In today's era, where technology and digitalization are at their peak, it is more important to manage stock operations effortlessly and efficiently with the help of these two. For advancement, entrepreneurs require the right technologies that provide accurate insights to monitor inventory, customize storage, and speed up the ordering process. At this point, a popular mobile app solution that has achieved significant growth is warehouse management software. As the market grows, the demand for WMS is rapidly increasing; that's why businesses or startups looking to build their own application at a cost-effective price can opt for white label warehouse management software.
The warehouse management software market supply chain is experiencing steady growth due to increasing automation. Several companies seek solutions that enhance operating accuracy while offering flexibility and adaptability. This is the place where the white label warehouse management software stands out, and offers a proficient alternative that is designed to match specific business requirements.
What Is Warehouse Management Software?
Warehouse management software is a type of application designed to help companies manage and control their stores. The application is typically used as a digital platform that helps to facilitate the comprehensive processes of the warehouse. From receiving goods to shipping the order, everything is done effortlessly with the help of an advanced WMS platform. Warehouse management software offers a centralized platform where all these activities are tracked and coordinated. It helps workers to know where the products are, how much stock is available, and what work needs to be done. The main goal of a WMS is to increase accuracy, improve efficiency, and reduce the cost of automating manual functions and providing real-time information.
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Understanding the Workflow of Warehouse Management Software
The warehouse management software operates through a number of steps. The main steps are discussed below, which will let you know about the workflow of the WMS. Have a look:
1. Receiving Goods
When the goods reach the storagehouse or warehouse, the software helps confirm shipping for purchasing orders. It records the amount and location of the objects and assigns warehouse places. This phase is important to maintain an accurate fixture from the beginning.
2. Putaway
When the item is obtained, it should be stored efficiently. The software guides the warehouse staff on where the products are to be placed based on factors such as size, weight, and demand frequency. The correct plan later achieved quick access and maximized the available space.
3. Inventory Management
The software continuously monitors stock levels, tracks product movements, and updates records in real time. This allows the warehouse to see which objects run less and avoid stock. Some systems also provide information for items that are close to the outlet or require special handling.
4. Order Picking
When customers submit the order, the software helps to select the list and routes to collect the correct objects quickly. It can also support various picking methods, such as batch picking or zone picking, based on storage setup.
5. Packing and Shipping
After taking the item, the shipment feature helps pack and prepare the orders. This ensures that the right products are sent to the right customers and provides tracking information to both stock teams and customers.
6. Reporting and Analytics
This option analyzes the performance of the warehouse management software in order to collect the data for improvement. The admins can get an accurate report of revenue generation, user behavior, and inventory, which helps to optimize further operations accordingly.
The Comprehensive Type of Warehouse Management Software
WMS plays an important role in adapting software storage operations, improving goods accuracy, and increasing the efficiency of the total supply chain. There are several types of WMS available in the market, each designed to meet different business requirements and operating parameters. Below is a comprehensive observation of the main types of warehouse management software:
1. Standalone WMS
A standalone WMS is a dedicated software system focusing on inventory management features. However, the standalone system must usually be integrated with other professional systems, such as ERP or accounting software, for complete organizational visibility.
2. ERP Module-based WMS
An ERP module-based WMS is a solution that has been integrated as a module into a large Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The benefits of this type of WMS include finance, procurement, production, and human resources.
3. Cloud-based WMS
Cloud-based WMS solutions are hosted on external servers and accessed via the Internet. Cloud WMS is also available from one place and supports multi-launch operations and distance management.
4. Supply Chain Module-based WMS
A supply chain module-based WMS is part of a comprehensive supply chain management that includes transport, demand scheme, supplier cooperation and logistics as well as inventory management.
The Beneficial Aspects of Investing in the White Label Warehouse Management Software
Utilizing a white label solution to develop a warehouse management software is a wise decision, especially for those businesses and startups that are looking to start their business journey on a low budget. Here is a complete overview below that lets you know about the benefits of the white label WMS.
