Warehouse management systems (WMS) are a vital tool for any company that deals with inventory management. Implementing a WMS can help a business streamline operations, increase efficiency with better picking and sorting strategies, and reduce costs.
The success of a WMS implementation depends on several factors, including planning, execution, and monitoring.
Why does WMS implementation require a special focus?
After researching and choosing a WMS vendor that is the right fit for your business, you might assume the job is done.
With applications like warehouse management systems, you must remember that it isn’t just another piece of software – it is an indispensable operational tool that becomes a part of the business infrastructure. Therefore, smooth implementation is essential. It is important to acknowledge the changes in operations and warehouse working culture that it brings about. Employees must be trained in adapting to the new technology.
If you are still on the fence about what a WMS can do for you, read about why you need warehouse management systems.
To ensure maximum return on investment, you must be aware of the common mistakes made by companies when implementing a warehouse management system:
1. Inadequate Planning
The first and most common mistake businesses make when implementing a WMS is inadequate planning. Companies often rush the implementation process without fully understanding their requirements or the needs of the employees on the floor, which leads to poorly planned implementation.
A well-planned implementation requires a thorough analysis of the company’s existing processes, a clear understanding of the WMS capabilities, and a comprehensive project plan.
2. Lack of Employee Training
A lack of employee training on the use of the system can be detrimental. A WMS requires employees to use new technology, follow new processes, and work in a new environment. Without proper training, employees may not understand how to use the WMS, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies.
In addition, employees may resist the change, which can cause further delays and difficulties in the implementation process. It is essential to provide adequate training to employees before, during, and after the WMS implementation to ensure a smooth transition.
3. Incomplete Data Migration
Data migration is a critical component of the WMS implementation process. However, some businesses make half-baked attempts at data migration that leaves a lot to be desired in terms of organization and clarity. To avoid this, it is essential to develop a data migration scheme that includes data mapping, data cleansing, and data verification. This scheme should also include a contingency plan in case of any issues during the migration process.
4. Poor Communication
Poor communication can really disturb the onboarding process. Implementing a WMS requires coordination between different departments, vendors, and employees. It is essential to establish clear communication channels, assign responsibilities, and set up regular check-ins throughout the implementation process.
5. Insufficient testing
Testing is critical when implementing a WMS. Organizations must conduct thorough testing in each phase to identify any issues and ensure that the application is being customized to their requirements. They should also perform testing in an environment that simulates the actual day-to-day operations to reduce the risk of errors in a live environment. Testing should be ongoing throughout the implementation process and after go-live.
Skipping a few stages of testing to save costs will only cause greater harm in the long run.
6. Underestimating the complexity
Implementing a WMS is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. Many organizations underestimate the complexity of implementing a WMS and the resources required. Organizations must be prepared to allocate sufficient time and resources to the project, including project management, IT resources, and personnel.
7. Over-reliance on automation
Automation may be a key benefit of a WMS, but organizations must be careful not to over-rely on it. Automation cannot replace human judgment and decision-making entirely. There must be a balance between automation and human intervention, especially with decision making. The system is only an aid.
8. Lack of integration
Many organizations make the mistake of implementing a WMS as a standalone system, without integrating it with other critical business applications. A lack of integration can result in data silos, duplication of effort, and reduced efficiency. Organizations must ensure that their WMS integrates seamlessly with other systems, such as their enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, transportation management system (TMS), and customer relationship management (CRM) system.
9. Refusing to let go of legacy processes
It is crucial that the employees on the warehouse floor are able to adapt and accept change. Often the implementation of a WMS creates a lot of foundational changes that may be a complete departure from the way things used to be done. Employees cannot be holding on to the way things were done.
The solution to this is to ensure that employee training is done in a comprehensive manner, and the employees understand the fact that the WMS is a very effective tool in help with smoother operations. If this means change, employees must learn to adapt.
10. Too much focus on edge case scenarios
When managers or supervisors spend too much time on ‘exception workflows’ in the implementation phase, they begin losing focus on the key processes. One way to ensure the best results from WMS implementation is to ensure that things like receiving or dispatch flows are prioritized over anything else.
How does one avoid these pitfalls?
When a competent team can guide users through the onboarding process and help train employees, a lot of these issues can be avoided.
A coordinated effort from the WMS service provider and an in-house team can work wonders in fulfilling the entire potential of the software.
With PALMS™ you will be getting a top-of-the-shelf product that not only improves current operational processes and warehouse throughput, but also helps avoid common pitfalls with the rapid, yet simple and accessible onboarding process. Our team ensures that all the bases are covered in terms of implementation procedures.
This article has been written by Gurudatta. If you wish to speak to the author on this topic, you can contact him at [email protected]
References
https://www.ijais.org/archives/volume12/number35/andiyappillai-2020-ijais-451896.pdf
