Implementing a WMS

When it’s time to upgrade your warehouse operations — and how Descartes Peoplevox makes it happen

Is it time for a Warehouse Management System (WMS)?

If you’re still running your warehouse on spreadsheets, paper pick lists, or limited enterprise resource planning (ERP) workflows, it’s only a matter of time before the cracks show:

Orders go missing

Inventory becomes unreliable

Onboarding new staff takes too long

Scaling becomes chaotic

You might notice:

• Manual bottlenecks slowing down basic tasks
• Low visibility into order or stock status
• Growing return rates due to errors or delays
• Staff confusion about what to do, where to go, or what’s in stock
• A general lack of trust in your inventory data

A Warehouse Management System becomes essential when:

• You’re consistently shipping 200+ orders per day
• SKUs and inventory locations are expanding
• You rely on seasonal or temporary staff
• You’re missing service level agreements (SLAs) or struggling with accuracy

At this point, manual processes don’t just slow you down — they limit your ability to grow. A WMS built for ecommerce helps you move faster, scale smoother, and deliver a better customer experience.

When a WMS might not be right for you

A WMS can be a game-changer — but it’s not always the right move. You may also want to delay implementation if you’re in the middle of a major system change or don’t have internal time or leadership to run the project well.

You might not need one if:

You use a 3rd-party logistics (3PL) provider and don’t manage your own warehouse

Order volumes are low and current tools are working fine

Your model is project-based or highly bespoke, not inventory-led

How to prepare for a WMS implementation

Rolling out a WMS isn’t just installing new software — it’s changing the way your warehouse works. The better you prepare, the smoother and faster the process.

Typical timeline: 6–12 weeks

Shorter projects involve simpler sites, fewer SKUs, and strong internal ownership. Longer ones usually mean more complexity, integrations, or change management.

Internal time and headcount

Expect to assign a dedicated operations lead for the project, plus team support for training and go live.

Workflow mapping

Document your current processes: What happens at Goods-in/Receiving? How do you do Stock takes/Cycle Counts? What slows you down?

Feature priorities

Know what you need from day one — barcode scanning, Shopify integration, picking workflows — and what can wait.

Cost and efficiencies

Beyond software costs, factor in internal time, training, and short-term slowdowns. Focus on long-term wins: fewer errors, faster onboarding, better stock control, stronger data.

Key questions to ask vendors

• Who leads implementation?
• How are mobile workflows configured?
• What training and support are included?
• How quickly can we go live?
• What results have you driven for similar brands?

How Descartes delivers WMS projects

Our approach is shaped by 10+ years working with ecommerce brands. It’s remote-first, fast-moving, and designed to get you live with minimal disruption.

Discovery & Planning

We map your current workflows, identify pain points, and build a plan shaped around your fulfilment goals, site layout, and tech stack.

Configuration & Playbooks

We configure your mobile workflows — from Goods-in/Receiving and Putaway to Stock takes/Cycle Counts, Picking, Packing, and Shipping — based on how your team works.

Training & Testing

Your team trains remotely using your real setup. They gain confidence, flag refinements, and go live ready.

Go Live & Support

Our team guides your launch. We monitor the live environment, support your staff in real time, and make sure things run smoothly. You’ll continue working with our team post-launch to optimise, adapt, and grow your setup over time.

More than a go live — a long-term upgrade

A WMS isn’t just a software tool — it’s the operational backbone of a high-performing warehouse. Implementing Peoplevox gives you:

• Control over every order, location, and task
• Faster, smarter fulfilment
• A platform that scales as you grow

Let’s Build Your Backbone for Growth

Descartes Peoplevox isn’t just software.

It’s the operational foundation for brands that want to scale fast, stay accurate, and protect margins while delivering a world-class customer experience.

Ready to go from chaos to control?