1. Saves Development Time and Cost
The development of a WMS from the ground up is a complex and long process. This not only increases the cost of development, but also delays the launch of the product market. While making it by utilizing a white label solution positively impacts the development cost and time.
2. Ready-to-Use with Custom Branding
White label solutions come with a complete set of features out of the box, prepared to be used by stock operators. What makes them special is that software can be adapted to reflect your own brand. This involves changing the logo, colors, and sometimes domain names, which shows it the way it was made in the house.
3. Scalable and Flexible
The white label warehouse management software is designed to be flexible and scalable. This means that, as businesses grow, the app may grow automatically.
4. Faster Go-To-Market Strategy
With a white label solution, companies can launch their software very quickly if they were to do it themselves. This means that companies can first attract customers, start generating revenues soon, and can quickly respond to market requirements.
5. Continuous Updates and Maintenance
The technology changes rapidly, and the software requires regular updates to stay safe, fast, and flawless. With a white label solution, the developer handles all maintenance and upgrades. This prevents the development team from continuously managing these technical details.
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The Core Features and Functionalities of the Warehouse Management Software
The WMS platform provides several core features and functionalities that are useful to streamline your business operations. Integration of these features in the warehouse management software will be a proficient approach that satisfies your users' requirements. Just have a look at the information below to get clarity about the features.
1. Inventory Management
This allows companies to track each element, the volume, and accurate location inside the warehouse. This ensures accurate storage levels all the time. Companies can avoid problems such as getting out of popular products or wasting money on goods.
2. Order Management
The order management handles the entire life cycle of an order from the moment the customer holds it until the product is sent. This module ensures that the warehouse team chooses the right item, packs it properly, and sends it on time. It often includes features such as automated invoice generation, shipping tracking and customer information.
3. Barcode Scanning and RFID Integration
Barcode scanners and RFID technology automate the data collection by identifying the products immediately when scanned. This speeds up processes such as providing goods, transferring inventory in the warehouse, and ordering. The system automatically updates storage levels and improves accuracy.
4. Multi-Warehouse Control
Companies that operate more than one warehouse have a great advantage from this facility. This allows them to manage inventory in all places from the same platform. Companies can move stocks between warehouses, monitor each functional performance, and adapt the storage space. It improves integrated decision-making and operational efficiency.
5. Real-Time Reporting and Analytics
The data is only powerful when it is accessible and understandable. The real-time report informs managers about how well the warehouse performs. They can track large performance indicators such as order supply time, stock sales rates, and employee productivity. These analyzes help identify bottlenecks, reduce costs, and improve the quality of service.
6. Returns and Refund Management
It is important to handle the products that are efficiently returned for customer satisfaction. This feature helps trace the returned goods, confirm their condition, restore them if possible, and process the refund. It provides a steady workflow for reverse logistics, reduces losses, and improves customer loyalty.
7. User Roles and Access Control
Role-based access control ensures that each user can only reach relevant information and tasks for their jobs. For example, warehouse workers can only require access to picking and packaging modules, while managers have access to reports and settings. It improves safety and reduces errors.
8. Predictive Analytics for Inventory
Artificial intelligence (AI) can study historical sales patterns and market trends to predict future demand. This helps companies fill the right amount of products at the right time. Predictive analysis reduces the risk of exceeding or going out of stock, which can be expensive.
9. Smart Picking and Route Optimization
The AI algorithms analyze the storage setup and order to suggest the most effective paths for workers to take objects. It reduces walking distance and time, increases productivity, and reduces the fatigue of the worker.
10. Automated Quality Checks
AI-controlled cameras and sensors can inspect products under packing for errors, wrong labels, or damaged packaging. This helps maintain high quality without slowing the automation process.
11. Forecasting Labor Requirements
By analyzing the word volume and pattern, AI can guess how many workers are required at different times. Warehouse managers can then plan employees more efficiently, avoiding overdue or understaffing.
12. Fraud and Error Detection
Machine learning models can see abnormal patterns that may indicate errors, fraud, or theft. The system can send a notice to guides for quick action, preventing potential damage.
