Finding the perfect WMS software that hits all of your requirements can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. We’ll be your magnet by covering the top warehouse management system examples, some important WMS platform types, their benefits and more!
Compare Top Warehouse Management Software Leaders
Making an informed decision requires understanding your options, why they differ and which solution best suits your company. There are four types of WMS systems for 3PL businesses. These are standalone warehouse management systems, supply chain execution modules, integrated ERP (enterprise resource planning) and cloud-based systems.
The functions and features of these types of WMS systems are largely the same; the package and style of delivery differ.
Table of Contents:
Making an informed decision requires understanding your options, including the four main types of WMS — standalone warehouse management systems, supply chain execution modules, integrated ERP (enterprise resource planning) and cloud-based.
The functions and features of these types of WMS systems are largely the same; the package and style of delivery differ.
Our team of writers and analysts at SelectHub is committed to giving you the best recommendations based on our data. To make our list, products had to meet two criteria:
- Closely match the topic
- Earn a top-5 analyst score in our selection platform
Our analyst scores are based on an in-depth research process using primary and secondary sources. This includes SelectHub Analyst Briefings, direct communication with vendors, and reviewing materials such as user reviews, product brochures, specification sheets, case studies, user manuals, and technical documentation.
Our platform’s Scoring Engine processes the research and computes the analyst score. The score also factors in platform settings such as industry and company size.
Top WMS Examples
Before we get into the nuts and bolts of the different types of warehouse management systems, let’s cover what the people want — the best platforms.
Compare Top Warehouse Management Software Leaders
Oracle Warehouse Management
Oracle WMS is a cloud-based platform that provides solutions for businesses of all sizes. It offers complex fulfillment and flexible modules to optimize inventory operations and reduce costs.
It monitors operations and provides real-time analysis using warehouse intelligence.
Defining picking and putaway rules to carry out tasks. Source
Highest Rated Modules According to Our Data
- Yard Management and Receiving — 100
- Shipping — 98
- Cartonization — 93
- Labor Management — 92
- Inventory Management — 91
Top Benefits
- Increase Visibility: Capture accurate data for managers to make informed business decisions across daily warehousing tasks. Provides timely updates for users to prevent upcoming failures.
- Reduce Errors: Automate and optimize manual tasks. Increases customer satisfaction by reducing errors and providing scalable warehouse operations.
- Strengthen Customer Service: Allow customers to track shipment statuses with end-to-end data visibility.
- Improve Reporting: Create customizable reports for internal and external purposes. Access real-time analysis on warehouse performance factors like inventory fragmentation and location use.
Key Features
- Kitting and De-Kitting: Assemble and stock kits or parent items for future outbound shipments. Pick, pack, load and ship items from reserved or active locations. De-kit items from assembly locations.
- Shelf Life Monitoring: Use picking rules to monitor items’ shelf-life days. Specifies a 60-day shelf life restriction from the exact date of expiry.
- Work Order Management: Generate pickup instructions and match orders mentioned in the inventory. Create templates and fill out parameters like route, item code or order number.
- Batch Picking: Manage warehousing picking tasks in batches through pick slip grouping rules. It streamlines bulk pick across deliveries or a single delivery.
Limitations
- Doesn’t support accounting integration with Xero and QuickBooks Commerce.
- Can’t install on Mac OS X operating systems.
- Doesn’t offer labeling, printing and documentation features.
Features Not Fully Supported According to Our Data
- Physical Inventory Count — Not Supported
- Cluster Picking — Not Supported
- Search Rules for Bin Selection — Not Supported
- Refund Management — Not Supported
- Order Lifecycle Management — Not Supported
Platform:
Company Size Suitability: S M L
Microsoft Dynamics 365
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based solution that provides specialized ERP integration for supply chain management. It offers unique modules to increase productivity and meet real-time customer demands.
Businesses can gain predictive insights across inventory, warehouse, production, planning and transportation management with AI and IoT.
