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Sponsored by: Presented by:
Chuck Fuerst
Director of Product Strategy
Signs You
Should
Replace Your
Current WMS
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Introduction
• 17 years experience in technology and enterprise software markets • HighJump customers include high tech, manufacturing, retail and
consumer products companies
WMS Replacement – A Growing
Trend
• ARC Advisory Group: 2012 calendar year worldwide revenue for WMS market was more than $1.4 billion
• Warehouse Management Systems Market Size and Forecast • 2012 to 2017 CAGR = 6.4%
The question is…
Does your current system strengthen or
hinder your ability to execute business
strategies that will help you build competitive
advantage, respond to constant change and
grow your business?
Strengthening or hindering?
• Do you create workarounds for new business requirements? • Does your WMS support several languages?
• Can your WMS support the robust interoperability of systems worldwide via a services-oriented architecture (SOA)?
What you’ll learn today
• Key indicators that it may be time to replace your WMS
• How to know whether your system is constraining your company’s reach and growth
Short-sighted technology
architecture
• Are you creating workarounds for business?
Support is becoming increasingly
expensive
• A homegrown WMS carries big risks
• Delaying a complex upgrade may require maintaining older versions of related infrastructure
• The WMS is one of the most customized software applications in the enterprise
• To compensate for functionality, your employees may begin using manual processes that are impossible to effectively standardize and control
Limited functional footprint
• Does your WMS allow continuous improvement initiatives?
• SCE Suites allow you to execute business processes across the entire supply chain
You can’t adapt to change
• Investing in new equipment
• A configurable and adaptable WMS supports and enables your unique business processes
• Modular approach and architecture supports evolutionary process in step with business practices
Risky and expensive to upgrade – if
you can upgrade at all!
• Changes may require custom coding which don’t carry through upgrades
• Often requires development time or expensive vendor engagements • Upgrading a legacy or custom-code based system may cost as
External factors make your WMS
obsolete
• Increased globalization of supplier network, customer base or facilities
• New customer demands, order anywhere, fulfill anywhere
• Regulations require technology and interoperability your WMS cannot support
CAN’T I JUST UPGRADE MY
CURRENT WMS?
Should I upgrade my current WMS?
• Your existing system might be so aged or “homegrown” that even relatively simple improvements become costly and time-consuming • May cost hundreds of thousands of dollars every few years
• Be aware of the technical foundation—the server, the database or the layered products—might be going out of support.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A
NEW WMS
The ideal WMS solution
• Fits functional business requirements today • Addresses core business issues
• Easily integrates with existing systems
• Rapidly and cost-effectively responds to change • Meets ever-increasing customer demands
• Builds competitive advantage
Page 18
WMS systems are inherently complex
“WMS software tends to beamong the most customized enterprise applications.”
Page 19
Changes in your business will require additional custom code
Business Requirements Future Requirements
Page 20
Empowers businesses to respond to dynamic requirements
Business Requirements Future Requirements
NO CUSTOM CODING
TCO and Adaptability
• Dramatic implementation cost savings
• Rapid upgrades you can perform yourself
• Quick and easy incorporation of change orders
• Elimination of custom code modifications
Initial cost is not the end of the story
• Additional factors and questions when evaluating TCO: – Average WMS lifespan is 8-12 years
– Are you forced to go to the technology provider to make business process changes?
– What is the typical cost of the upgrade? Are vendor consultants required?
– How are source code modification managed through the upgrade process?
Points to remember
• The potential benefits from a WMS is great, but also great is the possibility that a weak WMS is hurting your business
• An ineffective WMS may constrain potential for adjoining business process improvements, global growth or adding new customers • An adaptable, flexible WMS can help position your business to
better leverage your supply chain and take advantage of new opportunities
Other Considerations
• Company growth, vision
• Industry growth, competition
For More Information
Speaker email:
chuck.fuerst@highjump.com
Website:
www.highjump.com
Or visit MODEX 2014 Booth 4310
NOTE: This ending slide is OPTIONAL. Items that can be included are your speaker’s email address/home page, the Exhibiting Member Company’s name,
