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Daniel Erickson Utilizing your ERP system with integrated WMS functionality to its fullest potential is imperative to your manufacturing company’s success and is fostered early in the implementation of these business management tools. Effective use of WMS can reduce labor costs, improve inventory accuracy and increase the visibility and workflow throughout the warehouse. Not realizing these benefits is often due to the solution ineffectively being implemented or not receiving the justified buy-in from stakeholders across your organization. How can you get the most from your WMS? The key is to successfully implement the solution utilizing best practices to meet the needs of your business and your industry as a whole. What is WMS? WMS, or warehouse management system, is an application that supports daily warehouse operations by monitoring the movement and usage of stocked inventory, work in progress (WIP) and finished goods from the receipt of raw materials to the shipping of final products. Through the recording of inventory transactions, the solution provides real-time tracking of stock levels and warehouse locations. With specialized functionality, it streamlines inventory activities that plan, organize, staff, direct and control the utilization of resources. Assign a Project Manager To ensure that a WMS reaches its maximum potential, it is important to appoint a dedicated project manager to successfully guide the company through implementation. In addition to facilitating best practices, this individual provides leadership in all aspects of implementing a WMS by guiding your company to efficiently handle changes, minimize disruptions and delays and delegate responsibility to appropriate company stakeholders. With the support of upper management, they are tasked with incorporating overall business goals as the guiding principle of implementation. Project managers should be willing to make the decisions necessary to ensure success in the transition from old processes to the new WMS. Identification of […]