When should you customize your WMS and why?

Customizing a WMS to suit your business needs perfectly sounds like a remarkable thing when you’re thinking abstractly, but looking at the often-high cost of customization and the chances for things to go wrong should make it a more daunting decision.
Here are four chief thoughts on WMS customization, when it might make sense, and when you should check in with your WMS provider before barreling ahead.

1. When it’s easy

Some customizations are straightforward and can significantly enhance your daily operations. These customizations usually focus on workflow adjustments and process orders that are unique to your operations, or on making visual changes to reports and other interfaces.

Cosmetic changes, such as layout and design adjustments, where you’re not altering the data or core functionality of the custom WMS, tend to be easy, affordable, and avoid scope creep. These types of changes are smart because they help your business appear more professional with minimal risk.

2. When you need more integration

If you need to integrate your custom WMS with a customer’s platform to secure their business or to grow your own, it is typically a worthwhile customization. Integration needs may arise from your team recognizing the advantage or from customer requests.

However, before embarking on this path, talk to your WMS provider.

Build a budget for new WMS software (and factor in customization costs) using our comprehensive WMS pricing guide

Many WMS developers are continuously working on new and improved integrations. For example, if multiple customers request integration with a popular platform like QuickBooks, the WMS provider might start working on that integration.

Check if the integration you need is already in development and inquire about the timeline. Your WMS developer might complete it before your team could, saving you money and providing native support for the integration.

Pro tip: When considering integration customizations, ensure you understand the potential impact on your overall system performance and future upgrades. What challenges might arise when integrating new systems with a custom WMS? By discussing these aspects with your provider, you can avoid common pitfalls.

3. When you can afford it

WMS customization can be a long and arduous process, so you need a smart plan with a large budget.
There are countless tales of caution and woe when a customization project didn’t work, or when a company hadn’t planned on it taking months and securing the assets they needed to test it on part of the network before going live.

Customization can be expensive, especially for older platforms. If you need specialized features, factor that into your WMS budget early on. If you’re aiming to achieve industry standards, consider whether switching to a different WMS might be more cost-effective.

Don’t let your customization process go off the rails with a scope that is unfixed. Define your needs and goals clearly in the initial phase. Additional features can always be added after ensuring the foundation is solid.

How much does it typically cost to customize a WMS?

The cost of customizing a  WMS varies widely based on the complexity of the changes and the age of your existing platform. It’s crucial to budget carefully and anticipate potential overruns.

4. When you absolutely must

If you have a WMS platform that your team likes and fills most of your needs but doesn’t quite get everything right, customization might be the best solution. Sometimes, businesses require a specific function or core platform advancement, making it more feasible and affordable to customize rather than replace the entire WMS.

Whether it’s remote terminal support, custom field development, industry-specific regulatory compliance, or data-driven application screens, start your customization process only after confirming that your WMS provider doesn’t offer a module that meets your needs.

When all is said and done, your  WMS customization should either be a low-cost, cosmetic enhancement or a business-critical necessity that has been thoroughly vetted and budgeted to ensure success.

Is it better to customize an existing WMS or purchase a new one?

This depends on the specific needs of your business. If the current WMS meets most of your requirements and only needs minor adjustments, customization might be more cost-effective. However, if extensive changes are needed, investing in a new WMS might be the smarter choice.

By carefully evaluating when and why to customize, you can make informed decisions that align with your business goals while managing costs and minimizing risks. Always ensure your WMS customization plans are well-defined and that your budget can accommodate potential challenges.