Users can perform corrective, condition-based, predictive and preventative maintenance. Source
Highest Rated Modules According to Our Data
- Cartonization — 100
- Returns Management — 100
- Yard Management and Receiving — 96
- Inventory Management — 91
- Warehouse Reports and Analytics — 91
Top Benefits
- Reduce Downtime: Automate multiple operations to improve efficiency and fulfillment requirements. Reduce costly errors by leveraging IoT and mixed reality. Increases procedural, tool and personnel output with AI and ML.
- Improve Warehouse Management: Use automation to optimize warehouse operations. Increase efficiency and productivity through flexible dashboards. Gain complete control of day-to-day operations and peak processing times.
- Optimize Costs: Analyze actual and planned costs to provide real-time insights to improve business decisions. Improve inventory turns or days of inventory by detecting inventory trends.
- Strengthen Demand Forecasting: Machine learning predicts independent demands from sales orders or dependent demand. Determine consumer demand trends using historical data. It uses a set of forecast dimensions to detect demand trends or remove outliers.
Key Features
- IoT Fleet Monitoring: Manage inbound or outbound transportation using IoT. Use fleet data and manage car, truck and other delivery vehicle routes. This data includes rental availability and customer details.
- Inventory Analytics: Gain complete inventory visibility across multiple locations instantly. Manage and simplify inventory management using analytics.
- Returns Management: Track returned products and identify solutions to eliminate future returns via predictive insights. Set up return reasons and disposition codes to identify why an item was sent back.
- Transportation Planning: Deliver goods on time by managing vehicles, loads and containers. Determine transportation rates and adjust prices as needed. Plan shipments by using internal fleets or external logistics.
- Container Management: View and manage containers that are ready for shipping. Access details to identify the exact container using container code, number, description, proof of delivery and more.
Limitations
- Loading stored information is time-consuming.
- Learning its suite of tools requires extensive training.
Features Not Fully Supported According to Our Data
- Warehouse Safety Control — Not Supported
- Pick-to-Light — Supported With Partner Integrations
- Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems — Not Supported
- Directed Voice Picking — Supported With Partner Integrations
- Warehouse Safety Control — Not Supported
Platform:
Company Size Suitability: S M L
Logiwa
Logiwa is a cloud-based WMS and order fulfillment solution for small and medium-sized businesses. It provides 3PLs, B2B shippers, online brands and eCommerce clients with integrated modules to increase sales and upscale delivery operations.
It’s flexible and offers seamless pre-integration with order management platforms and online sales channels.
Access dashboards that visually represent critical data.
Highest Rated Modules According to Our Data
- Putaway — 100
- Warehouse Reports and Analytics — 96
- Picking — 88
- Order and Billing Management — 87
- Cartonization — 83
Top Benefits
- Streamline Integration: Supports fulfillment operations across the supply chain by pre-integrating with eCommerce platforms, accounting tools, robotics and ERP systems. It supports an open API for seamless integration based on the user’s needs.
- Increase Automation: Optimizes warehouse operations like receiving and shipping through rule-based and location suggestion algorithms. The system assigns different automation rules like customer and order tags, order categories, and more.
- Strengthen Operations: Updates and sends complete item information at putaway, receiving, picking and packing through mobile scanners. Transfer updates directly to the cloud system. Access real-time updates on inventory and order progress.
- Boost Visibility: Customizes reports to analyze, track and measure every warehouse function. Optimize warehouse processes by controlling inbound and outbound operations.
Key Features
- Pick and Pack: Gather item and shipping information, including delivery location. Generate pick lists for warehouse pickers once customers place their orders. Pack items by choosing their order, creating the warehouse job type and filling out the target location address.
- Barcode Scanning: Get real-time stock level updates across multi-warehouse management environments. Analyze reasons for frequent order returns. Maintain data and track in-demand products.
