Anyone who has explored the option of installing a Warehouse Management System (WMS) in their operation has probably had a similar experience. You called in representatives from the vendors to present your requirements. At this stage, you have spent years optimizing your operation and have reached the point where further improvements require the substantial investment that a WMS entails.

The meeting begins and it soon becomes apparent that understanding the requirements of your operation are not on the vendor representatives’ agenda. They want to tell you what their WMS does. As they do this, you notice that a specific issue is not addressed. When you enquire how their WMS handles this issue, you are told that that issue will be addressed later in the presentation. If you persist, eventually their bottom line will emerge: stop running the operation the way you are and do it their way.

This demand is made by people who often have never worked in a warehouse and almost certainly have never run one. In spite of that, WMS vendors claim that they can “generate optimal distribution center designs.” Unfortunately, their definition of “optimal” is not the same as yours. They mean optimal for their software, not optimal for your efficiency, productivity, accuracy, and the other goals you have spent years developing.

What did you do when this happened? If it happens in the future, what should you do?

If your company is considering the implementation of a WMS system, I would suggest you contact Supply Chain Experts, they can help you with present and future needs analysis, writing request for proposal, software design and/or selection, and an implementation program that will optimize operational performance and satisfy the requirements of your customers.

Dr. Edward F. Knab

Productivity Constructs, Inc.

800 660 8718 office

949 413 7333 mobile

ed@edwardknab.com

www.productivityconstructs.com

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Dr. Knab is an academic practitioner and seasoned Global Supply Chain expert whose company, Productivity Constructs, is focused on driving cost and inefficiency out of the Global Supply Chain. Dr. Knab can be contacted for speaking engagements, coaching, or consultation at efk@productivityconstructs.com, ed@ewardknab.com or www.edwardknab.com.