Five of the best WMS for single warehouse operations

Businesses that run only one warehouse have a lot of activity happening in a small space and they need orders, inventory, and shipments to be right the first time, or the business is at risk. A warehouse management system can help smooth out any bumps and make sure the sales-to-shipping handoff is done right.

We’ve put together a quick look at five WMS that work well for businesses of this size, with some caveats and unique features. Each of these options highlight things to consider for a small business or a single warehouse operation. These are some of the leaders I came across and are good examples to use when judging your own warehouse needs.

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Covering the key issues faced by businesses selecting and implementing WMS.

If you fit one of the categories listed below, consider the choice and explanation a guide for choosing your WMS, and always be sure to get multiple bids and look for things like hidden costs, extra fees, and support for how you plan to grow.

1. For the QuickBooks users: Fishbowl Inventory

Integration with existing systems is often a big consideration for selecting an initial WMS. Fishbowl is one of the leading inventory management add-ons for QuickBooks, and most of its features within each of its modules support QuickBooks. The platform automatically generates purchase orders and can bill to QuickBooks when you order a new product plus supports mobile scanners.

It can integrate with your sales systems to generate invoices in QuickBooks for each sale and automatically supply the right financial information.

Use this free online WMS comparison tool to find the right warehouse software for your operation

While it can grow to support multiple locations, you only need a single warehouse to use all of its core features around barcoding, labor management, support for multiple currencies and more.

https://www.fishbowlinventory.com/

2. For the small-but-growing: Asset Panda

When asking logistics professionals about the best services and applications for teams with growth potential, a non-traditional WMS came up more than any other: Asset Panda. This company offers a cloud and app-based service that performs a variety of asset management and warehousing tasks.

Asset Panda's pricing model offers unlimited users from the get-go, meaning that pricing remains the same as your team expands. This makes it ideal for those looking at growing their workforce in a small amount of time.

Its core functionality is focused on managing your assets in a warehouse but it also offers RFID and barcoding, inventory management, order fulfillment support and the ability to track shipments as they’re delivered.

Most reviews say the service is straightforward and easy to use. One big plus is that it can store maintenance logs for your warehouse equipment, helping you keep records even when your small team is rushed.

https://www.assetpanda.com/

3. For an e-commerce focus: Zoho Inventory

When a warehouse supports an e-commerce brand, the more systems can talk together the better. That’s why Zoho Inventory earns a spot on our list. The software places a premium on being easy to install and integrate with multiple purchasing platforms like eBay, Etsy, Amazon, and Shopify, with support for payment platforms including Stripe and PayPal.

It has a good pricing structure that supports business growth, with a free option for tracking when you’ve got 20 online orders or less each month. This may make it especially appealing for big-ticket e-commerce stores that have strong revenue off a few limited sales.

https://www.zoho.com/inventory/

4. For the non-traditional or non-perishable goods brands: Blue Link

Blue Link provides an all-in-one solution for WMS and ERP that specifically targets SMBs in the non-perishable goods space. Working with a WMS that specializes in your product area will allow it for better module support to achieve goals like improved operational efficiencies, properly consolidating pick slips and bin/shelf locations, and more.

One reason to specifically like Blue Link is that it simplifies the process for supporting multiple storage and packing options like small warehouses, stock rooms, and storage facilities. So, if you don’t have a full warehouse, plan on growing with a limited satellite, or are managing out of a trailer, it’s a good platform with useful modules that can turn non-traditional options into a true warehouse equivalent.

http://www.bluelinkerp.com/warehouse-management-system/

5. For the group that needs a little extra help

One of the common needs for companies running a single warehouse is that they need a little extra help getting things started. IntelliTrack makes the cut specifically for those groups because it has a wide range of tutorials, presentations, and demos, plus rave reviews for its support. It’s WMS RF Standard is a strong fit for small warehouses in most sectors, from manufacturing and retail to government or healthcare.

https://www.intellitrack.net/

These are just a few of the many great WMS providers specializing in small warehouses, whether it’s because you’re a new player, have specialty products, or are in a niche market. As always with any recommendations, get reviews and have conversations with providers so you’re ensuring you get the right fit for your needs.