The best warehouse management system, or “WMS” can be an incredible tool for business leaders looking to streamline, and optimize their logistics, fulfillment, and supply chain strategies.
Whether you’re a new company storing products in a single warehouse, or a brand working with dropshipping suppliers and POD companies to ship products from locations worldwide, the best warehouse management software will help you to boost productivity, and reduce costs.
The biggest challenge for business leaders today is deciding which WMS software to use, in an environment where countless new options are appearing all the time.
Today, we’re reviewing and comparing some of the most reputable picks in 2024, to help you make the right choice.
The 6 Best Warehouse Management Systems for 2024
What is Warehouse Management?
Before we start assessing some of the best warehouse management systems on the market today, it’s worth identifying what “warehouse management” actually means.
Warehouse management is simply the process of organizing the warehouses you use to store and ship products to customers.
A good warehouse management strategy involves coordinating people, equipment, orders, and inventory data, to ensure products are shipped quickly and cost-effectively to customers.
Warehouse Management Systems, or Warehouse Management software, are the tools companies use to streamline and simplify the process of warehouse management.
These digital tools allow companies to control and optimize the typical workflow of warehouses around the world, access valuable data, and set policies for picking, packaging, fulfillment, shipping, and even auditing.
The best tools offer business leaders and managers everything they need to control stock, manage labor, generate bills, analyze reports, and coordinate processes with shipping yards, docks, and third-party logistics companies.
What to Look for When Choosing a Warehouse Management System
There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy to choosing the best warehouse management system. The right technology for you will depend on a number of factors, from your budget to the complexity of your supply chain. Some solutions provide instant access to logistics partners, while others simply give you the tools you need to manage your own human resources.
If you’re not sure where to start with your comparison, here are a few points to consider:
- Key features: Start by defining the key features you’re going to need from a WMS. Common capabilities in most platforms include inventory and order management, for tracking information about your products and sales, picking and packaging optimization, shipping management tools, and integrations with third-party logistics solutions.
- Ease of use: The best WMS solution should always make your business and warehouses easier to manage. The more complex your technology is, the less likely it is employees will actually utilize it. Make sure the system is straightforward, with a clear interface accessible on any device (from desktops, to smartphones).
- Innovation: A little transformative technology can go a long way in a warehouse management tool. Solutions like AI-driven analytics can help you make better choices about how to organize your warehouses. Alternatively, automation tools can minimize repetitive tasks for your teams, making your business more productive.
- Integrations: Many of the best warehouse management software solutions feature open platforms which allow you to integrate your tools with other resources, like your POS system, your ERP platform, and even your scheduling tools for employees. More integration means you’ll be able to keep your team and processes connected.
- Budget: The more advanced your warehouse management system is, the more you’re likely to pay on a monthly basis for access. Think about how much you can afford to pay for your software, and make sure to consider the ROI of your purchase. Spending a little extra on a product that improves revenue and productivity may be worthwhile.
What are the Best WMS Services for 2024?
We assessed each of the warehouse management software options above based on criteria like overall functionality, ease of use, flexibility, and innovation.
We also examined the reviews and testimonials shared by other customers using the platforms, to pinpoint the solutions with the best overall reputation among business leaders.
1. Shipbob WMS
Shipbob, the leading fulfillment company for ecommerce brands, offers businesses access to a variety of tools and services designed to boost their profits, and simplify workflows.
The company offers best-in-class supply chain and fulfillment solutions across the UK, Europe, Canada, the US, and Australia.
Shipbob WMS is an easy-to-use and convenient platform designed to suit the needs of any business, large or small.
With this all-in-one platform, companies can access everything they need to track inventory, manage orders, and even choose shipping methods with the most affordable providers.
