1. Where do we begin? What are the steps we need to take to select a WMS?
Interlink recommends that one of the first steps is to identify the "pain points." Are inventory counts inaccurate? Is it difficult to locate product? Are order changes a nightmare? Are there a lot of redundancies? Is warehouse communication a problem – no one knows when product comes in or goes out? If there is a recall, how hard is it to track down the product?
After the pain points are identified, start evaluating WMS solutions. Budget is always a key factor. Is the vendor providing all of the costs up-front? Does the cost include the entire package or just bits and pieces? Am I going to be "nickel and dimed" with added costs? Does the vendor provide minimal customer service or do they go above and beyond with customer service? Does the WMS have all of the required functionality and scalability? What kind of experience does the WMS vendor have? Have they been “acquired” by or acquire other WMS companies?
Selecting the WMS vendor that you feel confident will meet your business requirements is important and equally important is the relationship that the two companies form. Can we work together and are we on the same page to achieve your goals? Do you see the WMS vendor as a partner? Interlink feels that establishing a partnership ensures a successful project.
