‘Consider Future Processes When Selecting a WMS’

Growth, greater flexibility, or a focus on automation. These are just a few of the reasons to look for a new WMS. Where to start? Many business owners turn to Gartner, the author of the Magic Quadrant, for guidance on selection. Perhaps even more important is Gartner’s ‘Critical Capabilities’ report. Jeff Jones, Senior Account Executive at Made4net: “This report evaluates how well individual solutions support specific operational requirements, while the Magic Quadrant assesses vendors.”

Years ago, Gartner launched the Magic Quadrant with a keen sense of marketing. That very overview, with its vendor evaluations, now serves as the basis for many business owners’ search for a WMS. The WMS market is crowded with providers, and the technology on offer is constantly evolving to meet market demands. Gartner explains this in great detail. Still, the overview could use some additional guidance when it comes to determining which WMS provider is the best fit for a given operation.

Search for a WMS

Where to start when looking for a new and better-suited WMS? Made4net understands that the search isn’t easy and therefore specifically highlights the Magic Quadrant, although the logistics software provider describes the Critical Capabilities report as ‘perhaps even more important.’ Jones: “Gartner reviewed eighty global WMS vendors, including their software systems, and placed eighteen of them in the Magic Quadrant. Made4net is one of those eighteen—and, in fact, has been for quite some time.”

Integration with current and future WMS processes

The most important aspect when selecting a WMS, according to Jones, is that the system aligns with your processes. “When searching for warehouse software, as a user, you need to consider your current and anticipated future processes, as well as support for processes as your business evolves.” Gartner refers to five levels of complexity in its reports. The vast majority of companies are at level two or three, Jones says. “A WMS that fits your processes well now may not do so as you grow to level four or five.”

All systems within a suite

As an entrepreneur, you need to be able to trust a WMS—at levels two and three, but even more so at levels four and five. Stephan Langedijk, Made4logistics: “A WMS is an execution system; the ability to integrate quickly with other applications is crucial. The more complex the level, the more important that integration becomes. At Made4net, the platform’s foundation has been geared toward this for twenty years, including WMS, labor management, planning, and yard management software. So, when it comes to more complex warehouse processes, that’s exactly where the customer benefits.”

Without a software upgrade from level two to five

Although the Gartner Magic Quadrant and the Critical Capabilities report can help with selecting a WMS, not having to select a system at all is even better, Jones notes with a smile: “The Made4net architecture offers customers the opportunity to grow from a level-two or level-three operation all the way to level five. A reimplementation or migration to another WMS isn’t necessary. That provides peace of mind.” In this way, the software also responds to the latest developments. Jones: “Many companies start looking for a new WMS because they’re growing, seeking more flexibility, or opting for greater automation. Those needs continue to evolve. As operations become more complex, the WMS must be able to handle new processes, integrations, automation, and reporting without disrupting a company’s workflow. That’s why it’s important to choose a modern platform that can evolve with the operation and is adaptable when needed.”

Local partnerships

Made4net’s comprehensive suite of solutions on a single platform is further complemented by local partnerships, such as Made4logistics“ Benelux-focused offering. Langedijk: ”This allows us to fine-tune our solutions based on local requirements and preferences. And if additional assistance is needed, it’s available extremely quickly.”