How optimized transportation smooths the path from order processing to the warehouse
A warehouse management system
(WMS), order processing system, and
transportation management solution (TMS)
walk into a bar. The TMS sits between the WMS and the order processing system. These
three systems sometimes don't get along well, so they could get kicked out of
the bar for fighting. To make sure they don't cause a ruckus for your
organization, here are some "gotchas" to review and avoid.
Seamless integration
In an organization in which employees deal with both physical inventory and shipping said inventory to consumers, decision makers can't think of WMS, TMS, and order processing systems as separate entities.
The "ruckus" begins before implementing package information, when the systems determine that they can't talk to one another but they need to pass data for inventory checks, delivery timeframe setup, order processing, and finally, shipping. The TMS software is the "middle person" in the supply chain: It ensures proper transportation optimization.
In addition, you can't slip a TMS package into an already working WMS and order processing setup for the same reasons. Taking this step could break the supply chain and result in a loss of money - and customers.
Ask questions
The following questions can help you prepare for a more seamless integration to avoid a break in your supply chain.
- The first question for any manager or IT representative to ask those selling integrated WMS, TMS, and order processing software is "How are the three are going to work together?"
-
You also
need to ask "Will there be a lot of custom programming required to convert and
transfer data ...
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