The Top Warehouse Management Systems
The right warehouse management system (WMS) can transform your operations from cluttered and chaotic into a streamlined, scalable powerhouse. As businesses push for greater operational efficiency, enhanced inventory accuracy, and better real-time visibility, choosing a WMS isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a strategic decision.
This guide walks you through the top warehouse management systems available, how to compare their features, and how to pick one that suits your business’s evolving warehouse processes, no matter the size or complexity of your operation.
What Is a Warehouse Management System?
A warehouse management system is a type of management software that helps control and optimise day-to-day warehouse operations. From inventory tracking to order fulfilment, WMS software handles various aspects of your warehousing workflow, offering a holistic view of inventory, labour, and shipping.
Top-tier systems integrate with enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, support cloud-based access, and scale effortlessly across multiple warehouses. For many businesses, switching to a WMS leads to improved warehouse efficiency, streamlined processes, and better business continuity.
Key Benefits of Using a Warehouse Management System
Adopting a WMS can dramatically improve your warehouse operations. Here’s how:
1. Enhanced Inventory Management and Control
With a strong WMS in place, businesses achieve more precise inventory control, manage inventory levels, and reduce stock discrepancies. Inventory accuracy ensures stock availability, reducing delays in order picking and dispatch.
2. Improved Labour Management and Productivity
Modern WMS platforms include built-in labour management tools. From assigning picking tasks to measuring productivity, this functionality helps businesses improve operational efficiency and make smarter resourcing decisions.
3. Better Integration and Automation
Many systems integrate seamlessly with other solutions, including transportation management systems and supply chain management platforms. This integration supports end-to-end supply chain operations, improves cash flow, and enhances the customer experience.
4. Real-Time Visibility and Decision Making
Real-time dashboards provide insights into inventory data, shipping processes, and storage usage. This access to real-time data and real-time updates allows for faster, more confident decision-making.
Features to Look For in a WMS
When selecting the best warehouse management system, consider your business requirements and whether the system supports the following:
- Cloud-based WMS for remote access and scalability
- Advanced automation features for repetitive processes
- Support for RFID technology and mobile devices
- Tools to manage yard management, packing processes, and wave picking
- Integration with sales orders, purchase orders, and transfer orders
Flexible configurations to adapt to different distribution centres
Our top Warehouse Management System picks
With so many warehouse management systems out there, it can be difficult to know where to begin. With years of operational experience in supply chain and warehousing, the uTenant team are familiar with many warehouse management systems and are here to help you decide which WMS is right for your warehouse and business needs. Here's a list of some of our top picks for warehouse management systems and why we love each:
CartonCloud
An affordable yet powerful solution for small to medium-sized businesses.
CartonCloud is an Australian based logistics software company with a global customer base. Its cloud-based WMS was developed inside a leading third party logistics (3PL) business, so you can be sure it’s been designed with real-world applications and solutions in mind. It offers practical tools to streamline warehouse processes and boost productivity.
Why we love it…
- Seamless automation of invoicing and reporting
- Client access to stock via real-time dashboards
- Conversion tools to simplify units of measure
- No lock-in contracts for added flexibility
- Daily data backups for business continuity
Learn more about CartonCloud WMS or book a free demo.
Oracle
Transform warehouse operations to meet the challenges of today’s demand-driven marketplace.
Oracle is a cloud technology company that provides some of the world’s largest businesses with the infrastructure and software to help them unlock efficiencies. Oracle’s cloud-native WMS delivers sophisticated warehouse operations for businesses of all sizes. Its strength lies in flexibility, scalability, and global reach.
Why we love it…
- Rich inventory management and cycle counting tools
- Extensive labour management features
- Integrates with ERP for full supply chain management
- Supports value-added services and KPI tracking
- Enables efficient warehouse management at scale
Learn more about Oracle WMS or take a product tour.
Infor
Architected for agility, usability, and results.
Infor’s WMS is targeted at larger companies who require a comprehensive and customisable platform, capable of advanced inventory and labour management, 3PL billing, complex reporting and more. Built for agility and usability, Infor’s WMS offers powerful tools for inventory tracking, packing and picking, and enterprise-level analytics.
Why we love it…
- 3D visualisation for bottleneck detection
- Operational efficiency via real-time workforce metrics
- Advanced inventory control and flow-through strategies
- Modular tools to support various aspects of complex warehouse environments
Manhattan
Exceed customer expectations in the omnichannel marketplace.
Manhattan Associates have over 30 years’ experience developing and delivering supply chain software, and their WMS is packed with powerful features to help your warehouse operate efficiently. Known for its AI-driven automation, Manhattan Active Warehouse Management brings next-level intelligence to warehouse processes.
