4 Warehouse Management System Examples for Indian E-commerce

As your order volumes grow, the limitations of manual inventory tracking will become painfully obvious.

A recent warehouse management study highlights that 

• 75% of brands see supply chain synchronisation as challenging, with over 25% considering it extremely difficult
• Manual warehouse processes often require two weeks of training, compared to just 20 minutes with automation
• Inventory inaccuracies cost companies in unnecessary holding costs

The counter to these problems is using a WMS that will help you

• Optimise picking routes to increase productivity by up to 97%
• Reduce labour requirements by up to 50%

The following guide examines warehouse management system examples you can consider to better manage your warehouse operations. 

Understanding Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

A warehouse management system gives you real-time visibility into the entire inventory functioning, helps you track and manage stock levels, storage locations, and movement of goods within the warehouse.

Consider a WMS as a central nervous system that helps you coordinate the end-to-end flow of products from receiving and put-away to picking, packing and shipping. 

It provides you with up-to-date information on stock availability, so you can maintain optimal inventory levels and prevent potential stockouts or excess inventory problems.

In terms of order fulfilment, using a WMS helps cut down on order fulfilment lead times from 8 days to just 2 days, by optimising picking paths, reducing errors, and improving shipping times. 

4 Types of Warehouse Management Systems

Below are the four common types of warehouse management systems brands use based on their unique needs.

1. Standalone WMS

Standalone WMS is popular among smaller brands or third-party logistics providers that don't require full-blown manufacturing capabilities. 

These warehouse solutions provide features to make day-to-day warehouse management more efficient, such as

• Receiving and putaway processes
• Inventory tracking and cycle counting
• Pick, pack and ship functions
• Order processing 
• Expiration date tracking
• Labelling and documentation 

As Shaun Frazier, director of operations at Sea to Summit North America, mentioned, "Any company that has experienced an accelerated growth pattern, exponential growth pattern, from a small business to a medium-sized business goes through the same growing pains that we went through." 

Brands that fit this description make the perfect user for a standalone WMS because they are easy to deploy onto your existing systems.

2. Supply Chain Module WMS

These are usually paired with other systems used in the supply chain, helping you balance supply and demand with the right combination of lead times, cost controls, and service levels, using appropriate inventory management and demand planning techniques.

These types of WMS offer

• Basic warehouse management features
• Customer service integration
• Vendor relationship management
• Transportation management
• Complete inventory control across the supply chain

3. ERP Module WMS

For e-commerce companies already using an ERP system, deploying a native WMS module is more straightforward and cost-effective. 

On the flip side, many Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms come with in-built warehouse management modules, eliminating the need for a separate WMS solution. 

While these ERP modules might not possess the depth of functionality that a standalone WMS brings, they do provide integration with other processes, including

• Financial management
• Order management
• Production planning
• Purchasing
• Sales and customer relationships 

4. Cloud-Based WMS

They are the latest and most feature-packed alternative to conventional WMS, because they provide you with real-time inventory data to track each SKU online or offline, across locations throughout the supply chain. 

These WMS types come with 

• Lower upfront costs (no hardware requirements)
• Faster implementation (weeks rather than months)
• Minimal IT administration needs
• Regular automatic updates
• Scalability as your brand grows
• Remote accessibility via mobile devices 

Warehouse Management System Examples for Indian E-commerce

Below are warehouse management system examples, each offering specific advantages for different business needs.

1. Zoho Inventory

Zoho Inventory is a cloud based warehouse management solution that's cost effective, simple to implement, comes with local support and more.

It helps brands operating with multiple warehouses in different regions to serve customers nationwide, by dispatching orders from the closest warehouse which improves delivery times and saves transportation costs margins.

Key Features

• Multi-warehouse management across different locations
• Stock transfer tracking with batch and serial number support
• Warehouse-specific order fulfillment to reduce shipping costs
• Real-time inventory visibility across all storage locations
• Integrated analytics with detailed warehouse performance reports
• Seamless integration with other business systems including e-commerce platforms

2. Unicommerce Warehouse Management System

Unicommerce is one of the best warehouse management system examples for brands operating in omnichannel settings.

