Due to supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, retailers, manufacturers, and other omnichannel players constantly struggle to adapt. In fact, according to a report, some of the biggest challenges facing supply chain operations include talent shortages (56%), disruptions (54%), running out of stock (52%), and consumer demands (52%).
All these businesses deal with items coming in and going out constantly. Whether they use single warehouses or deal with multiple fulfillment centers, every stakeholder across the supply chain needs to be kept in the loop. This is where warehousing automation and other enterprise management systems come into play.
A great warehouse management system will enable operators to monitor the right products get shipped to the right consumer at the right time. This is essential for customer satisfaction and future growth. These metrics can make or break a business for small e-commerce companies looking to scale. Warehouse management systems improve order fulfillment, reduce stockouts, and help streamline inventory across the supply chain.
But with so many different WMS systems prolific today, it’s not easy to zero in on the right option for your business. So to help you decide, in this article, we look at the top 10 warehouse management systems (WMS) of 2024. We offer insights into their features, pricing, and benefits to help you choose the best solution for your business. Let’s get into it.
What is a Warehouse Management System (WMS)?
A warehouse management system is essentially software that manages all the tasks across a warehouse. This includes processes like inventory tracking and management, receiving and storing items, packing and shipping, to order fulfillment. Some of the best WMS systems today also offer reporting and analytics to help businesses optimize operations and increase profits.
Key Benefits of Using a WMS:
- Real-time inventory control: You can track stock levels in real time to avoid overstocking or stockouts. This also allows you to replenish stocks in time for growing demand when needed.
- Process automation: The best WMS software automates workflows such as order picking, packing, and shipping to reduce manual labor and errors.
- Reduced operational costs: You can streamline processes across the warehouse using a WMS to lower labor and overhead costs.
- Integration with other systems: Most WMS platforms integrate seamlessly with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and TMS (Transportation Management System) solutions. This allows your WMS to acquire and exchange data with other systems across the chain, ensuring that the entire order process is carried out seamlessly. It creates a unified supply chain management approach.
Top 5 Warehouse Management Systems
Want to expand your business but are confused about the top warehouse management systems to invest in? Check out this list of the best WMS systems that can grow with you and also provide you with several key features.
| Product | Key Features | Pricing | Free Trial | Ratings (G2, Gartner, etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omniful WMS | Real-time inventory updates, Paperless process | Request for Pricing | Yes | 4.8/5 |
| Oracle Fusion Cloud WMS | Advanced analytics, Oracle suite integration | Request for Pricing | No | 4.6/5 |
| Luminate Logistics by Blueyonder | AI and ML-driven automation | Request for Pricing | No | 4.7/5 |
| Microsoft Dynamics 365 SCM | Customizable workflows, real-time data | Request for Pricing | No | 4.5/5 |
| SAP Extended Warehouse Management | Seamless SAP ERP integration, large enterprise scalability | Request for Pricing | No | 4.7/5 |
Top 10 Warehouse Management Systems for 2024
While there are many solutions touted as the best WMS for eCommerce or best WMS for small business, or just the best WMS software, it can be difficult to find out which system suits your business needs the most. To help you along, here we compile the top 10 best warehouse management systems in the market today:
1. Omniful
Looking for a scalable, reliable WMS system that also seamlessly connects with other enterprise systems like your OMS, and TMS, to ensure timely delivery? Look no further. The Omniful WMS stands out as an all-in-one solution tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. It is one of the best WMS systems offering advanced features typically found in larger enterprise systems for smaller players.
The Omniful WMS platform provides real-time inventory updates, batch picking, and automated workflows, making it ideal for e-commerce businesses and multichannel retailers.
Core Problems Omniful Solves:
- The Omniful WMS reduces errors, especially human ones, with automated warehousing processes and workflows.
- Thanks to real-time inventory tracking and cycle counts, the WMS improves inventory accuracy.
- The Omniful WMS also reduces manual labor and helps cut down cost inefficiencies across warehousing operations.
Key Features:
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Advanced Inwarding: The Omniful WMS is one of the top warehouse management systems that streamline workflows for all inward processes like receiving orders, optimizing gate entries, precise GRN generation, and streamlining putaway processes for unmatched speed and accuracy.
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Smart Picking: The Omniful WMS offers multiple picking methods, including single-order, multi-order, and other advanced options, allowing operations to choose the most efficient approach for each hub. These methods can be applied simultaneously, maximizing resource utilization and speeding up order fulfillment for greater operational flexibility.
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Optimized Packing & Handling: The Omniful WMS streamlines all packing processes, including order verification, labeling, quality checks, shipping label generation, and more via PCs and mobile devices, improving order accuracy and speed.
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Cycle Counting: The Omniful WMS also automates inventory auditing processes and enables cycle counts across different warehouse zones to improve inventory accuracy.
Pricing: Available upon request.
2. Oracle Fusion Cloud Warehouse Management
Oracle’s Fusion Cloud Warehouse Management System offers comprehensive inventory visibility, making it an ideal solution for optimizing operations in retail, e-commerce, distribution, manufacturing, and beyond.