13. Warehouse Layout Optimization
The AI tools can study how often products are selected, and the best storage sites are recommended to speed up recovery time. This can significantly improve operating efficiency, and the employee can reduce fatigue.
The Development Method for a Warehouse Management Software with a White Label Solution
Developing warehouse management software using white label solutions involves several key steps. The development process is a crucial phase in which the experience of the tech expertise is required. Go through the information below to understand the development process.
1. Gathering Requirements
Before any development begins, it is important to understand the needs of the target users. This involves discussing with business interests to gather great demands on desired functions, user roles, integration, and profit expectations.
2. UI and UX Design
The designer makes user-friendly wireframes and mockups depending on the requirements. The user experience is made comfortable so that storage employees can quickly serve the system without extensive training. The design is flexible enough to allow marking easily.
3. Software Development
After completing the UI/UX, it's time to start developing the warehouse management software. The development process takes place in two different steps. Both steps are discussed below with their relevant pros and cons.
Development from Scratch: Developing a WMS platform from scratch, including the team's expertise, advanced functionalities, third-party integrations, and AI-powered technologies. This, however, is the reason for its higher development cost. Also, the custom mobile apps usually take several months to be deployed.
Utilizing a White Label Solution: When it comes to developing a warehouse management software with a white label solution, it means that businesses will get a cost-effective app solution that is easy to deploy. This will enable businesses to customize the features according to their business and users' needs.
4. Testing and Bug Fixing
The software undergoes strict tests, including functional testing, load testing, and safety tests. The errors found in this phase are resolved to ensure smooth operation.
5. Deployment
The software is launched or deployed on different operating systems according to the cloud server or the client's needs. This will allow users to get the software on the Google App Store and Apple App Store.
6. Maintenance and Updates
After deployment, regular updates are essential to fix problems, improve performance, and add new features. For this, support teams are available to handle client requests and technical issues.
Tech Stack Involved to Build a White Label Warehouse Management Software
There are several advanced technologies that are used to build a feature-enriched and fully functional warehouse management software. Below is a table mentioned from where you can get the insights regarding the tech stack that makes the software smooth and user-friendly.
Category | Tech Stack |
Frontend Technologies | HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Frameworks like React or Angular |
Backend Technologies | Python, Java, or Node.js |
Database Management | MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB |
Cloud Hosting Platforms | Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud |
API Integration | RESTful APIs or GraphQL |
AI and Machine Learning Libraries | TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, or PyTorch |
Security Protocols | SSL Encryption, OAuth, and Firewalls |
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The Real Life Use Cases of the Warehouse Management Software
The warehouse management software is not just a digital mobile application; it is an important system that solves real problems for many industries and businesses. Let's find out some common real-life scenarios where WMS makes a big difference.
1. E-commerce Fulfillment Centers
The development of online shopping apps has created a huge demand for faster and accurate fulfillment of orders. E-commerce warehouses often cope with thousands of orders every day. Each order contains several items that need to be lifted, packed, and sent quickly. In addition, the integration with suppliers enables automatic generation of the label and tracking of delivery.
2. Manufacturing Plants
Production operations depend much more on a steady stream of raw materials and components. WMS is used to track raw materials when they come to the warehouse and then take them to production lines. It also manages the storage and shipments of finished products. Software ensures that storage items are accurate, so production never faces a delay due to missing parts.
3. Retail Chains
Retail companies often have many shops and warehouses in cities or rural areas. WMS allows them to centralize inventory management everywhere. It tracks the warehouse level in real-time and supports the transfer of goods between warehouses and stores. This helps prevent retail in a place that occurs by reviving the inventory from another area where the stock is high.
4. Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
3PL companies offer warehousing and logistics services to different customers. They must manage the list of separate customers while maintaining high operating efficiency. The WMS solutions designed for 3PL companies provide multiple features, making each customer's data isolated but available to authorized users. 3PLS can offer invoicing and customized reporting based on tracking, storage, and handling.
5. Pharmaceutical Warehouses
The pharmaceutical industry faces strict rules on how medicines and medical products are stored and tracked. The WMS batch number helps to track storage conditions such as expiry dates, temperature, and humidity. This prevents the distribution of finished or unsafe products.
