You've made the decision. It's time to invest in a new WMS system to streamline and optimize warehouse operations. The next step is to develop a specification document to guide you in discussions with system providers. We asked Magnus Olsson, Head of Logistics at Care of Carl, for his top five tips for someone in the same position as you right now: moving forward towards the purchase of a new WMS system.
Magnus' five top tips for selecting a WMS
Having previously worked as a consultant in e-commerce, Magnus brings extensive experience in various warehouse and logistics solutions, including manual processes and those supported by ERP or WMS systems. Here are his top five tips for selecting and implementing a new WMS system.
For more insights, visit the customer case page for Care of Carl and watch the video interview with Magnus and Adam here >
1. Documentation(!)
When taking the step to invest in a new WMS system, it is crucial to first gain a deep understanding of your operations. By meticulously mapping out internal processes, you can identify areas that need improvement and highlight what is already working well. By documenting the necessary system support, desired future enhancements, and less critical aspects, you create a clear roadmap for what you need from your new WMS system. This step is fundamental in ensuring that you choose the right provider and that the implementation is as successful as possible.
2. Use the documentation (from point one)
When choosing a provider and moving forward with the implementation phase, use the carefully compiled documentation as a guide. It is critical that what you agreed on is what the provider is required to deliver. Having clear documentation as a foundation ensures that your needs and expectations are clearly communicated and met throughout the process.
3. Appoint the appropriate (internal) project organization
Careful consideration of the internal organization required is critical to the smooth flow of the implementation project. It is critical to allocate enough time and resources internally for a smooth implementation. Having the right team in place, with clear roles and responsibilities, is critical to efficiently managing all aspects of the implementation and avoiding potential roadblocks.
4. Establish a timeline
Make sure you have a carefully developed project plan that includes a detailed timeline. To keep the project on track, it is critical to have regular internal and external check-ins with the project organizations. Maintaining continuous communication and updates allows you to identify potential obstacles or delays in the implementation process early on and take action to keep the project on track. All parties involved must understand their respective roles and responsibilities.
5. Adhere to standardized features and functionalities
By avoiding excessive system tailoring, you can allow customization requests to naturally evolve as users gain practical experience with the system. Identifying which adaptations truly add value to your business allows you to avoid unnecessary and time-consuming changes that could potentially delay the entire project. If new ideas or changes arise during implementation, keep them in a backlog and revisit them once the basic implementation is complete. This approach allows you to focus on getting the system up and running before diving into additional customizations, resulting in a smoother and more efficient implementation process.
Story by
Fia Jonsson