It is an ideal platform for large or growing enterprises with omnichannel needs that need to integrate warehouse management with other Oracle systems, such as ERP and TMS. Known for its advanced analytics and scalability, Oracle Fusion Cloud works well for businesses with complex supply chains.
Key Features:
- Integration with the Oracle suite (Oracle ERP or RMS)
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Real-time inventory management
Pros:
- Integration capabilities: Oracle Fusion offers a comprehensive tech stack and integrates easily with Oracle ERP, TMS, RMS, etc. It can also integrate seamlessly with non-Oracle enterprise solutions.
- High Transaction Volumes: This is one of the top WMS systems for managing millions of transactions across large warehouses.
Cons:
- Suitable to Enterprise: Oracle Fusion WMS can pose a challenge for small businesses, increasing overhead costs.
- Expensive Customizations for Compliance: Adding compliance workflows to this WMS may be expensive.
Pricing: Available upon request.
3. Luminate Logistics by Blueyonder
Luminate Logistics by Blue Yonder is one of the best WMS softwares, and it is known for its intelligent warehouse automation. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to automate warehouse operations. With intelligent labor management and real-time tracking capabilities, it is designed for businesses aiming to embrace cutting-edge technology in their supply chain.
Key Features: AI and ML-driven automation, Predicts disruptions & provides recommendations to mitigate disruptions Real-time inventory tracking, and labor optimization.
Pros:
- Predictive Capabilities: The Luminate Logistics WMS uses machine learning to predict and resolve supply chain disruptions.
- Future Ready: This is one of the best WMS software for you to leverage robotics and future-ready tech in your warehouses.
- Connected to Supplier Networks: The Luminate Logistics platform gives a clear view of supplier networks.
Cons:
- Long Set-up & Learning Curve: This WMS takes a long time to set up and has a steep learning curve.
- Support: Many users complain of late responsiveness and a lack of support from the vendor.
Pricing: Available upon request.
4. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management
Microsoft Dynamics 365 SCM (supply chain management) offers deep integration between WMS and ERP functionalities. The highly customizable platform allows businesses to create tailored workflows that suit their unique operational needs. This is a top WMS system that serves the needs of manufacturing, distribution, and retail companies.
Key Features:
- Rules Based Storage
- Customizable Workflows
- Warehouse Layout Design
Pros:
- Flexibility: The Microsoft Dynamics 365 SCM allows teams to define warehouse layouts for optimizing operations
- Storage Prioritization: The WMS allows users to prioritize storage depending on urgency.
- Rules-Based Storage & Picking: Users can create rules to store and pick items for speedy operations and fulfillment.
- Easy Migration: Migrating from other systems to this WMS solution is easy.
Cons:
- Expensive: With costs for software licensing, hardware, and cloud storage, this may be a cost-heavy WMS for businesses with smaller budgets.
- Lack of Learning Documentation: It can be challenging to get the right guides and documentation to learn the ins and outs of this system.
- Higher Training & Implementation: Your team may spend significant time learning to use this WMS.
Pricing: Available upon request.
5. SAP Extended Warehouse Management
The SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) is designed for large enterprises and offers a comprehensive solution that integrates seamlessly with SAP ERP. This WMS can handle a high volume of goods, making it ideal for enterprise-level businesses. The platform supports advanced warehousing capabilities, such as slotting, kitting, and cross-docking.
Key Features:
- Easy integration with SAP ERP
- Advanced warehousing processes
- Scalability
Pros:
- Warehouse Automation Control: The SAP EWM offers direct control over warehouse automation equipment. So, modern warehouses using AMRs find this an ideal WMS.
- Space Utilization: This WMS uses intelligent slotting rules to maximize space.
- Integrated Procedures for Easy Operations: Processes like quality management, production, and track and trace are all optimized for efficiency.
Cons:
- Steep Learning Curve: The SAP EWM can be challenging to learn for new users, especially mid-sized businesses leveraging such systems for the first time.
Pricing: Available upon request.
6. Manhattan Active Warehouse Management
Known for scalability and flexibility in complex, large-scale environments, the Manhattan Active Warehouse Management solution allows users to control demand, supply, labor, and automation across their supply chain. Users can also add their logic, integrations, and customizations making this one of the best WMS systems for growing businesses.
Key Features:
- Cloud-Native WMS
- User Friendly with personalization for optimization
- Automatic Updates
- Data Security
Pros:
- Streamlined Order Fulfillment: This WMS brings users real-time inventory analysis, automated workflows, and integration with warehouse automation can help with order fulfillment.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Inventory processes can be strengthened and order cycle times can be reduced with this warehouse management system.
- Extensible: Users can add their logic, customizations, and integrations without negatively affecting updates in this WMS.
Cons:
- Struggle with Integrations: Users have faced trouble with integrations, as they are not API based.
- Support: Users also complain of a lack of support regarding this WMS system.
Pricing: Starts at $2000 per license annually.
