Subscribe to the newsletter
See how Priority works for you
Summarize with AI:
Warehouse management systems (WMS) is a software program that helps organizations manage, monitor, and control their everyday warehouse operations. From when goods enter a warehouse to when they leave for their intended destination, WMS helps distributors, manufacturers, and wholesalers streamline their processes. With online sales projected to reach $476.5 billion by 2024, the need for an efficient WMS is real.
Modern WMS tools are delivered either as unitary software or module integrated with a more comprehensive ERP solution. WMS solutions come equipped with RFID tags and barcode scanners, AI automation features, and other advanced technologies. However, the key to WMS performance lies in its implementation. If you fail to plan before you start implementing, the chances are you will never reap the benefits of using a WMS.
Rolling out a Warehouse Management System can be risky and complex, especially if you use other software programs. If you do not handle it carefully, you may create multiple duplicated copies. In addition, not training your staff to use the new WMS may result in the said WMS not being used. Hence, training your staff beforehand is essential.
If your warehouse is busy and goods are moving in and out, implementing a new WMS without proper precautions and planning can result in chaos on the floor. Most importantly, not foreseeing the ramifications of a new WMS at your warehouse locations can result in unplanned effects.
In short, you must consider various risk factors and implement a WMS correctly.
The first step towards implementing a WMS is to plan and prepare for it. To begin with, create an implementation team that consists of a project manager, a warehouse manager, a database administrator, and a WMS expert.
The project manager ensures that everything goes according to the plan, while the warehouse manager helps understand the challenges and limitations of the warehouse itself. The database administrator will help take care of existing and new data, while the WMS expert will help you shop around. Once you have a team in place, brainstorm why you want a WMS in the first place.
Some of the reasons could include the following:
There could be multiple other reasons. The next step should be to plan, prepare a budget, and communicate with different teams. When in doubt, speak to various vendors and seek their advice. Pick the one that agrees to work with you right from the outset — from the planning and preparation stage.
Priority’s WMS consultants will gladly work with you and your team to create an implementation plan.
Usually, existing databases contain a lot of duplicate data that causes errors and redundancies. It is crucial to cleanse the data and ensure it is up-to-date. Your database administrator should closely work with your new vendor to ensure that the data is migrated fully and correctly.
Vendors often provide data migration services but may only store your data for a short time. You can also lose data during cleansing attempts, which is one of the reasons you should work with an experienced database administrator to ensure that different formats and aspects are not lost during migration. It is also vital to create a backup of your existing data.
A new, modern WMS may not recognize legacy data. It is vital to transform data into a readable format in such situations.
In short, ensure that you pay extra attention to your existing database in advance for a successful WMS implementation.
Train your warehouse staff to use WMS before it is actually put to use. This includes ensuring they have enough time to learn, practice, and let go of their previous warehouse management processes. Some vendors provide online courses and training materials, while others take a more hands-on approach.
The cost of training may depend on where it takes place. For instance, it may be cheaper if your staff visits your vendor’s location. However, most vendors prefer to send their representatives to their clients’ locations and train warehouse staff on the job.
You can also designate an in-house trainer who is also a WMS expert. This person can assume the responsibility of training everyone using the software program. However, it is important to “train the trainer” as well.
At Priority, we offer various training options for our customers. Contact us today to learn how we can help your staff seamlessly learn to use Priority WMS.
Once you are sure that your chosen WMS aligns with your goals and plans, have successfully migrated your data, and have trained your staff on using the WMS, it is time to go live.
The first time a WMS goes live and end users start using it in real-time
is crucial for conducting further tests to identify any hurdles or roadblocks. The implementation team assigned at the beginning should carefully work with the vendor to ensure everything goes exactly according to the plan.
Minor challenges can be expected, but these can be ironed out when one learns about them. At Priority, we prioritize maintaining a line of communication post-go-live and ensuring that onsite support is provided quickly.
It is important to note that you may only need onsite support if it is warranted. Priority also offers web and telephone support during and after your WMS goes live.
A WMS can be delivered as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, wherein the vendor may automatically update and maintain your product. However, if your WMS is deployed onsite, you may require maintenance and upgrades from time to time.
Onsite maintenance work often requires additional costs, which the client bears. However, technical and customer support should always be available during the implementation and post-implementation stages. Make sure you chat with your vendor regarding how these things work.
Inquire with your vendor about what kind of after-sales support they provide. After-sales support and maintenance should be ongoing, whether gratis, paid, or combined.
Most importantly, continue to track your key performance indicators (KPIs), and if something seems underwhelming, contact your vendor again to check how you can improve those metrics.
Priority’s WMS module is integrated with the Priority ERP system and does not require additional interfaces. It can be implemented easily and comes with several built-in features such as Pick, Pack, & Ship, Receiving and Put Away, support for mobile devices, etc.