It automatically syncs your inventory levels across all marketplaces, preventing overselling which is common among brands selling via multiple channels.

The platform supports both B2B and B2C fulfillment models, allowing you to manage both retail distribution and direct to consumer orders from a single platform. 

Key Features

• Cross-warehouse inventory visibility with real-time stock updates
• Barcode and QR code scanning for streamlined warehouse operations
• Integration with major Indian marketplaces including Flipkart, Amazon, Myntra, and Ajio
• Automated pick-pack-ship workflow to minimize order processing time
• Smart inventory allocation algorithms to prevent stockouts
• Returns processing with quality check workflows
• Warehouse-specific analytics and performance dashboards

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3. Pragma (formerly Logisy)

Next in the list of warehouse management system examples is Pragma, we offer an integrated warehouse, order management and advanced RTO (Return to Origin) prevention features.

It helps you address and bring down the high RTO rates by 45-60% through behavioral analysis that flags risky orders at checkout stage.

It connects with all major logistics providers including Delhivery, Pickrr, Shiprocket, and Blue Dart, with automatic AWB creation for reverse shipments. 

Key Features

• RTO Suite that identifies high-risk orders using AI-enabled analysis consisting of 300+ parameters
• Warehouse selection and order routing based on proximity to customer
• Automated NDR (Non-Delivery Report) management with real-time tracking
• Return management system with complete visibility and courier integration
• Multi-warehouse inventory management with transfer order tracking
• WhatsApp Business integration for order verification and customer communication

4. SAP Extended Warehouse Management

SAP Extended Warehouse Management, as many users describe it, works "for companies of all sizes and in any industry."

Especially for users already using SAP's ERP solutions, it integrates with "SAP ERP Central Component and S/4HANA ERP, as well as other SAP products.

Key Features

• Comprehensive receiving and putaway functionalities
• Cross-docking 
• Advanced quality management
• Labour planning and monitoring
• Detailed analytics and reporting

Choosing the Right WMS for Your E-commerce Business

Follow the suggested steps when selecting the best warehouse management system for your company.

Focus on Current Business Needs with an Eye to the Future

Jim Brochu, GM of supply chain for Pivotree, suggests, "If you have to ask that question, you probably should use a consultant. But you especially should if you don't have enough information to forecast and understand what the actual costs will be." 

Meaning that to ensure you pick a WMS that fits with both present and future needs, you must consider your

• Current warehouse operations pain points
• Expected business growth over the next 2-5 years
• Plans for opening new facilities or expanding e-commerce efforts
• Potential new business lines you might launch 

Evaluate Three Key Dimensions

When assessing potential options, examine these three areas of consideration

1. Implementation Model: Will the installation be on-premises or on the cloud?
   
   
2. Pricing Model: Does the vendor demand upfront licensed payment, a subscription fee, or a hybrid pricing approach?
   
   
3. Management Model: Will the vendor operate and manage the WMS, or will your team be responsible for its administration?
4. Integration: Integration is important because a centralised suite of systems will help you recognise changes in upstream and downstream, so you can communicate those changes throughout your supply chain network. 

Create a Shortlist of Potential WMS Providers

Look for providers who ask specific, compelling questions to help you think about your warehouse management more deeply. 

Such vendors are more likely to become long-term partners with the potential to strengthen your warehouse operations.

Thoroughly Evaluate the Shortlisted Options

Once you've narrowed your options, conduct an in-depth analysis because sometimes vendors might overstate their solution, but when you take a detailed tour or demo of the product, you could come across some differences that don’t match the original offerings.  

• Request detailed demos that address your specific scenarios
• Ask about integration possibilities with your systems
• Inquire about implementation timelines and methodology
• Discuss training requirements and ongoing support
• Understand the total cost of ownership, including hidden costs

Consider Scalability and Flexibility

• Evaluate if the WMS can handle uncertain order volumes
• Check if it can accommodate more warehouses as you expand
• Confirm it can support new technologies like robotics or AI as you adopt them

Implementing a Warehouse Management System

The following roadmap will ensure your WMS implementation brings maximum value with minimal disruption.

Pre-Implementation Planning

A common mistake brands make is rushing through this preparation stage. 

