How to avoid integration problems in your WMS implementation

April 1, 2019 iWMS Australasia

What is WMS?

A warehouse management system (WMS) is a software solution designed to automate and enhance operational processes. It can significantly increase inventory accuracy, shrink turnaround windows and optimise storage space.

WMS & ERP Integration

To make the most of your WMS, the software needs not only to be scalable to your business size but also fully integrate with your existing ERP programs. Ultimately, you wouldn’t want to invest in a system that doesn’t completely support your operations.

Integration happens when the WMS interacts and synchronizes data seamlessly with the ERP, allowing all areas of your business to have full supply chain and inventory visibility. Data synchronization errors or failure can lead to inventory inaccuracy which would be highly detrimental and defeat the purpose of having a WMS to begin with.

Although ERP integration is one of key factors when choosing a WMS, it’s also a very common challenge with many implementations. Some WMS solutions are not well equipped to handle other platforms’ data and code. Therefore, when shopping around for a WMS, you should look for a company with proven expertise and a record of successful deployments.

Avoiding Integration Problems

To avoid integration problems, you need to do thorough due diligence when searching for the right provider. Many off-the-shelf solutions offer similar basic functionality, so which one should you choose? The answer is to look for flexibility!

It would be almost impossible (and most certainly counterproductive!) to change all your existing programs to accommodate a new WMS. Therefore, you need to ensure your WMS provider can offer full integration, off-the-shelf or with customization, with your current systems, so as not to disrupt your operations. Future proof your system: make sure modifications are external to the core software. That way any system upgrades won’t be compromised.

At iWMS Australasia, we combine HighJump technology (which supports many web service, socket-based, and integration protocols) with our team’s proficiency in all the major file formats to create tailored solutions. The core software architecture can be easily adapted in a fraction of the time of conventional systems, and at a fraction of the cost!