6. Food and Beverage Industry
The food layer should carefully manage the priceless goods, which have a limited shelf life. WMS FIFO (First-in, First-out) or FeFo (First-expired, First-out) methods to ensure that the older products are sent before the healthier stock. It monitors the storage conditions to meet food safety standards and avoid getting worse.
7. Automotive Spare Parts Dealers
Spare parts dealers often manage thousands of small parts with different sizes, volumes and suppliers. WMS provides detailed tracking of these parts, including serial numbers and compatibility information. This motor vehicle supports speedy recovery, restores, and reduces shutdowns for workshops.Looking for a seamless white label solution?
How to Generate Income from a Warehouse Management Software?
Developing software for a warehouse management business is a major investment, but the next important step is to find out how to make it financially successful. There are some popular and effective ways to generate revenue from such software.
1. Subscription Model
This model is one of the most popular and reliable ways to generate revenue. In this approach, customers pay a recurring fee to access online software. The fee can be monthly or annual and provides a stable revenue flow. This model often includes separate membership levels based on the number of users, storage-administered or functional sets available.
2. Customization Fees
Many customers want software that fits their specific requirements. This may include customized reports, unique workflows or integration with proprietary systems. Offering customization services allows software vendors to charge extra fees. Adaptation not only increases revenues but also strengthens customer relationships as it adds more value.
3. Licensing to Resellers and Partners
White label WMS can be licensed to other companies that want to sell it under their brand. These partners pay a license fee or royalty based on sales or membership. Licensing extends access to software without the need for the original developer to handle each customer. This allows local or niche dealers to add their expertise and marketing power.
4. Integration Services
Integration of WMS with other professional systems, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relations Management (CRM), or e-commerce platforms, are often necessary, but can be complicated. Software companies can charge customers for consultation, integration, and maintenance services. This not only increases revenues but also ensures smooth workflows for customers.
5. Premium Support and Training Packages
The offer of premium support packages, including 24/7 helpdesk, prioritized problem solving and a dedicated account manager, can generate extra revenue. Similarly, workouts, workshops, or online courses help customers keep their teams on track and improve the software.
6. Advanced Analytics and Reporting as Add-Ons
Basic reporting features are often included in the standard package. However, advanced business information skills, such as adapting to dashboards, future-proof analysis and real-time alerts, can be introduced as a premium addition. These add-ons provide deep insights that help companies adapt operations and justify extra costs.
7. Usage-Based Pricing Model
For growing businesses, a use-based price model can be attractive. Here, customers pay on the basis of real-use calculations such as the number of processed orders, transactions or storage amounts. This model adjusts the cost of software based on business size and activity, allowing it to scale and remain viable.
8. Affiliate and Referral Programs
Encouraging satisfied customers or partners to refer new customers can also generate revenue. Many companies provide commission or discounts to colleagues who bring new customers. This helps to reduce marketing costs and accelerate customers' procurement.
The Cost to Build a Warehouse Management Software
The cost to build a warehouse management software starts at $7,000. The cost is very affordable, as it is the cost when you develop a WMS platform with a white label solution. However, the cost can be increased depending on the factors you choose in the software, which are complexity, platform choice, tech expertise, UI/UX interface, AI-driven technologies, and third-party integration.
Additionally, there is an option of a custom mobile app development, which is quite expensive because the development process starts from the ground up. Meanwhile, it is completely up to the businesses or startups what type of development services they want to opt for. To get a clear cost breakdown, businesses can reach out to experienced software development companies.
Partner with Hyperlocal Cloud
Partnering with us turns your imagination of mobile app development into an innovative reality. We provide our clients with on-demand app solutions, enabling them to meet their business needs. To build a warehouse management software by integrating advanced features, you can leverage our tech expertise. We deliver cost-effective solutions that are scalable, reliable, end-to-end encrypted, and efficient. To carry forward your business journey with Hyperlocal Cloud, just reach out to our experts.