Four WMS Options for Warehouses that use Microsoft Dynamics NAV

Four WMS Options for Warehouses that use Microsoft Dynamics NAV

Not all warehouses are created equal. Some are large organizations that serve millions of clients worldwide while others serve a very specific, localized clientele. Beyond size, there are five distinct types of warehouses based on their use and design:

  • private warehouses that are owned and operated by channel suppliers and resellers and are used for their own distribution activity
  • public warehouses that are essentially space that can be leased to solve short-term distribution needs
  • automated warehouses that include some level of computer and/or robotic technology
  • climate-controlled warehouses, which handle storage of many different types of products that need special handling conditions such as freezers, humidity-controlled, etc.
  • distribution centers are large warehouses that serve as a temporary storage units

To serve this diverse population of warehouses and warehouse needs, there are a variety of warehouse management software (WMS) options on the market: including several that are specific to those companies that use Microsoft Dynamics NAV as their ERP. To help you determine which WMS is best for your company, this blog will provide a brief overview of four that we collaborate with often: HighJump, InsightWorks, Lanham Associates, and WithoutWire.

Option 1: HighJump

HighJump touts itself as “flexible, affordable, end-to-end supply chain solutions.” It provides WMS solutions for distributors that are good to go out of the box with process-driven workflows that are flexible enough to grow and change as your business changes. HighJump also offers a multi-client supply chain solution. HighJump is often a good fit for larger and more complex warehouse operations. Features include:

  • Minimize write-downs and write-offs
  • Integration platform between the warehouse and your ERP, order management, eCommerce, or purchasing system(s)
  • Wireless Picking and Receiving
  • Order Management
  • Multi-Zone picking
  • Lots/Serial/Expiry management
  • Kitting
  • Container Receiving
  • License Plates
  • Carton Splitting
  • Putaway/Slotting
  • Multi-Location/Site Transfer
  • RMAs
  • Packaging Carousels/Conveyors
  • Multi-Company/3PL 
  • Multi-Carrier Shipping Toolkit
  • RFID Toolkit

Option 2: Insight Works

Insight Works is designed specifically for manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution companies, and helping them get the most out of Microsoft Dynamics NAV ERP. It is embedded into the NAV base code, which means it does not support other ERP systems or run as a stand-alone cloud solution. There are no plans to modify the system to take this approach in the future. Insight Works is priced aggressively and has a surprisingly large number of features. It is available via traditional pricing or subscription. Insight Works is a good option if your company does not have overly complex supply chain requirements. Features include:

  • Fully integrated with NAV
  • Wide range of device support
  • Built in App Designer
  • Inventory and Bin Inquiry
  • Pallets
  • Shipping and Receiving
  • Full Picking and Packing Support
  • Full Item Tracking Support (serial numbers, lot tracking)
  • Put Away
  • Inventory Movement
  • Warehouse shipping and receipts
  • Production Consumption
  • Camera Integration
  • Inventory Count
  • License Plating
  • Assembly Order Picking and Output

Option 3: Lanham Associates

Lanham is the dominant legacy WMS product within the Dynamics NAV community and is very strong in the “big box” vendor community. It is part of a suite of products that supports an entire supply chain for manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Lanham is claiming to be almost ready for the cloud having rewritten its software to support Dynamics 365 Business Central. Features include:

  • Complete NAV Integration
  • Handheld support
  • Fully integrated with Lanham E-Receive, E-Ship and Supply Chain Suite
  • Picking
  • Packing
  • Wave Picking
  • Directed Putaway
  • Break Bulk
  • Unit of Measure Optimization
  • Bins and Bin Movement
  • Zones
  • License Plating
  • Consumption
  • Physical Inventory Functionality

Option 4: WithoutWire

WithoutWire is a true cloud-based WMS solution. Built on Microsoft technologies, WithoutWire leverages Microsoft Azure and has Microsoft Power BI and SQL Reporting services embedded within. WithoutWire offers a number of different subscription pricing models. This solution will typically handle the needs of the small to medium sized warehouse but has proven to scale well. It’s ability to extend the warehouse to field service personnel is strong and a bit unique. Features include:

  • Receiving
  • Staging
  • Quality Assurance
  • Put Away
  • Full License Plating Support
  • Serialization
  • Lot Tracking
  • Expiration Dates
  • Picking
  • Packing
  • Site and Multi-Site, Site transfers
  • Inventory Management
  • Data Analytics
  • Service Management
  • Broad Device Support (Barcode, Scanning, RF)
  • Strong Mobilization Capabilities

Just as all warehouses are different, so are WMS systems. Each WMS we work with provides a set of features and functionality that can help different types of companies. By doing a little research you can determine which WMS is best for your company. For more information on WMS and Microsoft Dynamics NAV, be sure to visit our website.

This is the first of two blogs where we will focus on these four specific WMS providers, so be sure to subscribe to our blog and you will get each update sent to your inbox.

Read Part 2.

Read the Warehouse Awareness Month Wrap-Up blog and our press release.

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