Nowadays, businesses are looking for cutting-edge, cloud-based, user-friendly software that can help automate tedious repeated tasks and improve their productivity. That is why they’re switching from manual processes to automated systems. Such systems make it easier to store and send information and manage data and inventory.
Deploying an ERP warehouse management system (WMS) is a good step toward streamlining your business operations. Both are designed to help you with inventory tracking, scheduling, and managing your company’s business needs. On the surface, it may seem that ERP and warehouse management software carry out essentially the same functions for your business. However, once you dig deeper, you’ll realize that there are significant differences between these two software types. Below, we will highlight the critical distinctions between WMS and ERP software. We’ll also briefly touch on a few of the processes these packages can streamline for your enterprise.
A warehouse management system focuses primarily on one particular function within an organization, i.e., the warehouse. Explicitly designed for warehouses, a WMS handles and manages all aspects and day-to-day operations of running a warehouse. The warehouse management system monitors the progress of products through a distribution channel from the product source to the end-user or consumer. A WMS takes over many responsibilities in the cloud based supply chain management software process, from order processing to shipping, labeling, and tracking. A WMS typically uses barcode technology to automate these processes. The software provides features such as:
An enterprise resource planning software, on the other hand, offers a much more comprehensive range of capabilities than just warehousing and logistics. An ERP system is an end-to-end application that integrates all departments and functions across a company into a single system. By having all information in one place, teams can easily collaborate, and employees have visibility into every department within the company. In addition, the integrated information makes it easier to make decisions quickly. Because data is available across the organization in real-time.
Since ERP and warehouse management systems are related and share similar characteristics. It’s not surprising to hear people use the terms interchangeably. However, while WMS find covers some of the same areas as the ERP warehouse management system, the main difference between them. It is their scope and how they are using ERP system companies.
To put it simply, WMS (Warehouse Management Software) contains all of the tools required to execute and handle warehouse operations effectively without any additional software. It tends to be more focused on inventory management, material movement, and fulfillment processes across the business. Think of WMS as being like a wrench; it is a tool need in the warehouse but can still be fully functional without depending on other tools to complete its job.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software combines several different business systems and provides you with extensive capabilities for managing and running your entire business as a whole. In addition, it may also be able to handle back-end accounting for a business or its customers.
Tens of thousands of companies use ERP and warehouse management systems to improve accuracy in their warehouse operations and streamline business functions. Depending on the company and its industry, one system might be more valuable than the other. However, finding and choosing the right software for your warehouse can be a real challenge. With many different options, it’s hard to decide which one will suit your unique business needs. If you want to choose the right software to manage your warehouse. The given tips below will help you make the right decision.
The warehouse management system has a narrower scope – it helps the business control and improves only warehouse operations. On the other hand, cloud based ERP software is aimed at coordinating a wide range of business processes within an organization. So, if you’re in quest of a single solution to manage all aspects of your business — fulfillment, HR, order processing, accounting, and so on — an ERP system may be right for you.
WMS software is generally used in smaller companies with fewer employees, while logistics ERP software is better suited for large organizations with complex needs.
If you are currently using spreadsheets to maintain inventory control and would like to go paperless. A WMS will be more suitable for your business needs. However, if you only have one location and want to expand your business, a manufacturing module in ERP system may be better.
Implementing an ERP system requires ample time and resources, not to mention a large budget. But if your business needs to address multiple pain points or achieve long-term goals, an ERP system integration could be a better fit. However, a WMS would be more suitable if you aim. To improve your inventory management and warehouse processes without overhauling your entire business operation.
No matter which type of system your company uses. You can spend less time organizing data and more time focusing on other core aspects of your business. That’s especially important for small businesses that have limited resources and budgets. A sound ERP warehouse management system can also help prevent employee errors and increase workplace efficiency. A WMS can either be implemented as an independent system or integrated with new ERP system or other types of software.