Navigating the Quest for a New Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Embarking on the quest for a new Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a significant undertaking, one that Camelot understands intimately. The selection of a WMS is a process that demands adequate research, careful planning, and a deep understanding of your unique needs. The goal is to discover a system that not only possesses the requisite functionality but also comes from a vendor that knows the 3PL warehouse business and can deliver on your objectives.

At Camelot , we’ve drawn upon our extensive experience to craft a guide that will lead you to the right WMS for your operations. Our experts, with their wealth of knowledge in evaluating, implementing, and overseeing a myriad of systems, are ready to assist you on the journey.

Step #1: Crafting an Internal Resource Blueprint

The initial step is securing a commitment to the WMS project. This involves creating an internal resource blueprint to ensure that the project is adequately staffed across all departments. This foundational step can’t be overlooked, as it is often the reason for delays and complications during the implementation. If there is any uncertainty about the availability of internal resources, Camelot can provide a formal project management team for your WMS implementation.

A comprehensive internal resource plan requires insights from your warehouse team, IT department, and executive leadership:

• Warehouse Managers are intimately familiar with the daily operations of receiving, inventory management, picking, and shipping. Their knowledge is crucial in identifying the operational manpower necessary for a new WMS.
• The IT Department brings a critical understanding of the technical infrastructure required to support a new WMS.
• Executive Leadership must champion the project, ensuring that the appointed individual has the capacity to drive the initiative forward.

Involving all stakeholders in this planning phase is vital to fully understand the resources and associated costs needed for a successful WMS procurement and operation.

Step #2: Constructing a Business Case

The construction of a Business Case is the second pivotal step. It establishes key metrics for measuring results, outlines the budget for software and resources, and calculates the cost/benefit ratio of the WMS project. This step is about keeping the broader vision in focus, considering the evolving needs of the supply chain, and the rapid pace at which business demands can change.

By engaging with all business, operations, and IT stakeholders, you gain a holistic view of the emerging business requirements, operational needs, and IT considerations. This comprehensive approach ensures that the WMS you select will align with your overarching goals and strategies.

Step #3: Defining Specific Requirements

The third step is the clear definition of your specific requirements. Ambiguity has no place in the selection of a WMS. An RFP or details needs assessment should be crafted to reflect both your immediate and future objectives, detailing all functional requirements of the WMS, including traditional warehouse functions and extended activities such as yard management and dock scheduling.

Creating a “Requirements Document” is highly recommended for documenting your operational processes. This document can serve as a tool for vendor evaluation, allowing you to pose the fundamental question: “This is what I need. Can you deliver?” It also acts as a safeguard, providing evidence that the decision to select a particular WMS was data-driven and thoroughly researched.

Seeking Expert Guidance

The implementation of a WMS is a significant task, often a one-time event. While you may be an expert in your operational domain, the intricacies of selecting and deploying a WMS may be outside your expertise. This is where Camelot’s professional guidance becomes invaluable. Our consultants, with their extensive experience across multiple systems, can help you navigate the entire process, including system configuration and user training.

Contact us today. We are here to help you through your journey of selecting and implementing a new warehouse management system!