Top 4 mistakes when onboarding a WMS

Installing a WMS in a warehouse has multiple advantages if the project is planned and executed correctly. The key to success lies not only in making the right software selection, but also in managing the project rollout in collaboration with your WMS provider and engaging your staff in the process.

However, deploying warehouse management software is not a straightforward process and lack of experience with similar processes in your company can complicate things in many cases. So, in today's article we cover the most frequent errors involved in onboarding a WMS in a warehouse:

1. Not doing your homework

Here's why: a common misconception about installing a WMS is underestimating the in-house work that goes into it. No doubt, the support of your supplier is fundamental. But as a warehouse or logistics manager, you must do your homework. And, nobody knows the intricacies of your warehouse like you do. So, the biggest mistake is to provide wrong or inaccurate information to your logistics partner.

Tip: cooperating with your WMS provider is key

Appoint the right team: the project manager must possess relevant knowledge about warehouse processes, but also in tech matters and be well-organised to oversee the supplier's progress.
Cooperate with your supplier in a transparent form: the data integrity of the information entered in the database is the warehouse manager's responsibility. Therefore, pay attention to gathering and updating all data related to: products, unit loads and locations.

2. Having unrealistic expectations of your software

To get the best WMS, identify the one that really suits the way your warehouse works and find a solution that matches your company's financial resources. In many cases, a warehouse management system is chosen simply because of its price. But, as the saying goes, cheap can be expensive.

Expectations often fail due to errors like drawing up an overly optimistic deployment schedule or choosing a bad moment in your logistics activity to implement such a project.

Tip: specify your needs and set milestones and goals

Choose according to functionalities and calculate the return on investment: detail essential operational requirements and evaluate the financial impact according to the WMS's ROI. Remember, you get what you pay for.
Set the goals you want to achieve: it is important to know what your current warehouse operations are, but even more so, look at what you should be achieving. Identify good practices in the sector and strive for excellence. And everything is backed by data: in this context, measuring KPIs in the warehouse becomes indispensable.

Just evaluating a WMS based on its price is a typical mistake

3. Thinking everything will run smoothly overnight

It is normal to be excited about all the qualitative upgrades that come with implementing a WMS. But be cautious and don't transmit biased ideas to your team: starting to work with a warehouse management system involves far-reaching operational changes.

Tip: let your whole team know their collaboration is essential

Reserve enough time for training: this point should be high on the WMS onboarding plan, especially when devices such as radiofrequency devices are also installed (if a warehouse still works with paper records) or voice picking systems, among others.
Get your operators ready for a change: the new way things are done after a WMS deployment can be a source of stress for your staff. Although a WMS such as our Easy WMS has been designed in a very user-friendly way, remember that the ease at which new methods can be introduced also depends on the training and experience of the workers.

4. Being impatient

Warehouse management software deployment projects last for months. And, this is par for the course! You have to adjust the functionalities, integrate the WMS with the other systems used in the company and test it all on-site. You will run into obstacles along the way and there is a lot at stake.

Tip: give it time and keep working at it

Assume that an adaptation period is needed: the objective is that everything works 100% from day one and so the provider keeps giving support and ensuring that everything is deployed effectively.
Design a contingency plan: a plan B will make it possible to act quickly and efficiently if there is a system failure.

If you're looking for a WMS provider with solid experience to back it up, stick around and request a demo of our Easy WMS. A Mecalux specialist will design a plan adapted to your warehouse and will guide you throughout the onboarding (roll out) process.