A basic guide to WMS user training

Although many folks assume that WMS projects are fairly straightforward, the more complexity associated with a system, the more training will be required by all involved. This is particularly true when the effort is being driven by a new, rather than an updated, warehouse management system.

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Covering the key issues faced by businesses selecting and implementing WMS.

Here are some elements to remember when you’re preparing for a training program, along with individual module breakout sessions.

Time is of the essence, but steady ahead is better

For some reason, enterprises tend to try and cut their own throats when WMS user training is involved. Perhaps this has to do with the practical realities of implementing new software whilst dealing with a company’s workforce, or maybe it has more to do with pure cost factors, but at the end of the day, many senior management cadres either try to speed through complex training regimes, or shortcut their way to completion.

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Both paths can lead to lost efficiency, money, and performance, potentially triggering a downward spiral for your business. Taking the time to get it right ensures long-term success. Do it right the first time to avoid costly do-overs.

Several small classes or one large lecture - all that counts is getting it right

This decision will always accrue to the subjective nature of each enterprise. However, to a large degree, the structure and size of each training program are largely defined by the overall scale of the enterprise, the size of its WMS workforce, and how complex the particular system will be.

For smaller businesses with minimal WMS functionality, a single comprehensive training session may suffice. However, larger enterprises with complex systems often benefit from an initial group orientation followed by smaller breakout sessions. The key is to tailor your training program to your company’s size and system needs to ensure it’s effective from the start.

Virtual versus face-to-face WMS training: the decision depends on scale   

Today’s global economy poses a number of challenges to WMS training cadres which largely accrue to enterprise scale.

In larger enterprises, most companies operate offshore (assuming the company is headquartered in North America), and WMS software integrates either as localized, standalone modules that transact business and deliver necessary ERP records via periodic batch processing or operates based on peer-to-peer communications in real-time.

Key takeaways

WMS training can be handled in two main ways. One option is to have employees travel to headquarters for in-person classes. This allows remote staff to connect with company leaders.

However, for large, global companies, virtual training is often the more practical choice. It's more cost-effective and avoids the logistical challenges of coordinating training across multiple countries. The best approach depends on the scale of your operation and the complexity of your WMS needs.