Top 6 Features Every Cloud-Based WMS Should Have

Warehouse workers in the distribution, logistics, 3PL, and other sectors are always under pressure to streamline operations, reduce costs, and guarantee client satisfaction. But how will they do it? Easy—by using powerful cloud-based warehouse management software (cloud WMS).

WMS is the heart of many fulfillment operations. This software helps optimize warehouse operations, allowing you to make the most of your available space and resources and complete more packages on schedule.

But this is only possible when you select the right WMS for your business. However, with so many options, you can easily get confused. That’s why we are here. We have compiled a list of necessary features of cloud based WMS. 

Scroll down to have a look: 

1. Inventory Management

With WMS, real-time tracking of inventory levels, statuses, and locations within the warehouse is possible. Inventory movement should be recorded at the point of items entering the warehouse, including all movement inside the warehouse and concluding with goods leaving the warehouse for better insight. 

Inventory Management features: 

• Inventory status and level in real-time 
• Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) support
• Serial number, batch, and date information attribute logging
• Scan barcodes to ensure stock correctness
• Allocating inventory to orders, restocking, and warehouse duties (FIFO, FEFO)
• Reporting on inventory movement and stock-take functionality

2. Order Management 

Orders from various sources must be handled by a modern warehouse. Omni-channel systems receive orders via a range of online storefronts, social media platforms, CSV uploads, API/EDI connections, EPOS, or human entry. 

With a WMS, you can manage all of your orders from a single platform, assign all of your orders and backorders from a single inventory source, automate processes for accuracy and speed, and keep track of everything from delivery to receipt. By using data analytics and forecasting to increase operational efficiency, the company can also report on important order data, enabling you to make important decisions. 

An order management system must include: 

• A single location for bulk order management
• Orders, inventory, and dispatch information can be received through multiple ways
• Management of backorders
• Order status information to facilitate automation and motivate warehouse activity
• Modification of order details and logging
• Logging of queries and responses
• Order monitoring

3. Shipping Management

A warehouse's shipping needs must be automated by a WMS. Automated courier and service selection that takes into account the destination, order, and package details, and creates any necessary paperwork. The automation or mass production of shipping labels and the retrieval of tracking data will be made possible via integration with couriers.

A shipping management system must include:

• Automated selection of services
• Integration of document production and creation of shipping labels
• Automatic acquisition of tracking data
• Analytics and reporting

4. Mobile Functionality 

When picking and tasking, mobile functionality allows people to scan barcodes for SKUs and warehouse locations. This is done while completing tasks to log for traceability and guarantee accuracy and operational efficiency. Given the popularity of cloud-based WMS solutions and the trend toward larger warehouses, having mobile access to a WMS's complete functionality via a tablet or laptop should also be taken into account.

Important smartphone features are:

• Mobile barcode scanning for picking, refunds, warehouse duties, and items in
• Protection against internet dropouts
• Access to a cloud-based system via mobile

5. Returns Management

Returns management is an essential component of fulfillment. A WMS must offer a simple, effective return procedure for both orders and blind returns. Returns management procedures should produce any necessary paperwork, record the returned goods and their condition, offer exchange or refund choices prior to the returned goods being inspected, and then prepare them for restocking or scrappage.

The following are important features of return management:

• Returning goods based on a blind receipt or an order
• recording the return's explanation and its action (exchange or reimbursement)
• An examination procedure with choices for scrapping or restocking
• Analytics and reporting

6. Goods in Processes 

Effectively managing inventory might be one of a warehouse's most difficult tasks. A WMS should give you visibility into future deliveries, including the date, time, and magnitude of the delivery, so you can estimate how many personnel will be required to manage it effectively. 

To minimize the amount of time a loading bay is occupied, it would be ideal to support a staged receipt as well, which would enable larger shipments to be promptly accepted for future put-away. In order to effectively log even unforeseen deliveries into the system, a WMS should also allow blind reception.

Essential features include:

• Advanced shipment notifications (ASN) are supported
• Delivery schedule to display forthcoming shipments
• Codes for Serial Shipping Containers Support for GS-1 labels
• Put-away procedures and staged receipts

Conclusion 

A cloud-based WMS can improve your warehouse operations, boosting efficiency and customer satisfaction. By focusing on key features like real-time inventory tracking and easy order management, you can streamline your processes and save costs. 

Interested in upgrading your logistics? Reach out to us to see how we can help!