# 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?