One of the highest priorities for a business is to keep its supply chain running like a well-oiled machine. Disruptions in your supply chain can cause chaos when you can’t fulfill orders or make products. They also lower customers’ trust in your brand and efficiency.
The warehouse is the heart of any business that needs to store, distribute, and replenish goods. And, just like the human heart, if anything goes wrong with the warehouse, the whole system shuts down.
That’s why businesses are using ERP software for warehouse management. ERPs track inventory and improve supply chain efficiency. ERP software can help enterprises manage their inventory and employees and provide insight into product movement across the supply chain.
ERPs can hugely increase warehouse efficiency by automating operations and streamlining processes. If you’re tired of old clunky organization methods, it’s time for you to invest in an ERP so you can fully optimize your warehouse.
Why is Warehouse Management ERP Software Important for Your Business?
Warehouse management software allows for a more efficient and cost-effective approach to inventory management.
The software provides a single source for all information related to inventory. It is designed to be as accessible as possible so that employees can easily access all the information they need from any location.
Warehouse management software improves warehouse efficiency by reducing the number of steps needed to complete tasks such as resupplying and picking orders.
The software can keep track of inventory and make sure that products are never out of stock. It also helps manage inventory more effectively, so you don’t have excess inventory.
So if you’re going back and forth about whether or not to use warehouse management software, remember that even if it can be an intimidating switch, you’ll be saving time and money in the long term.
Enterprise Resource Planning vs. Warehouse Management System
First off, let’s clarify the difference between these two software types, which are both popular for warehouse management.
A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software system specifically designed to optimize warehouse operations. It is also known as material handling or supply chain management software. A WMS monitors, controls, and manages inventory in warehouses. This software also ensures that an order is fulfilled with the correct product at the right price.
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a suite of integrated business management applications for all aspects of running a business. ERP applications help manage marketing, sales, customer service, and a host of other things. The core function of an ERP system is to integrate data from disparate sources into a single database for use in the different modules.
Why Choose an ERP Software for Warehouse Management?
The primary difference between ERP and WMS systems is that WMSs focus exclusively on warehouse management, while ERPs can include WMS software and take care of many other aspects of running a business.
An ERP is an all-in-one solution that can handle almost every aspect of running a business in addition to managing your warehouse. Especially for small businesses, having everything in one system can make things much easier to deal with.
If you already have an ERP like Odoo that allows you to add modules, it’s simple to add warehouse management. ERPs are also generally cheaper, especially up front.
Really, for everyone but mega-corporations, an ERP will cover your bases.
Features of Warehouse Management ERP Software
When you’re exploring options for an ERP, it’s essential to know what features are optional and which are indispensable. If you want to reap all the benefits of improved productivity, you need to make sure you find the ERP that best fits your business’s needs.
1. Real Time Information
Know where your inventory is stored, when it expires, how much you have, and where it’s going at all times. Make sure the ERP you choose has these features. It will allow you to always have an accurate website, maximize your workers’ productivity, and keep you organized.
This level of tracking is essential to running an efficient warehouse!
2. Integration and Support
The whole point of choosing warehouse management software that integrates with an ERP is that it should be easy to connect with the rest of your business’s operations. It also needs to cater to the rest of your business’s needs.
If you choose an ERP based on the warehouse management aspect alone, you may find that the rest of the program is not a good fit for you. You’ll want to ensure your research is holistic since changing ERPs is a colossal pain.
Also, make sure that the company that produces the ERP is dedicated to supporting you. Changing over from a paper system can be a massive shift, so you want to make sure that the company has your back.
3. Ease of Use
The whole point of moving to an ERP is making certain aspects of work easier across the organization. So make sure not to overlook the quality of life features. Try to find systems that are as close to your existing one as possible. Moving to one that goes against everything you already do will make things needlessly counterintuitive.
If you choose an older program or one without mobile capabilities, it’s just going to slow you down as your employees will be tied to desktops. Instead, stick to ones with mobile support.
4. Automation Features
One of the most remarkable features of warehouse management software is the ability to forecast and automate based on those forecasts.
Your software should be able to predict the demand for certain products based on several metrics. With this, it can order inventory before you need it, so you don’t run out when demand is high.
Bottom Line
Efficiency is the key to success in this industry. So say goodbye to days of endless spreadsheets and mounds of paper with warehouse management ERP software. It’s one of the most critical innovations in supply chain management in the last twenty years.
Choosing the right ERP for your business can be tricky, but we’re here to help! Confianz has experts ready to help optimize your business. Confianz Global Inc., the best Odoo ERP development company in US provides Odoo services such as Odoo customization, implementation, Support & Maintenance Services to fulfill all your business needs.
Call us today to get set up with a free Consultation
If you like to know more about our discounted Odoo pricing, call 704-215-4622 or email us at [email protected]
