A Complete Guide to Integrating Your Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Written by Harry Bray
Warehouse management… not the most glamorous aspect of being a retail business but one that’s paramount in driving growth through operational efficiency and top-tier customer experience. But are brands getting the most out of their WMS? Or is it even hindering their business due to misaligned data?
In this article, we’ll individually explore ERP, eCommerce Store and Returns Platform integration into WMS – discussing real use cases of how these integrations work to deliver operational, customer experience and financial benefits – particularly during peak trading periods!
WMS to ERP Integration (NetSuite, Brightpearl, SAP etc.)
If you don’t want a world of headaches further down the line then integrating your WMS and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, such as NetSuite or Brightpearl, is 100% non-negotiable. Why you might ask? Well, if you’re a brand utilising an ERP as your central data hub (product, customer and order data) and you have a supply chain solution such as a WMS not connected with your ERP then there’s going to be consistent discrepancies and compromised performance during peak periods. Not to mention the added complexity if you have multiple warehouses and subsidiaries across the globe!
Integrating these 2 solutions ensures seamless data flow between warehouse operations and broader business functions. For instance, when a new sales order is received in your ERP, the WMS automatically generates pick lists and allocates inventory for fulfilment. Conversely, as shipments are processed in the warehouse, inventory levels are updated in real-time within the ERP, enabling accurate financial reporting and inventory forecasting. Let’s not forget it’s not just operational benefits for the business but thanks to an integrated WMS and ERP customers can enjoy functionality such as live-order tracking.
After integrating their ERP with Peoplevox WMS, Mark Allsop, CEO of Crafter’s Companion said “We have achieved a 25% increase in fulfilment efficiency with an error rate of less than 1%”
WMS to eCommerce Store Integration (Shopify Plus, WooCommerce, BigCommerce etc.)
Not all retail businesses need an ERP (depending on size and situation), this is when a direct integration between a WMS and eCommerce platform comes into play – streamlining order fulfilment and inventory management processes. When a customer places an order on the eCommerce website, the WMS automatically receives the order details, triggers picking activities, and updates inventory levels within your eCom platform in real-time. This ensures accurate order fulfilment and prevents stockouts or overselling. Additionally, shipping and tracking information can be seamlessly communicated back to the eCommerce platform, enabling customers to track their orders effortlessly.
WMS to Returns Platform Integration (Rebound, Swap, ZigZag etc.)
Returns, returns, returns…if you’re a retail business then you’ve probably mulled over this problem ALOT. It’s no secret that efficient management and flexibility of returns are crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and minimising operational costs. Integrating a WMS with a Returns Platform like Rebound or Swap streamlines the returns process by automating data exchange and facilitating seamless inventory reconciliation. When a customer initiates a return, the returns platform communicates with the WMS to generate return authorisations, update inventory levels, and process refunds or exchanges promptly. This ensures swift resolution of returns while maintaining accurate inventory records.
If you’re a retail brand that goes through intense peak periods then a robust Returns to WMS integration is king!
To summarise, integrating your Warehouse Management System (WMS) with other core business platforms is crucial for achieving operational efficiency and driving growth in today’s competitive market. Whether it’s integrating with an ERP system for streamlined inventory management, connecting with eCommerce platforms for seamless order fulfilment, or integrating with returns platforms for efficient returns processing, each integration point offers unique benefits that can enhance overall business performance.
WARNING – WMS integration can be complex! That’s why specialist integration agencies like Knotted Commerce exist – to ensure seamless connectivity and maximise the ROI of your tech stack. If you’re looking to integrate 1 or more of the systems we’ve talked about today then get in touch for a free consultation.
Peoplevox is the WMS of choice for NetSuite customers in the high volume ecommerce vertical. Adding an ecommerce specific warehouse solution to your ERP increases your fulfillment capability and safeguards your customer experience as you scale. If you’re interested in learning more about Peoplevox WMS then click here.
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