WMS enables
optimization of the management and storage of products and items in a
warehouse; it is an integral part of SCM in enterprises. Inbound and outbound
logistics and warehousing of raw materials from the supplier to the
manufacturing site and then of the finished goods to other locations or to
end-customers are managed by using WMS solutions. WMS helps reduce inventory
cost as it improves inventory accuracy. This helps in the proper scheduling of
work flow and utilization of space for various products. Sometimes WMS is
implemented along with ERP software, which enables enterprises to perform
better product-related planning.
Analysts forecast
the Global WMS
market will grow at a CAGR of
16.7 percent over the period 2013-2018.
The Report recognizes
the following companies as the key players in the Global Warehouse Management
Systems (WMS) Market: HighJump Software Inc., Manhattan Associates Inc., Oracle
Corp., RedPrairie Corp. and SAP AG.
The emergence of
Software as a Software (SaaS)-based on-demand WMS is one of the major trends in
this market. Small vendors compete against large enterprises for a larger
market share. To deal with the intense competition, enterprises are adopting
low-cost cloud technology, which provides them with a distinct competitive
advantage. Also, the demand for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based
solutions is increasing due to the presence of organizations such as SAP. There
has also been increased consolidation in the market, after the market witnessed
the departure of many firms.
Covered in this Report
The Global WMS
market can be categorized on the basis of deployment model into two segments:
On-premises and On-demand (SaaS-based). It can also be segmented based on
pricing model into three types. WMS solutions are increasing in popularity
because organizations need to reduce lead time and increase the speed of the
product delivery process to end-customers.
Global WMS Market
2014-2018, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs
from industry experts. The report covers the Americas and the EMEA and APAC
regions; it also covers the Global WMS market landscape and its growth
prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key
vendors operating in this market.
According to the
report, one of the key factors driving the market is the need for companies to
reduce the extra costs related to the manufacturing process. By implementing a
suitable WMS, companies can improve customer satisfaction and reduce
production, labor, inventory storage, and handling costs.
Further, the report
states that one of the main challenges is the high deployment cost. The high
implementation costs inhibit enterprises from adopting a WMS. End-users are
aware of the benefits of technologically advanced applications and their
operational efficiencies; however, they are hesitant to deploy these systems
due to the high initial investment. It is essential for a WMS to be regularly
upgraded to incorporate recent advances, making the software costly.