Why we love it…
- Multi-tenant, omnichannel functionality
- Support for standalone WMS or integrated solutions
- Auditor-approved cycle counting for inventory accuracy
- Real-time dashboards for increased visibility
Learn more about Manhattan WMS.
Fishbowl Warehouse
Automate everyday processes and track inventory across multiple warehouses.
Fishbowl is an ideal entry point for SMEs that want control over multiple warehouses without enterprise-level complexity. Fishbowl was founded in 2001 and has since expanded to service over 50,000 customers.
Why we love it…
- Wide integration with eCommerce and ERP platforms
- Customisable dashboards and modular interface
- Local support team with real-world expertise
- Centralised tracking for order fulfilment and stock movement
Learn more about Fishbowl Warehouse WMS or schedule a demo.
Blue Yonder
Any warehouse, anywhere.
Blue Yonder, formerly JWA, is an industry leader in digital supply chain optimisation, Blue Yonder is ideal for businesses needing global scalability and innovation. Their end-to-end supply chain management platform focusses on intelligent automation and innovation and supports over 3,000 customers worldwide. In April 2021, Blue Yonder was purchased by electronics giant Panasonic.
Why we love it…
- Dynamic task management and route optimisation
- Prescriptive mobile device workflows
- Scan verification for serials and lots
- Tools to optimise warehouse operations and reduce picking time
Learn more about Blue Yonder WMS (watch a product overview).
Körber
Conquering supply chain complexity.
Körber is an international technology group that provides innovative solutions to a broad range of industries, including logistics. Körber’s WMS – formerly known as HighJump – was designed with flexibility and scalability in mind. While Körber’s platform is a fantastic out of the box solution, it can be optimised and configured to suit your business. Körber’s WMS delivers unparalleled flexibility. Whether you operate a single site or a network of distribution centres, its platform grows with you.
Why we love it…
- Smooth ERP integration
- Self-directed mobile tasks for staff
- Automation-friendly for custom hardware
- Comprehensive analytics for inventory, labour, and space usage
Paperless
Effortless. Seamless. Paperless.
As the name suggests, Paperless are experts at delivering digital solutions to warehousing and logistics companies looking to streamline their operations. Paperless is based in Australia and created the country’s first WMS in 1988. Since then, they’ve been innovating and evolving that offering into the world-class platform it is today. One of Australia’s pioneers in warehouse management, Paperless continues to innovate with a strong digital-first approach.
Why we love it…
- Modular architecture to grow with your business
- Custom reporting engine and KPI alerts
- Integrated picking and packing features
- Tracks workload versus plan for enhancing operational efficiency
Learn more about Paperless WMS or book a demo.
Microlistics
Warehousing made simple.
Melbourne Based Microlistics offer a range of warehouse management systems that come packed with innovative and well implemented features. Trusted by companies across 25+ countries, Microlistics’ WMS is part of WiseTech Global and tailored for scaling businesses.. Not only that, but for over 25 years and has been recognised in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for WMS every year since 2015.
Why we love it…
- Real-time task direction for labour
- Modular automation support
- Ideal for 3PLs and supply chain heavy operations
- Insightful dashboards for tracking efficiency and inventory
Learn more about Microlistics or book a demo.
How to Choose the Best WMS for Your Business
When evaluating the best warehouse management system for your organisation, keep the following in mind:
- Business Requirements: What are your current pain points? Do you need support for multiple warehouses or deep integration with ERP or transportation management tools?
- Growth Potential: Will the system scale with your business as you expand or pivot?
- Industry Focus: Some WMS platforms cater to 3PLs, while others are better for eCommerce or manufacturers.
- Support & Training: Ensure there's local support or responsive customer service available.
Free demos, trial access, and vendor consultations are all smart ways to test compatibility before committing to a system.
The right warehouse management system acts as the central nervous system of your warehouse—coordinating everything from order picking to shipping processes, from wave picking to real-time updates. Whether you're looking for a cloud-based WMS or a highly customised management software, the options are rich and varied.
Ultimately, success in warehouse management comes down to choosing a solution that aligns with your business strategy, improves efficiency, and helps you deliver a superior customer experience.
Take the Next Step with uTenant
Not sure where to begin? Our team at uTenant are warehouse experts who can help you navigate the complexities of warehouse systems and operations. Whether you need help finding the right WMS, want to streamline your warehouse processes, or are aiming to optimise your warehouse operations, we’ve got your back.
Contact Us
Not sure where to start? uTenant can help you when it comes to what warehouse management system is best for your business, as well as discuss how to best optimise your warehousing operations.
Updated: 26 February 2024