What is a warehouse management system (WMS)? And when do you need one?
Definition: what is a WMS?
A warehouse management system (WMS) is software that provides real-time control over inventory, picking, packing, and shipping — down to the exact location, batch, and serial number. Where an ERP system provides a high-level overview, a WMS provides the physical granularity that large and medium-sized warehouses need.
Core features of a modern WMS
Goods receipt and control against orders
Picking and packing, including FEFO picking (first out, shortest shelf life)
Inventory counting and deviation reporting
Traceability via batch, serial number and expiration date
Integration towards transportation solutions
When do you need your own WMS?
The number of order lines and SKUs has grown beyond what spreadsheets or simple ERP inventory management can handle
You experience constant discrepancies between actual and recorded inventory
Hand terminals or scanning are necessary to keep picking errors down
You handle batch, serial number or expiration date and must be able to track everything in the event of a recall.
How does a WMS work in practice?
With InStock WMS, warehouse personnel will work in InStock - not ERP. Everything is solved with integrations.
The InStock app runs on all modern Android devices, from rugged handheld terminals from Zebra to tablets, and is delivered as a cloud service in certified Norwegian data centers.
How to get started
A typical implementation starts with mapping the current warehouse flow and integration needs with ERP, and normally takes a few weeks from start-up to operation.
Frequently asked questions
Does WMS work with handheld terminals?
Yes, the InStock app runs on all modern Android devices, from rugged handheld terminals from Zebra to tablets.
Does WMS support batch and expiration date tracking?
Yes, batch/lot tracking, serial number, best before date, and FEFO picking are standard in InStock, without additional modules.
Is a WMS cloud-based, or do we have to have our own servers?
InStock is delivered as a cloud service in certified Norwegian data centers — no separate server operation required.
