A guide to WMS vendor implementation services

If you Google “WMS implementation services” you might be surprised that most of the top results are from third-party companies. That means your preferred WMS vendor may have some competition when it comes to implementing their WMS in your warehouse.

That’s a little daunting, especially coming on the heels of the even harder choice: which WMS to choose. So, here’s a quick look at some benefits and considerations of implementing via the WMS vendor as well as some of their third-party partners.

Reach out to preferred vendors

The easiest place to start is by looking for implementation from the person who owns the WMS you like. These vendors are knowledgeable and have standard agreements for WMS implementation as well as ongoing support.

Large vendors tend to have a variety of configuration tools that allow for faster integration and implementation if you don’t have a lot of custom development. They also know their system the best and being their direct customer may get you access to the best reps, developers, or even features before they’re generally available.

If you’re using other industry-standard software, the WMS vendor may have an existing relationship with that platform’s provider — this seems especially common with ERPs. This relationship can sometimes give you discounts or improved integration support, which can make the WMS vendor a reliable choice.

Third-parties have value too

You have plenty of options for implementation once you find the right WMS for your business. In many cases, a WMS vendor will work with third parties to help increase their sales. Sometimes this third parties also offer WMS implementation services.

Use this WMS implementation checklist to figure out which implementation services you require

So, if you’ve found a WMS you like, take a moment to shop around.

What you’ll want to review for each third-party service you consider is their history with that WMS and the support they provide. Consultants who specialize in a single WMS tend to have a relationship with that vendor, so they have both expertise in implementation and a direct customer service line to resolve issues.

You may end up reducing your costs if you need custom development. It’s worth checking into for any platform you’re considering, not just a WMS.

Things to consider with your choice

The overall success of any WMS implementation comes from the prep work and planning you and your partners do. The more foreign your business and processes, the longer it’ll take to prepare. So, it may make sense looking for the implementation partner that knows your industry best.

Sometimes a vendor may know your system better, especially with integrations they support as a standard. If you’re working on something custom or outside of your industry’s norm, ask for custom development pricing. We’ve seen cases where vendors were cheaper than third-party services and vice versa.

Training and support are another worthwhile consideration for your selection process. Ask about your preferred training method and how long information will be available. It’s also a promising idea to look at support contracts and see who gives you the best guarantee. No one can promise your system will work perfectly 100% of the time, but you may find a company that has a guaranteed response rate that you prefer.