- Master Data Management: Track data for specific products by targeting certain variables, including brand, supplier or vendor name, data sheets, and unit costs. Keep a detailed record of product changes and updates.
- Cross Docking: Automate goods movement in and around the warehouse. Inspect damaged products and reduce the number of problematic shipments.
- Kitting: Create and manage kit SKUs, making them available for assemblers when needed.
Limitations
- Limited functions compared to larger WMS solutions.
- Complex user interface for some features.
Features Not Fully Supported According to Our Data
- Advanced Shipping Notice— Supported With Partner Integrations
- Gate Management and Yard Check-Ins — Supported With Custom Development
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning — Not Supported
- Cold Chain Management — Not Supported
- Appointment Scheduling — Supported With Customer Development
Platform:
Company Size Suitability: S M L
Fishbowl Warehouse
Fishbowl Warehouse is an integrated solution suited for businesses of all sizes. It streamlines and optimizes warehouses with modules that include order management, purchase tracking, shipping and more.
It provides a mobile app to boost accessibility and supports parts tracking, inventory management, sales, purchasing and more. It also offers on-premise and cloud-based deployment.
Dashboards display vital information in an easy-to-access hub. Source
Highest Rated Modules According to Our Data
- Warehouse Reports and Analytics — 98
- Returns Management — 96
- Labor Management — 94
- Order and Billing Management — 89
- Inventory Management — 79
Top Benefits
- Boost Productivity: Automate day-to-day warehousing tasks with automated functions. Adjust accounting records and material reorderings by setting up automatic reorder points.
- Facilitate Currency Centralization: Integrate user currency preferences with QuickBooks and assign different currencies to vendors and customers. It also converts purchase and sales order currencies into local types. Manage multiple production facilities within the same program.
- Optimize Integration: Integrate with industry-leading business solutions, including Xero and QuickBooks, while maintaining a smooth transition with current software.
- Improve Accessibility: Access both on-premise and cloud-based deployment solutions.
Key Features
- Barcode Scanning: Convert any phone or tablet into a barcode scanner via Fishbowl Go. Update complete warehousing information, including inventory movement, picking, packing and shipping goods, cycle counts and more.
- Shipping Management: Manage multiple warehouses through parameters like serial numbers, revision levels, lot numbers and more. Track inventory and view up-to-date inventory information across multiple locations. View sales trends and transfer stock between locations.
- Cycle Counting: Quickly count inventory one section at a time instead of shutting down the entire operation.
- Serial and Lot Tracking: Track goods using serial, batch, revision and lot numbers.
- Inventory Reordering: Automatically reorders items when supplies are low. It also complies with product manufacturing and labor costs to simplify accounting processes.
Limitations
- Yard management isn’t available.
Features Not Fully Supported According to Our Data
- Container Splitting — Not Supported
- Cross Docking Documentation — Not Supported
- Vision Picking — Not Supported
- Advance Shipping Notice — Supported With Partner Integrations
- Putaway Bin Ranking — Not Supported
Platform:
Company Size Suitability: S M L
Manhattan Supply Chain
Manhattan Associates provides modern solutions for multiple industries. It also offers modules to optimize transportation and distribution across supply chain networks.
Gain complete visibility while managing warehouse operations with analytical tools.
Use Active Warehouse Management to keep track of all warehouse statuses. Source
Highest Rated Modules According to Our Data
- Returns Management — 93
- Labor Management — 91
- Order and Billing Management — 91
- Shipping — 87
- Inventory Management — 80
Top Benefits
- Cut Costs: Access balanced cost reduction between transportation and inventory management. It also ensures that service levels are relevant.
- Improve Data Visibility: Gain complete visibility across multiple data sources. Make informed decisions from gathered data and overcome business challenges.
- Facilitate Deployment: Use on-premise, cloud-based and multi-tenant deployment.
- Reduce Errors: Automate manual tasks and reduce picker errors. Reducing errors can strengthen customer relationships and cut business costs.
