How to Ensure Failure of ... Implementation Where is Your Focus?

How to Ensure Failure of a WMS
Implementation
Where is Your Focus?
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www.FORTE-Industries.com
6037 Commerce Court / Mason, Ohio 45040
MAIN (513) 398.2800 / FAX (513) 398.2837 / FORTE-Industries.com
The evaluation and implementation of a Warehouse Management System (WMS)
is mission-critical to any distribution operation. The upside of a successful
implementation is a highly efficient operating environment. Unfortunately, we’ve
seen and experienced WMS implementations that didn’t live up to their promise.
So we felt compelled to share the hard lessons learned. Think of the following list
as the opposite of the secrets to success in WMS implementations. Do the
following, and we can almost guarantee that you will not be satisfied with the
result.
FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY, NOT YOUR OPERATIONS
Only look at the latest and greatest technology; the latest technology is
always better.
Assume the more technology used in the system, the better.
Don’t worry about how well the technology fits within your organization’s
operating environment; trust the technical specifications that state the
system is an “open system architecture” and communicates easily across
operating platforms.
Don’t worry about how much user action is required for executing an
action or process; assume that color screens and icons make it easy to
enter data.
ASSEMBLE A PROJECT TEAM WITHOUT CONCERN FOR THEIR
KNOWLEDGE OF THE CURRENT OPERATIONS
Don’t worry about the operational objectives; the software is the area you
need to be most concerned about.
Don’t take the time to document and understand current processes and
procedures. Assume that under the new system they will change anyway
How to Ensure Failure of a WMS Implementation
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6037 Commerce Court / Mason, Ohio 45040
MAIN (513) 398.2800 / FAX (513) 398.2837 / FORTE-Industries.com
so they shouldn’t be a major concern and you don’t need to worry about
them.
Don’t include individuals directly involved with day-to-day operations in
the design process since they won’t or don’t understand the technology.
SELECT AN ORGANIZATION OTHER THAN OPERATIONS TO
LEAD THE DESIGN AND MANAGE THE PROJECT
Don’t worry about how the WMS software will affect existing business
processes not related to WMS; there won’t be any impact since the WMS
will only be used in the warehouse
Don’t worry about how the new software affects other existing business
systems like order management or transportation management; assume
the interface between these systems will take care of any problems.
If operations staff has concerns about how the system design process is
progressing, only allow them to view specific areas they have questions
about.
Don’t worry about business procedures that haven’t been covered under
the system design; any problems not covered during design can be
addressed when testing begins since it is so easy to change the software.
USE A “FREE FORM” MANAGEMENT APPROACH
Just have a rough estimate of the project budget, and only take the time
to track the status of expenditures when you have free time.
Develop a project ROI based on projections provided by the WMS
software sales staff.
Don’t worry about having regular project meetings or updates; use email
as the primary project communication tool.
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6037 Commerce Court / Mason, Ohio 45040
MAIN (513) 398.2800 / FAX (513) 398.2837 / FORTE-Industries.com
Have many people individually track tasks or issues separately. Expect
this to allow broad coverage of issues and tasks, making sure that
everything is covered.
Allow the design of the system to be continually changed and revised.
Assume the latest application development tools are perfect for “on the
fly” changes, which can be easily incorporated. Remember the software is
easy to change, after all it is “just software”.
DON’T WORRY ABOUT HAVING A PROJECT SPONSOR IN UPPER
MANAGEMENT
WMS projects are simple and easy to manage, with no need for a project
sponsor.
As the project moves along there will be many individuals who want to
align themselves with the project. Trust that these people will be sure to
stay on board with the project as the implementation date approaches.
The above items are compiled from actual experience acquired from implementing WMS
and other software applications over many years. The list illustrates one of the greatest
pitfalls we face with the continually expanding capability of technology — too much
reliance on software at the expense of basic DC operations and common sense.
Approaching a WMS implementation focusing only on the software technology will
create more problems in the warehouse, not solve them. When preparing to implement
any system, whether a WMS, Transportation Management System (TMS), Application
Interface System, or ERP, it is a mistake to design first then review how the design fits
current operations and practices. This will result in an over-engineered system that may
provide a great deal of designed functionality but that same functionality (and the effort
and dollars expended to create it) may not be needed once the system is implemented.
You will also miss key competitive differentiators used by the business that are ingrained
How to Ensure Failure of a WMS Implementation
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6037 Commerce Court / Mason, Ohio 45040
MAIN (513) 398.2800 / FAX (513) 398.2837 / FORTE-Industries.com
as routine in operations. Before undertaking a WMS implementation, those involved in
the process must have a thorough understanding of current operating procedures, what
works well for the organization, what needs to be “protected”, and what needs to be
improved or eliminated. This can be accomplished by creating flow diagrams for the
different operating areas of the warehouse. Once the current processes are defined, you
are then in the position to review your methods and design a system based on the areas
that can be improved, eliminated, or left as they are. A well-designed system based on a
clear functional specification will provide structure to what can be a very complicated
process. No matter how you approach designing and implementing your WMS
application, never lose sight of the fact that your mission is to get the product out the
door and to the customer.
Why FORTE
Single-Source Accountability
Whether we’re helping you develop a strategic plan, design and build a distribution
facility, or optimize a distribution operation through performance metrics and
analytics, FORTE provides a true single point of contact responsible for the
complete performance of your distribution network. No finger pointing. No
fragmentation of responsibility. No multiple suppliers for technical support. You have
performance goals, and it’s our job to make sure they’re met on an ongoing basis.
Total Objectivity
We don’t manufacture equipment. We don’t develop WMS software. We don’t have
commercial arrangements with any suppliers for expected volumes of business.
We’re simply interested in delivering the most efficient distribution solutions at the
lowest total cost. Our client-side service approach means our only allegiance is to
our customers. So with every engagement, you know we’ll choose the most
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6037 Commerce Court / Mason, Ohio 45040
MAIN (513) 398.2800 / FAX (513) 398.2837 / FORTE-Industries.com
appropriate level and blend of technologies integrated into an effective operational
system.
Expertise
Our team is deeply rooted in the hands-on implementation of distribution center
design and warehouse automation. FORTE’s engineers and technicians integrate
today’s best practices in supply chain management and distribution center
operations while developing next-generation technologies. As a result, our solutions
employ the best combination of practical advice, data-driven analysis and
technology-enabled systems. With FORTE, you get:
More accountability than a consultant
More experience than a systems integrator
More objectivity than a manufacturer
That’s why the world’s fastest-growing companies are making distribution their
FORTE.
FORTE
6037 Commerce Court
Mason, Ohio 45040
www.FORTE-Industries.com
(800) 796.5566 Toll-Free
info@FORTE-Industries.com
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