WMS Selection Advisor
Find Your Perfect WMS
Answer a few questions about your warehouse operations to get a personalized recommendation on which WMS type would work best for your business.
Recommended WMS Type
Why this WMS type is ideal for you:
Implementation tips:
Running a warehouse isn’t just about stacking boxes. It’s about knowing where every item is, when it will ship, and how to get it there without delays. If you’re trying to figure out which warehouse management system to use, you need to start with the basics: the four main types of WMS. Not all systems are built the same. Choosing the wrong one can cost you time, money, and customer trust.
Standalone WMS
This is the oldest and simplest type. A standalone WMS runs on its own servers, usually installed on-site at your warehouse. It doesn’t connect deeply to other systems like ERP or e-commerce platforms. Think of it like a standalone calculator - it does one job well, but you have to manually enter data from elsewhere.
Small warehouses with under 50,000 SKUs and limited staff often use this type. It’s cheaper upfront, no subscription fees, and you own the software. But here’s the catch: if you upgrade your inventory system or switch to a new shipping carrier, you’ll likely need to re-enter data by hand. Many businesses outgrow this system within two years. A 2024 survey by the Material Handling Institute found that 68% of companies using standalone WMS reported delays in order fulfillment within 18 months of adoption.
ERP-Integrated WMS
If your company already uses an ERP system like SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics, you might be tempted to use its built-in warehouse module. That’s an ERP-integrated WMS. It shares data automatically with accounting, procurement, and sales teams. No duplicate entries. No mismatched stock counts.
It’s great for mid-sized manufacturers or distributors who need full visibility across departments. But there’s a trade-off. ERP modules aren’t built for high-volume picking or complex warehouse layouts. They’re designed for broad business functions, not warehouse speed. If your warehouse handles more than 1,000 orders a day, you’ll hit performance limits fast. One logistics manager in Manchester told me his team spent 14 hours a week fixing inventory errors caused by their ERP’s WMS module - until they switched to a dedicated system.
Cloud-Based WMS
This is the most common choice today. A cloud-based WMS runs on remote servers and is accessed via the internet. You pay a monthly fee, get automatic updates, and don’t need IT staff to maintain it. Most systems offer mobile apps for barcode scanning, real-time inventory tracking, and integration with Shopify, Amazon, FedEx, and other platforms.
It’s perfect for growing e-commerce businesses. A warehouse in Birmingham that started with 200 orders a week scaled to 5,000 after switching to a cloud WMS - without hiring more staff. The system auto-assigns pick paths, flags slow-moving stock, and even suggests when to reorder based on sales trends. Updates happen overnight. No downtime. No new hardware. If your warehouse has fluctuating seasonal demand, this is the most flexible option.
WMS as Part of a Supply Chain Platform
The most advanced type isn’t just a warehouse tool - it’s part of a larger supply chain ecosystem. These platforms include WMS, TMS (transportation management), demand forecasting, and even supplier portals in one unified system. Think of it as the central nervous system for your entire logistics network.
Companies like DHL, Amazon, and large retailers use these. They’re expensive and complex, but they offer real-time visibility from supplier to customer. If you ship internationally, manage multiple warehouses, or deal with compliance rules (like EU VAT or UK post-Brexit customs), this is the only type that gives you full control. A logistics firm in Leeds cut their shipping errors by 41% and reduced excess inventory by 29% in six months after switching to this model.
How to Choose the Right One
Don’t pick based on what your neighbor uses. Pick based on your needs.
- If you have under 100 SKUs and 1-2 staff: Standalone WMS might work for now.
- If you’re already using SAP or Oracle and don’t need advanced warehouse features: ERP-integrated is acceptable.
- If you’re growing fast, selling online, or handling 500+ orders daily: Cloud-based is your best bet.
- If you manage multiple locations, international shipping, or complex compliance: Go for the full supply chain platform.
Also, ask vendors: "Can your system handle peak season volume without crashing?" and "How long does it take to train a new picker?" If they hesitate, walk away. A good WMS should make your team faster, not slower.
What Happens When You Get It Wrong
I’ve seen warehouses spend £50,000 on a system that didn’t fit. One client bought a cloud WMS but didn’t connect it to their shipping labels. Every order had to be printed manually. Another picked an ERP module because it was "free" - then lost 12% of inventory to miscounts. Both spent more fixing the mistakes than they saved on software.
The wrong WMS doesn’t just cost money. It costs customers. Late shipments. Wrong items. Lost stock. Those add up fast.
Future-Proofing Your Warehouse
WMS technology is evolving. AI-driven pick paths, voice-directed picking, and robotic integration are becoming standard. Cloud-based systems and supply chain platforms already support these upgrades. Standalone and ERP-integrated systems rarely do.
If you plan to scale - even just a little - choose a system that can grow with you. Don’t buy a tool for today. Buy one for next year.
What is the most popular type of WMS today?
Cloud-based WMS is the most popular today, especially for e-commerce and growing businesses. It offers scalability, real-time updates, mobile access, and seamless integration with shipping and sales platforms. Over 70% of new warehouse installations in 2025 are cloud-based, according to industry reports from the Warehousing Education and Research Council.
Can I upgrade from a standalone WMS to a cloud system later?
Yes, but it’s rarely simple. Data migration from standalone systems often requires manual cleanup, especially if the old system used custom fields or paper-based logs. Many companies end up paying more for the migration than they would have for a cloud system from the start. It’s better to plan ahead than retrofit later.
Do I need a WMS if I only have one warehouse?
Even single-warehouse operations benefit from a WMS. Without one, you’re relying on spreadsheets or memory - both error-prone. A basic cloud WMS can reduce picking errors by 30-50%, cut inventory counts from hours to minutes, and prevent lost stock. If you’re shipping more than 50 orders a week, you’re already losing money without one.
Is a WMS the same as an ERP system?
No. An ERP manages finance, HR, and procurement across the whole company. A WMS focuses only on warehouse operations: receiving, storing, picking, packing, and shipping. Some ERPs include a basic WMS module, but it’s usually not powerful enough for busy warehouses. Think of ERP as the brain, and WMS as the hands.
How much does a WMS cost?
Costs vary widely. Standalone systems can cost £10,000-£30,000 upfront with no monthly fees. Cloud-based systems start at £100-£500 per month, depending on warehouse size and features. Supply chain platforms can run £10,000+ per year. Most small businesses find cloud options offer the best balance of cost and capability.
Next Steps
Start by mapping your current workflow. How many steps does it take to get an order from click to carrier? Where do delays happen? Where do errors occur? Write it down. Then, compare your needs to the four WMS types above.
Don’t rush the decision. Ask for a live demo. Test it with your real data. Talk to users at similar businesses. If a vendor won’t let you try before you buy, that’s a red flag.
The right WMS won’t just organize your warehouse - it’ll make your whole operation smoother, faster, and more profitable. Choose wisely.