Key Features
- Cross Docking: Assemble shipments from transload facilities, pool points and consolidation centers. Reduce transportation durations and optimize fulfillment times by sending shipments directly to stores or end customers. Keep track of shipment movements in real time.
- Slotting: Track the exact inventory location across complex facilities with built-in learning intelligence. Updates placement recommendations, sets and resets, and pick locations. Groups items based on trends and product demand.
- Rules Engine: Manage item transportation from the origin to the shipping dock or pack station using an automated system. Identify which tasks are more important with its rule-based system.
- Task Interleaving: Evaluate historical data and assign tasks based on multiple factors. It applies current conditions to historical data and chooses the right employee for each task. Make predictions based on factors like role, eligibility and priority. It creates optimized schedules and minimizes deadhead travel.
- Order and Billing Management: Cloud-based storage ensures continued access to sales and engagement. Manage order fulfillment, type and channel with real-time visibility into inventory.
Limitations
- Increased support costs when requesting new features.
- High licensing cost.
Features Not Fully Supported According to Our Data
- Container Splitting — Not Supported
- Barcode Label Generation — Supported With Partner Integrations
- Partner Picking — Not Supported
- Procurement Analytics — Not Supported
- Blind Receiving — Not Supported
Platform:
Company Size Suitability: S M L
Types of WMS
We’ve got our list of market leaders, now let’s dive into the four main types of warehouse management systems:
1. Standalone
Most businesses purchase standalone systems for their warehouse management features and nothing else.
Vendors combine these types of warehouse management systems with existing or future solutions but sell them as specialized products without other supply chain functions. Some vendors offer a handful of basic transportation management tools; however, the focus is on best-of-breed WMS.
Imagine best-of-breed as selective breeding – it only includes the best, most important features of all the potential warehouse management system modules.
For WMS, this typically consists of inventory management and warehouse operations. Users of standalone WMS should expect expiration date tracking, barcode scanning, cycle counting, slotting, putaway, receiving, picking, packing and shipping.
Businesses can use standalone WMSs as a one-off software, inventory management system or combination of other system integrations.
This accessibility makes it ideal for SMBs or businesses without the budget for software. It doesn’t incorporate any other steps of the logistics chain and may not integrate as well with other kinds of business software as some of the following types of warehouse management systems.
2. Supply Chain Modules
When considering different WMS systems, you might think of them as a subcategory of supply chain management (SCM). Although there are different types of warehouses, we will focus on those that add value to products and services.
Supply chain management software has a broad scope — it supports everything from vendor relationships to business processes to risk assessment. It also focuses on automating inventory management, material sourcing and product cycles.
Choosing this type of warehouse management system requires investing in supply chain planning applications with warehousing features. It’s a common route, as it gives 3PL businesses the chance to explore the many benefits of SCM.
Combining WMS with other applications is a good way to ensure cohesion between different parts of the business. It supports holistic management of the whole supply chain, while standalone solutions cover warehousing only.
If you opt for this route, it’s important to minimize overlaps within your existing software. For example, if you already use a fleet management system, inventory management platform and warehouse management solution, you could combine them all into a single SCM platform.
Another way to avoid overlap is to choose an SCM solution that integrates with other business software like payroll applications and ERP systems – which brings us to the next option.
3. ERP Integrated
ERPs are powerful software solutions that combine the capabilities of many other systems. They offer most core applications that streamline 3PL processes, such as:
- Supply chain planning
- Procurement
- Accounting
- Customer relationship management
- Human resources
Proficient Market Insights indicates that the global ERP software market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% between 2021 and 2028. By 2028, the market is expected to be valued at $63,030 million, up from $42,160 million in 2021.
Though integrated ERP systems offer certain warehousing features, they’re not a core function. Keep that in mind when shopping for ERP software. Make sure the solution you choose provides features for warehouse management ahead of time.
Integrating a WMS with ERP could cost you double the price because of its unique modules — think of it as the jack of all software trades. This system performs multiple operations and centralizes them into a unified interface.
