Many businesses feel that the integration of a Warehouse Management System (WMS) is the most important part of the overall process. With this is mind we have compiled Indigo Sotware’s essential “do’s and don’ts” for successful integration in the shortest possible timescale. They are as follows:

Do

• Do consider the operators in the process – the overall process will only succeed where there is an ideal mix of ‘operator’ and ‘technology’.  You can have the best process in the world but you need the operators to buy into the concept itself.
• Do push integration as far as is viable.  Ensure the whole company embraces it. “Sell” the project to your teams on a weekly basis and keep them up to date with where you are and what you are doing.
• Do implement your WMS in small, easy sustainable steps wherever possible to minimise any potential risks. When implementing a WMS, the ability to receive stock accurately and then put it away correctly will sort out 50% of the day to day inventory issues.
• Do be clear about expectations from both the client and WMS software vendor.  Day one expectations need to be set for both parties at realistic levels.
• Do be aware that large complex projects seldom go completely smoothly. It is how you deal with the hiccups and the changes in priority along the way that transforms a good project into a great project.

Don’t

• Don’t underestimate the importance of a deeply embedded solution. Integration is a very important factor in many business process decisions and most companies feel more comfortable with a properly integrated solution.
• Don’t overcomplicate a simple process! Yes, most WMS implementations are ‘big projects’ but for many businesses the size and shape of the project will dictate how long the project will take. This must be accurately understood and made as realistic as possible as your people have a “day job” to do as well.
• Don’t forget to continually measure against project objectives and deliverables. It is essential you have deliverables defined whether they be return on investment (ROI) or process improvement or both. Most Finance Directors want a good strong solid ROI to back up their investment.
• Don’t think that a system such as a WMS is purely an IT solution. Indigo Software’s consultants have real world experience having managed warehouses themselves, therefore for smooth, practical integration you need a specialist who has first-hand knowledge of how your business processes work.