You must think from the mindset of not buying a product that solves today's problems, but a solution for continuous improvement and process change as you grow over time. 

So, before beginning the actual implementation

• Define your objectives: Decide specific, measurable goals for your WMS, it could be faster order processing time, improving inventory accuracy, or saving labour costs.
• Document current processes: Identify inefficiencies to improve in your current warehouse processes.
• Form an implementation team: Involve members from operations, IT, finance, and senior management
• Create a detailed timeline: Commit to a realistic schedule for key milestones and dependencies

System Configuration and Customisation

Once you've finalised your warehouse management system, the next step is to configure it according to your warehouse settings.

In the words of Sachin Misra, principal at Kalypso, "Customisations or modifications, which can be costly for on-premises systems, are vendor-managed with client approval" in cloud-based systems. 

Suggesting that your WMS type will impact your customisation cost.

• Warehouse layout mapping: Create a digital map of your physical warehouse layout in the WMS
• Inventory categorisation: Classify your inventory based on product characteristics, demand patterns, and storage requirements
• Workflow configuration: Decide picking methods, putaway rules, and order processing steps
• User roles and permissions: Allocate security protocols and access levels for each staff member

Data Migration and Integration

Before you move your data from existing systems to your new WMS, make sure to

• Remove duplicate or obsolete inventory records
• All information follows the structure required by the new system
• To conduct trial data transfers before the final cutover
• Properly connect it with all your systems 

Training and Change Management

To ensure your team adapts to the new system

• Provide role-based training for different user roles (pickers, packers, supervisors)
• Create accessible documentation, user guides and standard operating procedures
• Identify and train internal experts who can support their colleagues
• Set up channels for your staff to easily report issues and suggest improvements

Benefits of Using a WMS in E-commerce

Using a warehouse management system comes with various benefits as described below.

Better Inventory Accuracy and Visibility

A WMS reads serial codes and tracks each product from the moment it enters your warehouse through its movement on the floor, making the outbound delivery process faster. 

With such real-time tracking, you gain

• Precise stock level monitoring across locations
• Reduced shrinkage and inventory discrepancies
• Better insights into inventory turnover rates
• Accurate fulfilment promises to customers

Efficient Order Fulfilment 

As Dave Forberg, VP of operations at Magid, said, "A WMS scanning improves pick accuracy, which in turn can help you deliver the right item the customer ordered." 

This small but significant improvement in customer experience is worth it.

Cost Reduction Leading To Improved ROI

WMS is proven to help save brands costs, such as by increasing outbound load density by 25% through right-sized boxes, saving space and thus shipping costs.

Companies have reportedly reclaimed 10,000 square feet of warehouse space using a WMS integrated inventory management solution, with 80% of their inventory taking up just 5% of their overall warehouse space. 

Integration With Broader Supply Chain Ecosystem

Most of the warehouse management systems come with proper integration ability with other systems, such as 

• E-commerce platforms for order synchronisation
• ERP systems for financial and operational data sharing
• Transportation management systems for logistics coordination
• Customer relationship management for improved service

Creating an end-to-end supply chain orchestration that provides you with "clear, actionable information to maximise efficiency." 

When implementing your WMS, also consider how it will handle returns processing. Knowing how warehouse management system and returns management systems works differently will help you address both forward and reverse logistics needs.

To Wrap It Up

The above warehouse management system examples are all packed with their own set of features. 

It's completely your call to decide which type of WMS and what vendor to go with. Be sure you run a thorough planning of your current and future warehouse process, so you select the right tool that moves along with your growth.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions On Warehouse Management System Examples)

What are the 5S’s in warehouse management?

The 5S system includes Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise, and Sustain, a methodology that organises warehouses for efficiency through systematic cleaning, ordering, and maintaining equipment and inventory.

What is kaizen in a warehouse?

Kaizen is about continuous improvement in warehouse operations through small, incremental changes. It involves staff at all levels identifying and implementing efficiency improvements rather than major one-time changes.

Which type of warehouse is best?

No single warehouse type suits every business. The right choice depends on your specific requirements, order volume, product range, and budget. Cloud-based WMS systems offer flexibility for most growing e-commerce businesses.