If you’re dissatisfied with other software solutions or want a centralized system, consider ERP your best fit.
WMS as a supply chain module or ERP integration differs from standalone systems because it provides warehouse management as part of a tool with broader capabilities.
The first decision to make is whether you want to invest in a specialized WMS or if you’d benefit more from a combined product. The answer depends on the size and goals of your business.
4. Cloud-Based
On-premise solutions usually aren’t reliable in terms of maintenance costs and installation. You might end up paying large sums to handle installation and infrastructure.
Going with a cloud-based WMS comes with several huge advantages. Since your provider hosts and maintains them, you can drastically reduce implementation and installation costs. These scalable solutions are ideal for startups and smaller businesses thanks to their low cost of entry and subscription-based payment options.
Cloud-based management systems optimize warehouse activities, including simplifying inventory reporting, streamlining workflows with automation, reducing data entry time and more.
They also ensure timely product updates and real-time data access. Implementing a cloud-based WMS allows you to manage multiple system functionalities from a centralized system.
As great as these solutions sound, they come with some pitfalls. Since your vendor hosts the solution, you have less control over data security, and internet connectivity issues can interrupt service.
Consider your pain points and must-have requirements before settling on a platform. Factors like deployment, integration and sales channel accessibility go a long way toward a successful implementation.
You may refer to some of the warehouse management system examples in this article while deciding.
Primary Benefits
There’s a huge range of warehouse management software benefits, like reducing overall operating expenses.
Businesses can take control of logistics and inventory with WMS to perform cycle counts, track shipments and monitor expiration dates. These tools improve inventory visibility through barcoding, serial numbers and RFID tagging features.
WMS optimizes inventory transportation both internally and externally through inventory tracking functionality. There are also tools for optimizing receiving, putaway, slotting, picking, packing and shipping duties.
Other advantages include:
- Lower operating expenses and better space usage thanks to optimized floorplans, accurate storage and better material rotations (FIFO, LIFO and more).
- Accurate inventory tracking that ensures proper planning, information gathering and receipt matching.
- Integrating robotics and automation technology focuses human labor on more important tasks, speeds up and streamlines picking, and reduces bottlenecks.
- Software also supports stronger demand forecasts that help avoid under or overstocking.
Regardless of the type of warehouse management system you choose, you’ll see improvement across the board.
Key Features
Keep these key features in mind when selecting your system:
Inventory Management Systems
It’s common to find warehouse management and inventory management used interchangeably. However, these are different systems, and understanding the differences is important. An inventory management system is a lighter, more basic version of WMS, focusing more on stock counting and automated order fulfillment.
While it offers some of the same features as WMS, inventory management isn’t as robust or sophisticated. You’ll likely need warehouse management, SCM or ERP if you’re running a reasonably complex operation within a mid-sized or enterprise organization.
Smaller businesses can get away with isolated inventory applications, but there’s a good chance you’ll require an upgrade at some point, particularly as you grow.
3PL
Now that we know the major differences between WMS system types, which option is best for your business? Finding an answer requires an examination of the specialized functionalities that 3PL companies get from their warehouse management systems.
Once you understand your needs, you can search for the most suitable version. We recommend identifying your requirements first and shortlisting solutions based on which platforms perform those functions best. It’s also important to consider vendor reputation by reading reviews.
Value-Added Services
Investing in software that tracks progress and payments is a good idea for companies that deal with value-added services (kitting, light assembly and more). In this regard, the best choice is a standalone WMS built specifically for third-party logistics.
The simplicity of the standalone system allows you to focus on what you need. Without a significant supply of inventory or the complexities of other SCM activities, keeping it simple can make your life a lot easier.
It’s common for 3PL providers to require precise labeling features. Many standalone WMS products provide labeling as a feature, but it varies among different vendors. Paying more for custom tools is a good idea if it’s a major part of your services. Look for a best-of-breed WMS that can handle custom labeling.
