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Future-Proof Your Warehouse With the Right WMS
Q How has the WMS market changed in the past 25 years? A The WMS market has undergone remarkable evolution. Consolidation has narrowed the field to a few key players from more than 200 providers. Those who thrived did so by adapting to changing industry demands and innovating. Early WMS systems were hard-coded and rigid, but today’s solutions are cloud-based, configurable, and highly flexible. Providers now o er extended features on a single platform— supporting functions beyond the warehouse. Modern WMS solutions are no longer just about warehouse operations—they enable real-time data sharing and support broader business processes, delivering integrated, end-to- end supply chain management on a scalable platform. Modern technologies like IoT, RFID, AI, and robotics are seamlessly integrated into these systems, enhancing automation, inventory tracking, and decision-making. Q What should companies take into account when selecting a WMS? A Start by choosing a vendor with experience in your industry to ensure alignment with your specific needs. The system should handle core and advanced WMS functions like cartonization, task interleaving, and labor management, while also o ering extended features to support automation, robotics, and AI. Look for a solution that is dynamic and adaptable, scalable for growth, and resilient to future challenges. It should be a functional match for today’s needs while supporting innovation and evolution.
Confirm whether the WMS is cloud, on-premise, or hybrid, and ensure it integrates seamlessly with your ERP, TMS, e-commerce and other systems. Evaluate implementation timelines, customization needs, and post-purchase service o erings. Validate that it can support seamless integration to automation and robotics. Selecting a scalable, innovative, and resilient solution is critical for future-proofing your operations. Q Where do you see the market heading? A The WMS market is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in AI, cloud computing, and automation. AI is playing a central role in enhancing decision-making, enabling more intelligent, data-driven insights that optimize warehouse operations. This integration allows for greater value realization by automating processes, improving productivity, and reducing costs. Cloud-based WMS solutions are becoming standard, o ering scalability and flexibility to support omnichannel fulfillment and enhanced last-mile delivery. Automation and robotics are increasingly integrated into warehouses, improving eciency and addressing labor challenges. These technologies, combined with AI, help companies manage risk, increase resilience, and streamline operations. These innovations support what is most important: preparedness for business shifts and growth opportunities. Organizations must embrace resilience and adaptability to navigate changes, stay competitive, and seize the possibilities of tomorrow’s supply chain landscape.
Amit Levy EVP of Sales and Strategy Made4net www.made4net.com 201-645-4345 Amit Levy , a seasoned industry expert with over 25 years of experience in developing and implementing supply chain execution software across global markets, shares his insights on the rapidly evolving WMS (warehouse management system) landscape.
64 Inbound Logistics • January 2025
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