Plus, ShipBob comes with its own comprehensive app store and an open API, so you can integrate the system with any of the tools you’re already using. Key features include:
- Warehouse, order, and inventory management
- Transportation management and shipping optimization
- Pick and packing tools, policies, and automation
- In-depth reporting and analytics
- White glove implementation and dedicated support
Pricing
Similar to many WMS and fulfillment companies, Shipbob WMS doesn’t provide a clear insight into pricing for its WMS service on its website. You’ll need to contact the team to get a custom quote for your service, based on your specific needs. Your pricing will depend on factors like the areas you serve, the amount of support you need, and your inventory levels.
Pros 👍
- Fantastic customer support and onboarding
- Excellent insights into every warehouse you use
- Massive global reach across 40 countries
- Intuitive tools for reducing supply chain costs
- Integrations and custom API access
Cons 👎
- No transparent pricing
- Slight learning curve for beginners
2. Inventory Source
While Inventory Source might not offer a traditional Warehouse Management Solution like some of the options mentioned here, it does provide ecommerce businesses with the tools they need to manage their inventory and orders with a host of suppliers. What makes Inventory Source unique is its focus on the dropshipping landscape.
With the platform, companies can create powerful automated workflows, categorize supplier products, and streamline ordering and shipment management. Business leaders get a complete toolkit for connecting dropshipping partners on supply chain management. Features include:
- Cloud-based software available anywhere
- Complete inventory control with dropshipping suppliers
- Order fulfillment support
- Multichannel order tracking
- Real-time visibility into store performance
- Order routing support
Pricing
The price you’ll pay for Inventory Source depends on how many warehouse processes and workflows you want to automate.
If you just want real-time inventory automation, prices start at $99 per month for Basic sellers. If you want to automate everything and access order and shipment tracking across your sales channels, prices start at $199 per month.
Pros 👍
- Comprehensive inventory management system
- Easy connectivity to dropshipping distributors
- Tons of automation options
- Rapid syncing for cross-channel inventory
- Various integration options
Cons 👎
- Can be expensive for lots of integrations
- No tools for managing material handling, kitting, or packing
3. Netsuite WMS
The Netsuite company, owned by the leading Oracle technology brand, offers a variety of resources to business leaders, from Enterprise Resource Planning tools, to Customer Relationship Management software. The NetSuite WMS solution helps businesses to optimize day-to-day warehousing operations with industry-leading tools like mobile RF scanning, and defined strategies for picking, packing, and task management.
This comprehensive tool promises to streamline operations with improved data capture and accuracy across warehouses, better inventory visibility, improved space utilization, and greater productivity among teams. Some of the key features of the platform include:
- Mobile RF barcode scanning
- Strategy definition for a range of warehouse policies
- Integrated task management
- Returns authorization receipts
- Cycle count plans
- Real-time data tracking and insights
- Inventory and shipping management
Pricing
Similar to Shipbob, Netsuite delivers pricing on a per-customer basis. When you contact the team, you’ll be given an annual “license fee” for your service, based on the core platform features you need, the number of users accessing the system, and any optional “modules” you might want to access. As your business grows, you can also add new features and users.
Pros 👍
- Straightforward platform with an intuitive interface
- Third-party plugins and integrations
- Excellent end-to-end visibility for supply chains
- Mobile tools for work on the move
- Instant data syncing across tools
Cons 👎
- Can be expensive to access additional modules
- Limited access to extra features (such as ERP)
4. ShipHero
ShipHero is yet another popular cloud-based WMS, designed to address a range of business needs. The ShipHero team offers everything from comprehensive fulfillment services to intelligent tools for tracking warehouse operations. The WMS solution promises 99% shipping and picking accuracy, for peace of mind. Plus, you can access live carrier rates to reduce fulfillment costs.
