Many businesses wonder if they need automation in their processes, specifically Inventory and Warehouse Management Systems. If you’re an owner of a growing business, the answer is YES. You need to automate. Although start-ups can survive with a manual inventory and warehouse system, that is only during the early stages. When the volume of transactions grows, the next step is to acquire a more advanced solution.
An Inventory Management and Warehouse System is the combination of technology, the business’ processes, and procedures to support the monitoring and maintenance of stocked items. It allows retailers to oversee and organize their products, whether those are raw materials or finished goods ready to be delivered to vendors and consumers.
Once your business grows, it’s time to upgrade from manual processes to cost-effective, branded software. The good news is that there are many local IT solutions providers that can cater to your business goals and needs. From doing mundane tasks, your employees can focus on more significant work and maximize productivity.
Before investing in an Inventory Management and Warehouse System, there are few things you have to consider to ensure that you get the right functionality your business needs.
1. Cost and Budget
Inventory Management and Warehouse Systems come with higher costs associated with more advanced solutions. Quadrant Alpha Technology Solutions, Inc., a Philippine-based software company, offers payment terms that meet the client’s budget. It provides a contract and lets a client pay monthly. Having a long-term commitment with a suitable supplier is better as it can reduce your expenses and increase your return on investment. After considering the cost, it’s also important to consider your budget and decide what you can afford to spend on software.
2. Flexible Customizations
Not all software has a flexible, open API that integrates seamlessly with your business tools, so you need to find one that has it. Inventory management and warehouse software performs even better when paired with other tools that use inventory data. Some good integration tools are accounting software, channel managers, shopping cart platforms, online marketplaces, point-of-sale systems and shipping management software. During the process of exploring the software, ask about the customization options if you’re considering an integration.
3. Business Size
Before investing in an Inventory and Warehouse Management System, you should also consider your business size. Your IT solutions provider and chosen plan must accommodate your monthly orders and the number of unique product stock-keeping units (SKUs) in your inventory. Once a business hits a specific size, for example, it is best to pair the software with a barcode inventory solution to help your staff track inventory changes throughout the warehouse.
4. System Support
The support is as important as the system itself, so you’ll have the ability to use the software. While the right solution should be easy to use, it may take some training and support to get the most out of your software. To get answers to your questions quickly, work with an IT solutions provider who is highly reliable, understands your business and how you want to use the software.
An excellent IT solutions provider is more than just setting up the system. They pay attention to your needs and help you learn more about the industry, so your chosen plan must continuously evolve and be suited to your type of business. The training and consulting must take into account modern trends and developments.
5. Cloud-based
A cloud-based inventory management and warehouse system is generally a top notch above the standard versions on the market. It uses a decentralized system that lets you and your employees manage inventory from any location without the need for an IT expert or extra cash investment.
Cloud-based software is more secure and highly reliable compared to traditional software. Cloud systems work through data centers which means instead of storing your data on your gadgets like phones and computers, it is housed in virtual servers. Your data is automatically backed-up to the data center, which means you can immediately retrieve the information if the system encounters an issue.
6. Positive Reviews
Most products and services nowadays receive reviews online. Checking the reviews on a software also works to check if it is a good decision to purchase. People share their experiences after using products or services, and tell about what they loved about it and the challenges they faced while using it. They may even leave you with a rating and also tell you about how fantastic the customer service is. If the product is rated a five-star, it is a good sign. But, you should also check client testimonials and consider how they describe the experience.
Selecting the perfect Inventory Management and Warehouse System for your business is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your efficiency, profitability, and overall success. By carefully assessing your unique needs, budget, and growth aspirations, you can decide the best plan that aligns with your long-term goals. Remember, the right system is not just a tool; it’s a strategic partner that allows you to navigate the complex world of inventory with precision and ease.
Quadrant Alpha offers a cost-effective and highly reliable Inventory and Warehouse Management System that caters to any type of business. With QA’s 10 years of experience and expertise, you are guaranteed the perfect inventory and warehouse management system to better equip your business landscape and unlock new opportunities. Request a Demo to learn more about our products and services!