7. Locus by Centric WMS
One of the nest WMS systems for medium to large enterprises, this warehouse management system offers robust e-commerce fulfillment features with seamless integration capabilities. Players across retail, wholesale, e-commerce, 3PL, and manufacturing can all use this warehouse management system.
Key Features:
- Configuration Flexibility
- Interactive Dashboards
- Insights & Reporting Into Costs and Usage Metrics
Pros:
- Optimize Processes: This WMS allows users to gain insight into key metrics across all processes and optimize them.
- Ease-of-use: The WMS is touted as simple to use.
Cons:
- Industry Specific: While Locus is known for its application in food retail, the WMS may need to be customized to serve other industries.
Pricing: Available on Request
8. Increff WMS
Increff WMS is one of the best warehouse management systems for the fashion and lifestyle segments. It uses advanced AI and ML algorithms to optimize demand forecasting and inventory allocation. It helps businesses achieve higher fulfillment rates through inventory tracking and order prioritization.
Key Features:
- Multi-Systems Integration
- Order Prioritization
- End-to-end traceability
Pros:
- Mobile Functionality: This WMS offers mobile apps and can be used across various devices.
- Scalability: Increff WMS can scale with you as your demand grows.
- Inventory Management: This WMS offers accurate inventory management and optimization for the fashion sector.
Cons:
- Industry Specific: Since this WMS caters to the fashion segment, other industries may struggle to use it.
Pricing: Free Trial, Pricing on Request
9. Exact WMS:
Suitable for small and medium businesses with straightforward inventory management needs, Exact WMS allows you to automate your physical flow of goods. It also optimizes all logistics processes to help you reduce costs. This WMS aims to help businesses improve delivery performance and increase customer retention.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based software
- Easy integration with Exact Globe & other Exact platforms
- Scalable order picking
Pros:
- Real-time tracking: The WMS provides real-time inventory and data tracking.
- Increased delivery reliability: This WMS is known for its high delivery reliability.
Cons:
- Location: This WMS is native to the Netherlands and may not work out for non-Dutch users.
Pricing: starts at $319 per month
10. ShipHero WMS
One of the most popular WMS systems for e-commerce businesses due to its user-friendly interface and fast deployment, Shiphero’s WMS simplifies processes across warehousing. This WMS will seamlessly connect with all your channels and platforms to process orders.
Key Features:
- One-click integration with partner platforms like Shopify, Amazon, UPS, FedEx, etc.
- Fulfillment direct from store to consumer
Pros:
- Analytics: The ShipHero WMS provides detailed analytics and reporting tools to help businesses make data-driven decisions.
- Automation: ShipHero's automation rules include smart warehouse routing, shipping method mapping, and address validation.
- Order tracking and shipment notifications: This WMS provides order tracking and shipment notifications.
Cons:
- Multiple Dashboards: Users complain about the many dashboards they get access to and how it can get confusing to understand.
Pricing: Choose from 3 subscriptions:
- ShipHero Standard Plan,
- ShipHero 3PL Plan or
- ShipHero Enterprise Plan.
How To Choose The Right WMS?
Picking the best warehouse management system can be challenging when so many options are available. When selecting the best WMS system for your business, consider the following factors:
- Inventory Management: Look for a WMS that offers real-time tracking, high inventory accuracy, and support for multiple warehouses.
- Order Fulfillment: Ensure the WMS system supports multiple picking strategies (e.g., batch picking, wave picking) and minimizes shipping errors.
- Labor Management: Opt for warehouse management platforms with tools that monitor worker productivity and optimize labor usage through automation.
- Reporting & Analytics: Data-driven insights are crucial. Choose a WMS that offers customizable reports and dashboard views.
- Integration Capabilities: Ensure the WMS can integrate with your existing ERP, TMS, or e-commerce platforms to avoid compatibility issues.
- Costs and ROI: Evaluate the setup and maintenance costs, as well as the potential return on investment when choosing your best WMS software. For small businesses, finding a balance between functionality and affordability is crucial.
Optimize Your Warehouse Operations With One of The Best WMS Systems Via Omniful
Selecting the right warehouse management system is critical to improving warehouse efficiency, cutting operational costs, and supporting business growth. For those with multi-channel, e-commerce, Omniful WMS stands out for its ease of use and powerful capabilities.
Looking for more insights on how to optimize your warehouse operations in 2024? Book a demo with Omniful to explore a tailored WMS solution for your business.
FAQs
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How long does it take to implement a WMS?
Implementation timelines vary but typically range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the business. -
ICan a WMS be customized to fit specific needs?
Yes, most WMS platforms offer customization options to tailor the system to your specific workflows. -
Can a WMS integrate with ERP or TMS systems?
Yes, integration with ERP and TMS systems is a key feature of most WMS platforms. -
Is a WMS scalable to accommodate future growth?
Many WMS platforms are scalable, allowing businesses to add features and capabilities as they grow. -
How does a WMS ensure data security and privacy?
WMS platforms typically offer security features such as data encryption, access controls, and compliance with industry standards.
