In the process of selecting a Warehouse Management System (WMS), companies often place disproportionate emphasis on whether a vendor has previously integrated with their specific Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. While this concern is understandable—interfaces are indeed critical to the success of any WMS implementation—using ERP familiarity as a primary selection criterion is a misstep that can lead to suboptimal outcomes.
The Misplaced Priority
The instinct to prioritize ERP integration stems from a valid place. Your “spidey senses are tingling” for good reason: interfaces are complex, and a poorly executed integration can derail even the most robust WMS. However, the issue lies not in the concern itself, but in the order of operations. Starting the selection process by filtering out vendors who haven’t previously worked with a specific ERP is not only premature—it’s potentially detrimental.
The WMS market is mature. Most reputable vendors have extensive experience integrating with a wide range of ERP systems, from SAP and Oracle to Microsoft Dynamics and NetSuite. Even if a vendor hasn’t worked with your exact ERP before, that doesn’t mean they can’t—or shouldn’t. The technical capability to build a reliable interface is table stakes in today’s WMS landscape. What matters more is the vendor’s overall implementation methodology, adaptability, and commitment to understanding your business processes.
The Illusion of “Just Add Water”
Another common misconception is that prior experience with a specific ERP guarantees a plug-and-play integration. This is rarely the case. Even within the same ERP platform, configurations vary widely between organizations. Custom fields, unique workflows, and third-party extensions can all significantly alter the integration landscape. So, while a vendor’s experience with your ERP might offer a head start, it doesn’t eliminate the need for careful planning, testing, and collaboration.
In fact, relying too heavily on past ERP experience can create a false sense of security. It may lead to underestimating the complexity of the integration or overlooking the need for tailored solutions. Every implementation is unique, and success depends more on the vendor’s problem-solving skills, communication, and flexibility than on a pre-existing template.
What Should Drive WMS Selection?
Instead of beginning with ERP familiarity, organizations should focus on the core capabilities and strategic fit of the WMS solution. Key criteria should include:
- Functional Fit: Does the WMS support your operational requirements—such as inventory control, picking strategies, labor management, and reporting?
- Scalability and Flexibility: Can the system grow with your business and adapt to changing needs?
- User Experience: Is the interface intuitive and easy to use for warehouse staff?
- Vendor Support and Culture: Does the vendor have a strong track record of customer support and a collaborative approach to implementation?
- Implementation Methodology: How does the vendor manage projects, handle change management, and ensure go-live success?
Once a shortlist is established based on these strategic and operational factors, then it’s appropriate to evaluate integration capabilities. At this stage, ERP familiarity becomes a valuable data point—but not a gatekeeper.
Interfaces Are Solvable
The good news is that interfaces—whether to ERP systems, material handling equipment (MHE), or other technologies—are solvable problems. They require technical expertise, yes, but more importantly, they require clear communication, thorough documentation, and a structured approach to development and testing.
A strong WMS vendor will approach integration as a collaborative effort. They will work closely with your IT team and ERP provider to define data flows, map fields, and establish robust error-handling protocols. Whether the integration is built using APIs, flat files, or middleware, the success of the interface depends more on the process than on prior experience.
Conclusion
In summary, while ERP integration is undeniably important in a WMS implementation, it should not be the first filter in vendor selection. The WMS market is mature and capable, and most vendors can build the necessary interfaces—even if they haven’t done so with your specific ERP before. What matters more is the vendor’s ability to understand your business, deliver a solution that meets your operational needs, and collaborate effectively throughout the implementation process.
By focusing first on strategic fit and functional capability, and treating ERP integration as a critical—but manageable—component of the project, your company can make more informed, future-proof decisions in your WMS journey.
—Kail Plankey, St. Onge Company
