Professional Software, and Why I’m Excited
Software
I’ve talked about the importance of your WMS before, and now we need to dive deeper. After all, software drives your business forward, reconciles your inventory, processes orders, and enters receipts. It often feels like the bane of our existence. Furthermore, many people have voiced frustration over the systems they use, which proves you must choose software carefully.
My Experience
Not long ago, we faced the need to implement new software. So, where do you start? How do you find companies that offer a WMS that supports your business? First, understand that vetting becomes one of the most challenging parts of the search! Next, think of it like buying a car—the salespeople tell you what they think you want to hear, whether it’s true or not. Therefore, you must ask questions about a WMS in a way that forces direct answers. However, that’s not as easy as it sounds. Salespeople often lead you in circles, showing off features without answering your questions.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned while vetting companies was to get the time frame and pricing information up front. Here’s why: I vetted a company and felt impressed with the software. It handled everything we needed and offered many features we wanted. Then, I agreed to take it for a test run, and it performed as well as I hoped. Unfortunately, reality hit—the price tag was sky-high. We couldn’t justify spending that much. As a result, the vendor became agitated and told me I had wasted his time.
Keep A Watchful Eye
Many software companies promise hope and solutions. However, watch for red flags, especially if you operate in the U.S. Let’s look at a few:
- First, check if their headquarters sit overseas. This creates problems because it affects the support you receive. Support matters.
- Second, evaluate support itself. Do they offer tiered support? Do all clients submit tickets that they handle in order, or do they use a support hierarchy?
- Third, if the company offers SaaS, make sure you understand all monthly and yearly costs.
- Next, beware of any company that tries to talk you out of something!
- Finally, when vetting companies, create a list of non-negotiable requirements. During the demo, make sure they show the software performing each of those functions.
Software: Putting It All Together
To sum it up, finding the right software takes time, requires vetting multiple companies, and demands a clear understanding of your company’s needs. Additionally, consider the growth potential of any option you seriously evaluate. Personally, I found the decision easier once I narrowed it down to three choices. After that, I eliminated options based on small differences.