Multiple Client/Owner Architectures
Most 3PL companies need a WMS to manage multiple clients’ inventory and purchase order processing. It isn’t a concern if you’re handling products for just one.
However, it’s normal for warehouses (certainly larger ones) to deal with a long list of customers simultaneously. If this is the case for your business, the more robust offerings of an SCM or ERP warehousing management module may be right for you.
One area where some businesses get tripped up is the definition of “multi-client.” It’s important to be aware that this term can also refer to multiple companies using a single cloud server when dealing with cloud-based software. When shopping for a WMS, ensure the vendor offers a multi-client architecture, not just a shared server.
Third-Party Logistics Billing
Your WMS must offer specific types of inventory tracking and service contract processing. They’re essential for 3PL companies because they ensure invoices are never lost or skipped over. 3PL billing is the best way to automate putaway, receiving, storage and shipping so that charges are always punctual and accurate.
You’ll find 3PL billing functions in most standalone WMS. They’re also a common feature of supply chain solutions, particularly when designed with logistics in mind. Investing in ERP systems with these features is possible, but they’re less common. You might have to search a little more extensively to find them.
Multi-Channel Fulfillment Services
Without multi-channel fulfillment services, tracking inventory while managing orders and suppliers across multiple warehouses is difficult. The WMS software you choose needs to do more than just packing and shipping. You will find some shipping and logistics providers that offer multiple services while others specialize in specific areas.
The difference lies in targeting business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments. B2B services are ideal for small retailers, whereas B2C can easily integrate with multiple online channels. With bulk orders, you’ll need a solution that manages all requirements within a single system.
You can always choose a cloud-based system to enable a multi-channel fulfillment process. Logistics and supply chain systems can scale in no time with cloud-based solutions. Fulfillment processes that usually take months can be available in a week.
System Selection Steps
There are, of course, other functionalities you can factor into your decision. Parcel carrier shipping, client web portals and inbound quality control auditing are just a few of the processes that might be central to your operation. However, you can use the following scenarios as a starting point for selection.
Standalone, best-of-breed WMS is the ideal choice for 3PL businesses that offer value-added services and require high levels of client visibility. WMS, as a feature of supply chain software, is best for businesses that want to optimize and enhance the whole supply chain. ERP-based products are great if you need 3PL billing and want advanced reporting tools.
Finally, a cloud-based product provides an all-in-one solution for your business needs. It allows seamless integration with modern technologies to deliver agility with changing market scenarios. Assess which type of WMS fits your needs and infrastructure the best. This strategy ensures that you choose the best type of WMS for your business, setting you up for warehousing success.
To choose the right system for your organization, follow these easy steps:
- Gather Your Requirements: We recommend identifying the features of WMS that your organization will use most heavily. This strategy ensures that you only consider solutions that can meet your unique needs. Our free interactive requirements template will help guide you through this process.
- Compare Solutions: Once you know which features are key for your organization, you can compare WMS solutions based on how well they meet your requirements.
- Evaluate Vendor Capabilities: The market has changed since you last purchased. Now that you’ve compared solutions, you must ensure they meet your business needs today and five years from now. Start by assessing the vendor’s commitment and checking for reliable and robust technology. Looking at reviews is another great way to gauge potential systems.
- Shortlist and Request Information: Choose the top five or seven solutions that best suit your requirements and contact vendors. You can get a personalized price quote and request demos and trials of each system to gauge how user-friendly it is. To get a general feel for industry pricing, check out this WMS pricing guide.
Next Steps
Hopefully, these warehouse management system examples give you an idea of what to look for in a system. Take your time before jumping into a search and hammer out your critical requirements.
Our free comparison report can help you lay out a list of vendors that cover the features you need through data-backed analysis of how they stack up among market leaders.
What type of warehouse management system has worked best for your operation and why? Let us know with a comment below!
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