The right software applications can provide solutions to many of the challenges that small or medium-sized businesses face. Software as a service is not new; since its first implementation several decades ago, it has become one of the most valuable resources to which businesses have access. Your company should put as much thought into the cloud-based services it engages as into the computer hardware that it buys. If you are operating a third-party logistics operation, then the right warehouse management system can help support the teams in your warehouse as they perform the warehouse processes for which your organizations are responsible.
What Is WMS (Warehouse Management System)?
A warehouse management system (WMS) is a software platform that warehouses use to help them with inventory management and order fulfillment. Its various functions help you with warehouse operations such as putaway, cycle counting, barcode scanning of items, and picking. It can improve inventory accuracy, labor productivity, and customer satisfaction.
The WMS is the operating system of the entire warehouse, but each employee and each piece of equipment interacts with the WMS functions in a different way. An employee in charge of bar code scanning will look at his or her dashboard to find the locations of the bins which are the focus of today’s assignment. As the barcoding employee scans each item to get it ready to pack or stock, the WMS automatically updates as each piece of input that comes in. When the employee finishes one task, the WMS displays new tasks on the employee’s mobile device.
What Is NetSuite?
NetSuite is a leader in business software and software as a service industry. It has been helping companies achieve success since the old days when computers were huge and software had to be installed onto a device from a floppy disk and then launched in multiple steps. NetSuite has evolved with improvements in computer technology, and today it remains a leader in a world where business software operates with much greater efficiency than it did in the days when people used to try to resolve computer issues by blowing on a floppy disk or a computer mouse to remove dust.
NetSuite WMS is only one of the many software products that NetSuite offers. Its other tools include software suites for accounting, payroll, customer relationship management, procurement, human resources management, and eCommerce. Its business software helps small startups meet their growth goals and enables medium-sized businesses to meet customer expectations about costs and value so that these companies can compete with mega-corporations.
The Need for a Specialized WMS Solution for NetSuite Clients
In its many years of developing its products, NetSuite has adapted to meet the needs and requirements of its users so that they can better serve their customers. Different industries have different software needs, though. If you are operating a third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse, then you need a WMS module. The dashboards, spreadsheets, and task management on a software module designed for a hotel or restaurant would not be an adequate substitute. Instead, you need software that compiles and analyzes inventory data efficiently so that you can know how many goods your warehouse has space for. You also need the WMS to optimize inventory visibility, so that it will be easy for the warehouse employees to see the products they are trying to find. WMS implementations are not interchangeable with other business software applications, so your 3PL operation should not use generic business software.
Understanding NetSuite’s Capabilities
If you only use the Microsoft applications that came included on your devices, or if you are constantly searching the web for free online templates of business documents, then you will be amazed at what NetSuite business software can do for your company’s operations, whether you are a small eCommerce business that only sells footwear or a distribution and fulfillment provider that serves multiple clients and operates multiple warehouses. The variety of NetSuite’s business software applications and packages is too large to list here, but the beauty of them is that they all automate the processes that can be done automatically and share relevant information with the appropriate parties across applications within the organization. Every time a customer makes a transaction or the WMS software makes a replenishment order, the employees who need access to this information to complete their tasks find this out immediately. NetSuite software reduces human error and enables people and devices to work more efficiently.
NetSuite is not the only business software out there, but its user-friendly setup sets it apart. It provides an intuitive user experience. It also offers customer support where live people will answer your questions about transactions, data analytics, automation of warehouse processes, and more. Much like Sage Intacct, NetSuite offers cloud-based software solutions. Software platforms that store data on a cloud instead of on your devices offer better protection against computer viruses and data theft.
Explanation of NetSuite’s Functionality in eCommerce
NetSuite products offer many opportunities for eCommerce businesses to streamline their operations and save on costs. It enables eCommerce vendors to partner with warehouses and third-party logistics providers. It can also help eCommerce companies with advertising and billing. For companies that handle their own shipping, NetSuite’s eCommerce software can track your shipments and keep customers up to date on the progress of their orders. It can also produce analytics reports about market trends and customer satisfaction, among other topics.
Role of NetSuite in 3PLs (Third-Party Logistics)
Third-party logistics (3PL) providers can benefit immensely from NetSuite business software applications. Some of NetSuite’s software suites are designed specifically for the 3PL industry. 3PL is where a company uses its warehouse to store and distribute products that belong to other eCommerce companies. All except the smallest eCommerce companies rely on 3PL to help them get their products to consumers. 3PL accounts for a growing share of NetSuite’s business software customers. Check out NetSuite’s blog for updates about what is new in the world of business software for 3PL providers.
Why ShipHero WMS Is the Best Solution for NetSuite Clients
NetSuite offers a vast array of business software products, but ShipHero WMS is the best choice for 3PL providers. It has features specific to all the tasks that 3PL warehouse employees do, and it integrates beautifully with the other NetSuite business software applications that you already use.
Special Features of ShipHero WMS that Make It the Ideal Choice
Analytics is one of the strong points of ShipHero WMS. It collects all the data you could ever want to know about your warehouse and the supply chain. ShipHero WMS compiles retrospective reports and can also engage in predictive analytics.
Benefits of Integrating ShipHero WMS With NetSuite
Automating warehouse processes is another commonly cited goal of clients who use ShipHero WMS. For example, it enables you to automate cycle counting, which would otherwise be a time-consuming process. It also enables you to automate replenishment. You can simply instruct the software to reorder a certain product when the stock level gets below a certain point.
Case Studies or Testimonials Demonstrating the Effectiveness of ShipHero WMS
The ShipHero website includes case studies about clients in the United States and Canada who have implemented ShipHero WMS. These include eCommerce companies that sell everything from clothing to tires to musical instruments.
Key Takeaways
If warehouses play any role in your business activities, even if yours is only a small eCommerce store, then ShipHero WMS is just what you need. It integrates smoothly with other NetSuite software suites, which are a popular choice for small and medium-sized businesses. User-friendliness, analytics, and automation are among the greatest strengths of ShipHero WMS.
FAQs
Each business that engages the services of ShipHero WMS has unique needs. These are some common questions that 3PL providers and eCommerce businesses have about ShipHero Warehouse Management Software for NetSuite.
How Does a WMS Integrate into an ERP Like NetSuite?
When you install ShipHero WMS, it automatically knows how to interact with NetSuite. The two platforms have been designed to work together. Therefore, you do not have to overhaul all of your business software simply because you have started using ShipHero WMS for NetSuite.
Is NetSuite a Data Warehouse?
NetSuite uses cloud-based data storage and was one of the first software companies in the world to implement this type of data storage. Since NetSuite stores your data on a cloud instead of on the hard drives of your devices, it gives you an extra layer of protection against cyber attacks. Besides cloud storage, NetSuite also has other robust cybersecurity features.
Does Oracle Have a WMS System?
Oracle has a WMS system, namely ShipHero WMS for NetSuite. NetSuite has been a subsidiary of Oracle since 2016.
Contact ShipHero today for a demo.