To determine if your warehouse operation is as efficient as it can be, start with a warehouse operations audit or assessment. This audit takes into account quantitative and qualitative aspects of the warehouse operations, processes, and systems.

First, assess your center’s processes and costs then answer these questions:

After months of preparation, systems customizations, file conversions, training, etc., you have just implemented your new ERP, OMS, WMS or Forecasting system. The Go Live isn’t as problem free as you’d like. What next?

When deciding on a new ERP system choosing a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) as an installation partner is as important as selecting the software itself. In addition to installation services, VARs are industry specialists that often develop industry-specific programming and assist in adapting key functions of the ERP to your business. They also work with the software manufacturer to add functionality to future releases, eliminating the need for customizations.

International studies show that 50% of all major systems projects are not completed on time and within budget. Often once the projects are delivered they don’t meet the users’ expectations after spending considerable capital and extensive time. After Go Live the users of the new systems often spend six months or longer to absorb and understand how to do their jobs with the new system. Often this means that company productivity suffers.

Studies show that more than 50% of all ERP and OMS systems are not installed on time and within budget. A significant number of companies spend 8 to 12 months after go live adapting to the new system. What are some of the mistakes that lead to these outcomes? We all operate from our experiences. Many companies and key management have not selected an ERP or OMS before; or in a long time. Here are 9 mistakes to avoid to increase your chances of success.

I just got a letter from my pharmacy, a store within a leading drug store chain, saying that as part of an audit five months ago they found I had been overcharged by 33 cents, with the check enclosed. I’m sure it’s required by their insurance company or the government, or both. You can’t make up something this ridiculous. Can you imagine the time and money it took to find the error, authorize payment and get a check written?

At a recent conference, I had one of the best panels I have ever had on systems strategies.  Joining me were:  Ashley Kohnen, Co-owner, COO, LEM Products, Keith Kirssin, President of BoxInBoxOut and Shao Li, Senior Operations Manager, UncommonGoods.   What made the panel so effective was they easily articulated why the three radically different approaches worked best for providing order management and warehouse management functionality to their company. 

Well, we just watched the 402^nd project where management intended to have new operational procedures and training materials developed to accompany the major upgrade of a new ERP system. The procedures were not developed and the users went live on the new ERP system for call center and fulfillment operations.

That’s the rhetorical question Matt Jordan, CEO, Premier Performance, Inc. asked of the audience at the Senior Executive Forum at Operations Summit 2015 about installing an order management system.  Matt is an FCBCO client and he has gone through several ERP and order management system conversions and shared his experiences.

Software as a Service (SaaS) and Cloud based computing has taken the application world by storm.  As you consider acquiring new systems – whether they are – new Warehouse Management System, ERP, Order Management, marketing, telephone system or shipping systems – there nine factors to consider comparing SaaS and cloud to on-premise approaches.  The chances are good that across your business you’ll use a combination of the two IT business models.