of breed?" and "Would this be the right approach to adopt for a prospective customer and their business?". After undertaking a general comparison of the two types of system, ERP or Best of Breed, the conclusion is each has its own pros and cons.

ERP WMS Module

Some ERP systems offer a Warehouse Management module as part of the overall function of the solution. When enabling the Warehouse Management module, initial set up costs should be cheaper than a dedicated Best of Breed system. There are also lower total costs of ownership as maintenance costs are included in the ERP maintenance agreements. However the functionality tends to be limited, and appeals to those who have to control simpler operations.

Best of Breed WMS

A Best of Breed Warehouse Management System could be more expensive to implement as it is a dedicated standalone solution. However, in comparison they have superior functionality to an ERP module, with a great deal more flexibility, and the ability to expand, grow and shrink to accommodate plans and seasonal adjustments.

Key steps to selecting the best “Best of Breed” Warehouse Management System

Stage 1

• Examine how your warehouse is currently operating
• Decide what improvements need to be made
• Produce a document or requirements specification
• Clarify and hone your requirements
• Prioritise the requirements into “must have”, “nice to have” and “ultimate wish list", considering any growth plans
• Send the finished document out to a handful of WMS providers
• Match the desired requirements with the functionality of each of the software packages, once the requirements document returned by providers
• Invite companies whose WMS closest resembles what you are looking to achieve for a meeting

Stage 2

From the ensuing discussions with potential WMS providers you should be able to whittle your list down to two or three, now the matching of the system to requirements begins in earnest.

• Examine the software – go on an existing customer site visit, have a demonstration
• Examine the provider – does the provider have experience in your market sector
• Does having a Best of Breed WMS mean that you will not have to change your processes to match the functionality of the intended system
• Is the solution flexible enough for your business
• Will the system be able to accommodate your growth plans

If the answer to any of the points is no, then maybe your best option is to look for a WMS that has most of the functionality requirements and a provider who has the capabilities to tailor the WMS to match the your warehouse processes.

Squaring the Circle

Based on our many years of experience as a Best of Breed WMS supplier, we have found that no two customers are exactly alike, and that the term Best of Breed WMS means different things to different companies and different WMS providers.

We tailor our Best of Breed WMS to suit our customers’ requirements and growth plans, providing customers with their own dedicated Warehouse Management System, that will expand or contract, whatever their needs may be, to suit their business for many years to come.

Our proven track record of client retention, our flexible approach, and dedication as an innovative WMS provider, enables us to supply the best solution for the specific requirements of each individual customer.

To see how Proteus WMS can help your business give us a call or send us an email.