Moving Towards Intelligent Warehouse Management

If you were to take a dissection of any third-party logistics (3PL) service you would find at its brain center the warehouse management system (WMS).  The most reliable 3PL providers wisely invest their time researching and uncovering the right warehouse management system – It is not something to just wildly throw money at. 

Third-party logistics is centered upon creating inventory, storage, shipping and receiving solutions for businesses that do not have the infrastructures or time to handle those detailed tasks themselves.  A smart 3PL provider will choose an even smarter warehouse management system – A system that is capable of addressing the customer’s core needs before their own. 

The most cutting-edge WMS is worthless if it does not match with a customer’s logistics preferences.  Warehousing and distribution should focus on the customer’s needs first, by fulfilling these needs with the right systems, better support of internal 3PL management should come naturally.

Third-party Logistics Serves the Customer First

A smarter warehouse management system is key to overcoming the challenges related to providing customers with timely feedback, comprehensive inbound/outbound data and meeting a higher standard for warehouse & distribution services.  This includes functionality that decrease errors and adds a level of sustainability capable of reducing overheads.  As a whole, intelligent warehouse management saves money for 3PL and their clients with better tracking tools, more efficient procedures and better documentation.

By a smarter WMS we envision a system that not only focuses on maintaining excellent internal records and documentation, but also provides a vehicle to communicate with customers in a concise manner.  Customer centered warehouse management systems are designed to make it easier for the 3PL provider, thus putting less stress on the client.  A top priority for 3PL is finding a vendor that has a proven track record of success within the logistics industry and offers adaptive resources.

Of course the ideal WMS is going to vary depending on the type of service provided, for instance, a single-client facility versus a multi-client facility managing varied inventories.  The objective is to find a WMS that effectively serves the customer and at the same time offers reliability to the provider.  Consider features like automation, efficient and easy to work with, but without high levels of customization you sacrifice a lot of needed flexibility.  It is also important not to forget the human element of a WMS.  A new high-tech warehouse management system might have every element you are seeking, but how long will it take employees to learn a new system.  Time learning new software and data entry procedures can be time lost on tight schedules. 

As 3PL professionals we need to match our warehouse management system’s abilities with the needs of our customers.  True, it is unlikely that there is one single tool that will address every issue.  As an invested partner 3PL providers need to seek out a WMS that has the ability to adapt to a client’s differing receiving, shipping, inventory and documentation needs. 

Before choosing a 3PL partner examine the brain behind their operations.  It should demonstrate experience and sustainability, but most importantly, it must be flexible and adaptive – Your business changes, make sure your outsourced services can change with you.