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How to Choose the Right Warehouse Management System (WMS) for E-Commerce

Friday, April 25th, 2025

Two Women Looking at Computer ScreenRunning a business often requires managing multiple systems simultaneously, including inventory, orders, customer service, shipping, and returns, among others. However, there’s one tool that can help you stay on top of all these factors: a robust warehouse management system (WMS).

A WMS is the behind-the-scenes MVP of many e-commerce operations. The system can help keep your warehouse running smoothly, ensuring you know what you have in stock, where it is, and how quickly it’s moving. 

However, not all WMS platforms are created equal, especially when it comes to the unique demands of e-commerce. So, how does a business owner choose the right one for their operations? Here’s a guide that can help you find a WMS that fits your business needs and goals. 

Step 1: Map Out Your Needs First

Before diving into WMS, consider what would benefit your business. Take time to answer questions like:

Another way to help you answer these questions is to create a quick checklist of your must-haves for your growing business. Do you need better stocking management or opportunities for scaling? This roadmap may help you avoid falling for WMS features you don’t actually need.

Step 2: What Features Should You Look For?

Now that you’ve got a handle on your needs, it’s time to shop smart. Here are some critical features that matter most for e-commerce businesses:

Deeper Dive: What Are Popular WMS Components? 

Let’s start with the basics. A primary purpose of a WMS is to enable you to track your inventory in real-time. But in the world of e-commerce, where products can fly off shelves surprisingly fast, you may need a tracking system with instantaneous updates. 

A good WMS for inventory tracking will:

If your warehouse still relies on spreadsheets or manual counts, you’ll be amazed at how much time and stress automated inventory tracking can save you.

Smart Order Routing

In e-commerce, speed matters. Nowadays, customers expect their orders to ship expeditiously. That’s where smart order routing comes in.

With the right WMS, your system can automatically:

This not only speeds up fulfillment but also helps you save on shipping costs and reduce human errors. A WMS with smart order routing can create happier, loyal customers and a smoother workflow.

Integration with Shopping Carts

You’ve got orders coming in from Shopify, Amazon, eBay, and maybe even your own website. Manually entering those orders into your system can get complicated. 

That’s why integration is a must-have feature in a WMS for an e-commerce business. Try looking for a system that works with your:

The more connected your systems are, the less manual work you’ll have to do, which ultimately leads to fewer mishaps along the way. 

Intuitive Use 

Let’s face it: even the fanciest WMS is useless if your team can’t figure out how to use it. Ensuring that a system is intuitive and user-friendly can help you and your employees manage your operations as intended.

A few questions to ask:

Try a demo, watch a few tutorials, or speak with current users if possible. A smooth learning experience will save you a significant amount of time and stress in the long run.

Final Thoughts on WMS

Choosing the right WMS for your e-commerce business is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Focus on the features that truly matter to you and your business; whether it’s real-time inventory tracking, smart order routing, seamless integration, or intuitiveness, knowing what you need to grow your business is imperative for success. 

Take your time, do a few demos, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. By using this guide, you may be able to find the perfect WMS that aligns with your business goals.