Custom WMS integrations: use cases and benefits explored

Would your business benefit from customising WMS integrations? Explore your options and common use cases in our industry guide.



Sometimes, a warehouse needs a warehouse management system (WMS) that's ready straight out of the box.

Our product CORE, for instance, gives you the essentials – and in the right circumstances, it can be up and running in less than 24 hours.

End-to-end visibility. Voice picking integration. Tech support from real experts. In our view, these are all essentials – and for some businesses, they're all that's needed.

For others, however, an entry-level, off-the-shelf WMS doesn't provide the advanced, granular control they need.

It all depends on the use cases you have in mind. So, what are the key applications for custom WMS integrations, and how can they benefit your brand?

Use cases of custom WMS integrations

The most common WMS integrations are hardware automation and robotics, online marketplaces, proprietary ERP and CRM systems and shipping/carrier networks.

1. Robotics

There's nothing new about robotics. Their integration with cloud-based warehouse management systems, however, is a whole new ball game.

The main advantage is that syncing automated storage systems, robot pickers, smart forklifts and the like means your inventory is updated in real time, prompted by physical movements in the warehouse.

2. Online marketplaces

Another way to enhance real-time stock availability is by connecting your WMS to eCommerce platforms.

Once integrated, your WMS pulls orders from online stores. The customer is then automatically sent a tracking order and the fulfilment status of their order.

Common eCommerce integrations include Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento and Squarespace. As well as enhancing stock availability, these keep precise records of tracking details and shipping statuses.

As with so many advantages related to a WMS, the big-picture benefit is the elimination of manual data entry and all the mistakes that come with it. On top of this, the risk of overstocking is drastically reduced, and fulfilment is accelerated to meet customer expectations.

3. Proprietary ERP and CRM systems

Where a WMS deals with daily floor logistics such as receiving, putaway, packing and shipping, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system covers high-level business operations such as finance, HR and sales.

By integrating the two, warehouse leaders create a single source of truth. The ERP receives customer orders and relays them to the WMS – and once the order is fulfilled, the WMS updates the ERP.

This means financial reporting and inventory levels remain in perfect harmony – all day, every day. When things get complicated, having a single source of truth can be a transformative advantage.

The same goes for integrations with customer relationship management (CRM) tools. This breaks down data silos, connecting front-office sales data with backroom inventory. Orders can now be processed faster, customers updated in real time and sales pipelines used to forecast demand.

4. Shipping/carrier networks

Last but not least, a commonly used WMS integration is with shipping and carrier networks. This helps businesses build API connections with local freight services, 3PLs or last-mile delivery fleets.

With this integration in place, it's easier than ever to streamline transportation arrangements for your goods – and get them to the customer in good condition and in good time.



How do systems communicate in a WMS integration?

Systems typically integrate using application programming interfaces (APIs). These enable the instant exchange of data between two programmes.

That means, to take a common example, that when an order is placed, the WMS immediately gets the details and updates the storefront.

What are the benefits of custom WMS integrations?

Let's zoom out. All the integrations we've mentioned can improve your daily warehouse operations. But what benefits do they all have in common? In our view, there are six key benefits.

1. Real-time data syncing

Without WMS integrations, there's likely to be a delay between fulfilment and data updates. This can make it hard to keep track of order status and stock availability. When these problems compound, they lead to overstocking, stockouts and reputation-denting delivery mistakes.

With WMS integrations, inventory levels and order statuses can be immediately reflected on all relevant platforms.

2. Better productivity

In the pre-WMS age, data transfer was done through manual entry. This can be done well – but when speed and accuracy are the name of the game, WMS integrations win hands down and give your productivity a boost.

3. Error reduction

Our second point about productivity relates to a significant reduction in errors. Automated systems spot data-entry duplications, helping your teams pick, pack and ship more accurately. And when inaccuracy means customer dissatisfaction, it's a no-brainer.

4. Data-backed decision-making

WMS integrations consolidate and unify diverse sources of information. Finance data, transport details, shipping status and more can all be accessed through the same dashboard.

This doesn't just make it easier to verify information. It also helps teams make decisions backed with data, not guesswork – decisions that can increase confidence and drive growth.

5. Breaking down data silos

Data silos are a drag. They're the data equivalent of what's known in organisation management as a lack of "joined-up thinking".

By aligning data from multiple platforms, WMS integrations improve consistency and data accessibility. These can have a tangible effect on the way your business is run.

6. Scalability

Do you want your business to grow? We thought so. WMS integrations help you scale with ease – if, for instance, you want to incorporate data from a new warehouse into your software.

EDGE: an enterprise WMS with extensive customisation options 

Here at Minster WMS, we provide two warehouse management solutions:

• CORE, our entry-level WMS designed for small businesses that want to scale fast
• EDGE, an advanced warehouse management system with extensive support for custom features and integrations
  
  

If you want all the core functionalities of a WMS with the ability to customise features and integrations, EDGE is the one for you.

Our UK-based team of devs will help you customise EDGE. And in case you want to scale up, you have free, unlimited user licences at your disposal.



So, if you're looking for a cloud-based WMS that's flexible enough to fit your unique workflow, book a demo with our experts today.