There’s a mobile app for put-away picking and packing management. Tools for handling orders and returns across the product lifecycle, and useful inventory insights. ShipHero can also integrate with the tools you already use, from ERP systems to ecommerce platforms. Features include:
- Inventory insights into stock levels and stockouts
- Tools for automating fulfillment processes
- Dashboards and reports for forecasting
- Integration with CRM, ERP, and other tools
- Real-time shipping fee insights
Pricing
Unlike most WMS platforms, ShipHero is relatively straightforward with its pricing structure. The company offers three plans to choose from, starting with the Standard WMS service for £1350 per month, which includes returns, automation rules, rate shopping tools, warehouse routing, setup and training. The second plan for £1500 per month features contract options, 3PL billing and customer portals. There’s also an Enterprise plan, available for a custom price, with advanced contract options, and a dedicated CSM.
Pros 👍
- Powerful automation rules and workflows
- Insights into shipping rates in real-time
- Warehouse routing and management
- Omnichannel integration with various tools
- Handy dashboards and analytics
Cons 👎
- Expensive pricing for beginners
- Slight learning curve
5. Fishbowl Inventory
While Fishbowl is technically an ERP solution provider, it also offers a range of fantastic features for warehouse management. The SaaS solution from Fishbowl makes it easy to handle everything from allocation to labor management in your warehouse environment. You can access a range of real-time tracking modules, as well as a “Today View” tool to see all of your sales and purchase orders for the moment in one convenient place.
Fishbowl also offers a variety of warehouse automation tools for picking, packing, shipping, and recording important data. Plus, you’ll get a variety of vendor management tools, and auto purchasing solutions, to help preserve your warehouse inventory levels. Features include:
- Sales and purchasing management
- Tools for slotting, packing, picking, and replenishment
- Insightful analytics and reports
- Labor management functionality
- Multi-currency and multi-location controls
Pricing
Unfortunately, there are no prices listed for the inventory management software on Fishbowl’s website. Although there are a variety of package options to choose from, you’ll need to contact the customer service team to get a quote based on your specific needs. In general, prices start from around $4,395, depending on your requirements.
Pros 👍
- Comprehensive ERP and WMS tools in one place
- Mobile tools for managing inventory on the go
- Vendor management and auto purchasing tools
- Insightful analytics and dashboards
- Multi-currency and multi-location support
Cons 👎
- Expensive pricing for small business owners
- No on-premise installation options
6. Logiwa WMS
One of the most highly rated WMS and fulfillment service providers available today, Logiwa WMS was designed for wholesalers, distributors, and 3PLs. The comprehensive cloud fulfillment platform combines a digital warehouse ecosystem with tools for smart, automated ecommerce shipping. You can configure your WMS however you choose, and integrate the solution with hundreds of accounting, ecommerce, and shipping platforms.
Logiwa is one of the most advanced WMS systems on this list. The platform offers numerous features to explore, from intelligent automation for your distribution center, to smart order routing. You can track your inventory and bills in one place, and access dashboards and analytics, specifically designed to increase customer satisfaction. Features include:
- Huge variety of integration
- Pre-built and custom automation options
- Comprehensive configuration
- Analytics and reporting tools
- Smart, automated shipping
- Fulfillment network access
Pricing
The amount you pay for Logiwa will depend on the service “edition” you choose. There are specific tools for “Launch” companies selling in the DTC market, B2C and DTC companies searching for growth, and enterprise brands. Logiwa also offers specialist packages for wholesalers and 3PL companies. Pricing is offered on a per-quote basis.
Pros 👍
- Comprehensive artificial intelligence
- Powerful pre-built automations
- Smart order routing
- Procurement and order management
- Lots of integration options
Cons 👎
- Complicated initial setup
- No transparency for pricing
Choosing Your Warehouse Management System
The best Warehouse Management System or solution for you will depend on a number of factors, from how many inventory environments you need to manage, to the integrations you need. There are plenty of solutions out there, from those focused on dropshipping support, to comprehensive tools that cover everything from distribution center and cross-docking management to automation.
The good news is many of the tools on this list offer demos and free trials, so you can test out some of the functionality in advance, before diving in.
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