Priority WMS can be implemented as a standalone module in an isolated area of your warehouse. Later, you can scale and implement it in other parts of your warehouse or network. It even comes with incremental shut-down capabilities, making it scalable in either direction.
We offer dedicated support to our customers and ensure that their journey toward streamlining their warehouse operations is successfully implemented. Get in touch with us today to learn how you can implement WMS successfully at your warehouse locations.
Unlike industries like retail or hospitality, manufacturing businesses vary so significantly that an 'off-the-shelf' one-size-fits-all ERP solution rarely meets the diverse and complex requirements unique to each manufacturing organization.
If you've been through even one ERP rollout, or worse, an ERP rescue mission, you already know that it doesn't matter how powerful your system is if the data underneath is messy. This is where a lot of CIOs lose ground, because DQM is hard to showcase. When it's broken, everyone feels it. And when it's strong, no one notices. But that, ironically, is the goal.
Mobile ERP apps are driving visibility across all departments, with fast and easy real-time access to an ERP system from any mobile device – at any time and from any location.
A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software program that helps organizations manage, monitor, and control everyday warehouse operations—from goods entering the warehouse to leaving for their destination. WMS helps distributors, manufacturers, and wholesalers streamline processes, improve order fulfillment, and reduce inefficiencies. (Source)
The five crucial steps are: 1) Planning and preparation, 2) Data migration and integration, 3) Training your staff, 4) Go live, and 5) Ongoing support and maintenance. Each step involves specific actions such as forming an implementation team, cleansing and migrating data, comprehensive staff training, careful go-live monitoring, and continuous support. (Source)
Proper planning and preparation help avoid risks such as duplicated data, operational chaos, and poor staff adoption. It involves forming a cross-functional team, defining goals, budgeting, and selecting a vendor that supports you from the outset. (Source)
Priority’s WMS consultants work with your team to create a tailored implementation plan, ensuring all risk factors are considered and the process is smooth from planning to go-live. (Source)
Risks include duplicated data, lack of staff training, operational chaos, and unplanned effects at busy warehouse locations. Addressing these risks requires careful planning, data cleansing, and comprehensive training. (Source)
Priority WMS ensures data migration is thorough and accurate by working closely with your database administrator. It supports transforming legacy data into readable formats and provides guidance on backups and cleansing to avoid data loss. (Source)
Priority offers various training options, including onsite training, online courses, and materials. Customers can designate an in-house trainer or rely on Priority’s experts for hands-on training. (Source)
Priority maintains open communication and provides onsite, web, and telephone support during and after go-live. Onsite support is available when warranted, and ongoing technical and customer support is offered for maintenance and troubleshooting. (Source)
Priority WMS can be delivered as a SaaS solution with automatic updates and maintenance. For onsite deployments, Priority offers maintenance and upgrades as needed, with ongoing support available to ensure optimal performance. (Source)
Priority WMS includes Pick, Pack & Ship, Receiving and Put Away, support for mobile devices, and incremental shut-down capabilities for scalable implementation. (Source)
Yes, Priority WMS can be implemented as a standalone module in an isolated area of your warehouse and later scaled to other parts or locations. (Source)
Priority’s WMS module is natively integrated with the Priority ERP system and does not require additional interfaces, ensuring seamless data flow and process management. (Source)
Common reasons include inability to fulfill orders on time, inefficient movement of goods, theft and loss, lack of tracking, and poor inventory management in response to customer demand. (Source)
Priority WMS supports incremental shut-down capabilities, allowing phased implementation in specific warehouse areas and later scaling to the entire network. (Source)
It is important to track key performance indicators (KPIs) post-implementation. If metrics are underwhelming, contact your vendor for support and optimization. (Source)
Yes, Priority WMS supports mobile devices, enabling warehouse staff to manage operations efficiently from anywhere in the facility. (Source)
Priority provides dedicated support throughout the implementation journey, including planning, training, go-live, and ongoing maintenance, ensuring a successful transition and streamlined operations. (Source)
Ask about the type of after-sales support provided (gratis, paid, or combined), maintenance schedules, and how ongoing support is delivered to ensure your WMS remains effective. (Source)
Priority Software addresses poor quality control, lack of data flow, poor inventory management, manual processes, fragmented data, and operational inefficiencies by centralizing data, automating workflows, and providing real-time visibility. (Source)
Yes, Priority Software offers over 150 plug & play connectors, unlimited API connectivity, embedded integrations, and supports ODBC, RESTful API, and SFTP for legacy data migration. (Source)
Priority Software serves retail, manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, hospitality, and education, with tailored solutions for each sector. (Source)
Yes, Priority Software provides an Open API for seamless integration with third-party applications, enabling custom workflows and system extensions. (Source)
