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Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a WMS for Your 3PL Business
Q What are the key advantages of a bene cial warehouse management system? A Its DNA should be adaptable, flexible, and scalable to be able to start at a low entry point while guaranteeing exponential expansion. A warehouse management system gives clients the “keys to the car”—giving them the power to extend functionality on the fly without custom coding and time-consuming plans. Essential modules such as proprietary Warehouse Control System/WCS, natively integrated with WMS, and advanced module for interfacing, allow a seamless integration into any automation with minimum configuration by the client and not necessarily the WMS vendor’s development team. A top warehouse management system rapidly onboards new clients who will witness rapid and significant improvements. It is essential you oer exceptional customer experience right from the start without any additional labor costs. Q What criteria are signi cant when choosing a WMS partner? A Speed of implementation: Ideally, you should look for WMS 3PL solutions that get your new client implemented in 12-24 weeks. The faster your system is online, the sooner you get back to focusing on all of your clients. Warehouse control tower: To revolutionize operations with real-time analytics. Billing and cost management: To undertake the full control, calculation, issuing, and
maintenance of all invoice data concerning warehousing activities.
Client-facing portals: To retrieve information on stock and order status in real-time, to submit orders and ASNs, and in general access and interact with the company through a multi- channel communication infrastructure. Expert customer support: Seek out WMS vendors that oer ongoing maintenance, local technical support, and training. Slotting capabilities: Use optimal methods to maximize space utilization and labor productivity and benchmark your DC operations with the best-of-breed of your industry. Increased productivity through automation: Automate logistics to reduce costs and improve tedious manual tasks. Client and location multi-tenancy: To support multi-tenancy for clients and locations for increased productivity and use of your locations especially in ecommerce. Parcel & LTL management: Maximize delivery eciency and reduce costs by simplifying shipments. Ecommerce platforms: Empower your multi- channel clients with pre-integrated marketplaces. Cross-docking: Reduce costs and increase speed and the space needed in your facilities. Returns: Select a WMS with ultimate reverse logistics performance. Total cost of ownership: A system with limited functionality and poor performance has major costs associated, even if the upfront cost is low.
Doug Bailey Director Logistics & Distribution Mantis Americas info@mantis.email www.mantis.group
Mantis, an international WMS vendor, has extensive experience in the 3PL industry with successful implementations in complex warehouse and distribution operations.
58 Inbound Logistics • January 2024
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