Warehouse inventory management software helps manufacturers and distributors manage several critical areas. These systems can be integrated with your ERP for seamless visibility into warehouse activity, including stock levels, inventory status, shipping status, and more. They can help organize warehouses for maximum efficiency and provide valuable information on critical stock status. Dedicated warehouse inventory management software offers many advantages over general business management software, including key features that can help you manage your inventory more effectively.

Five Features of Warehouse Inventory Management Software

While each warehouse inventory management software platform differs in some respects, all should help you with the following tasks:

1. Real-time inventory tracking
2. Inventory control
3. Order management
4. Inventory organizational support
5. Data and reporting features

Most modern systems incorporate RFIDs and barcode scanning, automatic stock replenishment features, cycle counting, and integration with ERP systems. Integration with ERPs may be accomplished through the same platform or various methods of connecting separate platforms, such as APIs.

Real-Time Inventory Tracking

Inventory often represents the largest asset a company owns. Considerable capital is tied up in inventory. Therefore, tracking inventory in real-time is an essential aspect of financial monitoring, as well as an integral part of customer service, sales, and order fulfillment.

Good warehouse inventory management software tracks your inventory in real time. Cloud systems update almost instantaneously if used with barcodes and scanners to track inventory movements into and out of the warehouse. These technologies enable data to flow into the ERP, providing a complete view of the current inventory and its value.

Inventory Control

Inventory control is both an art and a science. Maintaining appropriate stock levels to fill orders without over-ordering certain items requires accurate data. Good insight into inventory levels also enables you to plan for sales, estimated times of higher demand, and more.

Warehouse management software should enable you to view, track, monitor, and predict inventory levels with a good degree of certainty.

Order Management

Order management is another key feature to look for in warehouse inventory management systems. You want a system that makes it easy to handle customer orders from the time the order is placed until the time it is delivered. It should track the order throughout the warehouse, ensuring that all items are picked, packed, and shipped, and provide updates that can be shared with customers. Good order management systems can be integrated into e-commerce platforms, ERPs, and more to provide seamless order updates and customer service.

Support for Inventory Organization

One of the keys to good warehouse management is organizing stock for easier picking and packing. Inventory warehouse management software can help you assess the location of bins and shelves and ensure that frequently requested products are placed closest to the shipping area. These proactive suggestions can help improve inventory organization for faster order picking and efficient warehouse organization.

Data and Reporting Features

Although all warehouse inventory management software contains data and provides reports, the usefulness of this information varies according to the platform. Some systems only come with basic reports. Check the system under consideration and review its reporting features to ensure it offers the reports you need.

SYSPRO ERP and Warehouse Inventory Management

SYSPRO offers manufacturers and distributors a powerful ERP system that improves efficiency and data visibility. The optional warehouse inventory management system integrates perfectly with the ERP, offering end-to-end visibility, excellent reports, and optimal efficiency. PositiveVision can help you assess your warehouse management needs and recommend the best software for your company. Contact us today for more information.

Robert Baran

Robert Baran is the founder and President of PositiveVision. He has worked in a variety of positions including system analyst, computer consultant and programmer, project manager, and division manager.