Five WMS analytics features to make the most of your data

Can your WMS data tell you if you’re running as efficiently as you can?

Understanding WMS analytics requires a look at the core metrics that can paint a clear picture of your business. Let’s look at five of the more important WMS data points you can use to run your warehouse more efficiently and save money.

1. Total landed cost – revenue

For warehouses tied to specific manufacturers or those that create and ship goods, the total landed cost per item provides a granular look at what drives revenue and keeps you in business.

Find a WMS with high-quality data analytics using our vendor directory

This is important as it lets you calculate how long each product stays in inventory and compare it to demand forecasts. Comparing total landed cost relative to time spent in the warehouse across all of your products not only shows which products generate the most revenue per unit but may also identify underperforming goods taking up valuable space.

2. Finished inventory optimization – customer service

Businesses using multiple warehouses can benefit from predictive WMS analytics when looking at their finished inventory optimization reports. This allows you to determine what stock you have, how to optimize your inventory budget for new stock, and where to place it in your supply chain.

It also provides clear guidance on recommended safety stock levels and the ability to segment inventory by region, customer, and fulfillment strategy. It’s a core metric for understanding demand and how to position yourself to provide high-quality customer service.

3. Replenishment planning analytics – product availability

Worthwhile WMS reports provide quick answers to common questions, including when and where to ship goods. Replenishment planning analytics and metrics allow you to integrate your orders and staging across multiple levels such as your own individual channels, wholesalers or distributors, and your retail partners.

This set of analytics provides visibility into fulfillment based on warehouse constraints so that you always have the products that your channels need available while managing stock based on your capacity for storage and handling.  

4. Procurement analytics – cost management

Most warehouses rely on third-party partners for specific inventory for sale or simply to replenish packaging materials. Procurement analysis can help you track and use WMS data to determine vendor costs and quality, plus look at their performance across the history of your relationship.

This analysis can guide you in creating a scoring model to use for vendors. Selecting the right vendor to manage costs, consistently deliver high-quality products, or meet your turnaround time demands is easier with these WMS reports.

5. Performance metrics – team management

The core of any WMS analytics package is tracking performance metrics across your warehouse. You'll need the flexibility to compare operations and establish a solid baseline using the data you collect.

Metrics should cover everything from receiving times and schedules to fill rates and order accuracy, including the ability to drill down to analyze performance by shifts, teams, or individuals.

Team management can go a long way to improving your customer retention rate, which is another handy metric for you to track with your WMS reports.