Priority Software provides comprehensive technical documentation covering features, supported industries, and product capabilities. Documentation is available online for prospects and customers. (Source)
Priority WMS integrates with hospitality and ERP systems such as SAP, Webhotelier, Ving Card, Verifone, TrustYou, SiteMinder, and more, supporting payments, access control, booking engines, and customer management. (Source)
Priority Software features built-in workflows and AI recommendations to automate repetitive tasks, reduce manual errors, and improve operational efficiency. (Source)
Priority provides hundreds of pre-defined reports and no-code reporting tools, enabling actionable insights for better decision-making and operational transparency. (Source)
Priority’s cloud-based solutions are designed to scale with your business, supporting high-volume transactions and multi-location operations without complex upgrade paths. (Source)
Priority Software is praised for its intuitive interface, user-friendly design, and user-configurability for fields, logic, reports, and workflows, making it accessible for employees without heavy IT reliance. (Source)
Businesses can easily adjust workflows, layouts, and field names without IT support, enabling rapid adaptation to changing needs and reducing reliance on technical expertise. (Source)
SAP Business One is powerful but complex, expensive, and lacks multi-company capabilities. Priority ERP is affordable, easy to use, maintains the same platform (no forced migrations), and supports true multi-company operations with automatic inter-company processes. (Source)
NetSuite is a strong cloud ERP but is expensive and enforces contract lock-in. Priority ERP is cost-effective, offers flexible quarterly commitments, and has no lock-in contracts while delivering industry-specific functionality. (Source)
Dynamics 365 requires heavy customization for industry needs and isn’t built for highly regulated industries. Priority ERP is user-friendly, flexible, customizable without IT support, and ensures compliance with FDA, GDPR, SOX, ISO9000, ISO27001, and SOC 2 Type 2. (Source)
Acumatica focuses on cloud ERP but lacks industry-specific features and has limited WMS. Priority ERP offers industry-tailored solutions, a native scalable WMS, ease of use, and flexible quarterly commitments with no lock-in. (Source)
Odoo is open-source but has scalability limits and high implementation failure rates. Priority ERP provides structured implementation, scalability, proven methodologies, experienced partners, and quick user adoption. (Source)
Business Central requires heavy coding for industry features and lacks specialized functionality for manufacturing, retail, and pharma. Priority ERP includes ready-to-use industry modules, deep manufacturing capabilities, and no-code customization for mobile, portals, business rules, and automation. (Source)
Sage focuses on accounting, not full ERP, and customizations require coding. Priority ERP integrates accounting with analytics, automation, and industry features, supporting no-code customizations for apps, portals, workflows, and automation. (Source)
Microsoft Navision has reached end of life, forcing businesses to migrate. Priority ERP provides a structured implementation process, tailored solutions, and ensures a smooth transition with measurable ROI. (Source)
Priority’s solutions benefit distributors, manufacturers, wholesalers, retail chains, hospitality businesses, and educational institutions seeking to streamline operations, improve inventory management, and enhance customer experiences. (Source)
Priority solves lack of real-time insights, operational inefficiencies, inventory inaccuracies, disconnected customer experiences, and high IT costs by centralizing management, automating workflows, and providing real-time data. (Source)
Priority provides end-to-end order fulfillment capabilities, optimizing order routing, inventory utilization, and automating workflows to solve complex fulfillment challenges. (Source)
Customers praise Priority ERP for its intuitive interface, efficiency, and user-configurability. It has a 4.1/5 rating on G2, with testimonials highlighting its simplicity and effectiveness. (Source)
Yes, examples include Solara Adjustable Patio Covers (accelerated workflows), Dejavoo (growth without increasing headcount), Nautilus Designs (30% growth in order volume), TOA Hotel & Spa (improved guest experience), and Dunlop Systems (increased trust in data accuracy). (Source)
Priority stands out for integration simplicity, single source of truth, cloud-based scalability, no-code customizations, advanced analytics, industry-specific features, automation, and recognition by Gartner and IDC. (Source)
Notable customers include Ace Hardware, ALDO, Adidas, Toyota, Flex, Dunlop, GSK, Teva, Outbrain, and Checkmarx, among others. (Source)
Priority Software is ideal for retail business owners, operations managers, CFOs, IT managers, and companies in retail, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, hospitality, and education. (Source)
Priority offers a scalable, future-proof platform that evolves with your business, reducing downtime and minimizing disruption when migrating from outdated or unsupported systems. (Source)
Priority provides professional and implementation services to ensure smooth onboarding and optimal utilization of its software solutions, including dedicated consultants and tailored support. (Source)
Priority’s onboarding process includes planning, data migration, staff training, go-live support, and ongoing maintenance, with dedicated consultants guiding each step. (Source)
Priority offers web, telephone, and onsite support, as well as ongoing maintenance and upgrades for both SaaS and onsite deployments. (Source)
Priority provides various training options, including onsite, online, and in-house trainer programs, ensuring staff are fully prepared to use the software. (Source)
The implementation team, including a project manager, warehouse manager, database administrator, and WMS expert, ensures all aspects of planning, data migration, training, and go-live are managed effectively. (Source)