Does Your Business Need a Cloud Based WMS?

You’ve probably been hearing a lot about the Cloud. After all, it’s responsible for a growing number of tasks you perform daily. In fact, you probably access apps, movies, music, photos, documents, and services from the Cloud, and even use the Cloud for data storage and backup.

Warehousing and distribution also uses the Cloud to provide a web-based warehouse management system (WMS). However, despite its benefits, studies show very few businesses are taking advantage of the technology. Perhaps it’s because their questions are not being answered.

If you have questions about web-based WMS, Brendamour Warehousing is a great source for getting answers. To get started, here are answers to some basic questions you may have when deciding whether a cloud based WMS is right for your business.

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing means using the Internet instead of your computer’s hard drive to store and access data and programs.

For businesses, cloud computing does away with having to build and maintain an in-house computing infrastructure, such as servers.

How does a cloud based warehouse management system work?

Businesses have several options for implementing a Cloud WMS:

• Software-as-a-service (SaaS) – Your company would subscribe to an application accessible over the Web.
• Platform-as-a-service (PaaS) – Your company would customize its own applications for use by everyone in the company.
• Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) – Your company rents out an infrastructure from giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.
• Third party logistics provider (3PL) – Your company uses a 3PL, like Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services, to handle its warehousing, distribution, and other logistical needs you may have.

Advanced 3PLs use a web-based WMS to provide their customers with real-time, secure access to their inventory, order tracking, and shipping status. For example, at Brendamour Warehousing, you can check your inventory, submit orders and receipts, and track shipments 24/7 from wherever you have Internet access. That includes a smartphone, laptop, workstation, home or business computer, tablet, or any other type of mobile device.

Will a Cloud WMS work with my existing infrastructure?

One of the many features of a cloud based warehouse management system is its compatibility. Companies that made the switch have experienced:

• Easy integration with their other systems;
• Flexibility that allows customization to their operations;
• Scalability to grow with their business;

How will my company benefit from a cloud based WMS?

Studies show that businesses currently using a WMS in the Cloud realize numerous benefits, including:

• Access to information in real time;
• Reduced labor costs by 25 percent;
• Reduced overall costs by 21 percent;
• Savings from eliminated IT costs for hardware, software, upgrades, maintenance, data storage, and security.

With these benefits, the return on investment (ROI) in switching to a cloud based warehouse management system is realized at a faster rate.

How does my business get started with a cloud based WMS?

For most companies, using a public warehouse 3PL is the most efficient and cost-effective way to go to realize the benefits of a web-based warehouse management system. That’s because the WMS is already in place and your business is only charged for the warehousing, distribution, and logistics services it uses.

At Brendamour Warehousing, we’re always available to answer your questions and help you decide the best WMS approach for your business. When you’re ready to explore cloud based WMS and the benefits your company can realize, simply contact Brendamour Warehousing, Distribution & Services. We’re in the business of helping you reach your warehousing, distribution, and logistics goals.