Introduction

Typically, after the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software has settled in, you may start to investigate ways to improve your warehouse management and operations through the use of a warehouse management system (WMS). Unless you’re faster than a speeding bullet and can leap tall buildings in a single bound, normally you do not install both ERP software and a WMS at the same time. Regardless of your approach, early on you will notice an overlap in warehouse functionality between the ERP software and a WMS. When comparing the warehouse functions and features embedded in ERP software against those in a WMS, the ERP software usually comes out on the short end of the measuring stick. So your path is obvious; use the WMS for inventory related functions. Not so fast big fellow.

Focusing on warehouse functionality that is typically contained in both software solutions, this article discusses the merits of using the features of one software solution over the other. This discussion will concentrate on outbound, inbound, and miscellaneous warehouse processes. Most importantly, it concludes with an identification of the critical interfaces, where a majority of the work is to be done. While there are no exactitudes and you may be left with more questions than answers, completing the thought process can help you gain an appreciation of the complexities of making these two software solutions work together effectively for your organization.