Winning at Warehousing

Retailers Take a Closer Look at WMS Technology to Overcome Warehouse Woes

For UK retailers, optimising warehouse operations is a significant priority. However, lack of physical space and qualified labour mean retailers must do more in their warehouses with the limited resources they have. That's why many are taking a closer look at WMS technology.

Report Card: WMS Could Do Better

The majority of retailers say they use a WMS platform. Two-thirds of them think their WMS could perform better. But 60% of those who are "less than enthused" are using a system developed in-house. 71% of retailers say finding a more effective WMS rank high on their to-do list this year.

Keeping Up with Consumer Expectations... and Competitors

71% of retailers have plans to react to changing consumer expectations, but far fewer (41%) are ready to react to changing competitor capabilities. Despite their lack of confidence about keeping up with competitors, nearly 70% believe they are on par with or ahead of their competitors in terms of successful order fulfilment.

Peak Season Pressure Can Test WMS Limits

70% of retailers experience a seasonal peak, with volume spiking up to threefold. More than half of them said this strains their warehouse operations. 50% of retailers fear losing sales as a result of not having a fit-for-purpose WMS. 35% believe errors caused by a poor-performing WMS could tarnish their reputations.

Effective WMS Has an Impact Across the Business

Retailers say WMS is discussed at the board level (71%) and across the business (80%). 20% of retailers generate more revenue from their warehouse by freeing up spare capacity to bring in third-party revenue during slow seasons. Warehouses that implement a WMS see productivity and accuracy increase by an average of 30%.