No matter how great your software may be, it requires users familiar with how it works and what it does. Thus, every automated business tool addition must be accompanied by proper training; warehouse management system (WMS) software isn’t an exception.

WMS software is a comprehensive digital solution for manufacturing, retailing, distribution, and fulfillment businesses. These automated tools can track goods in all supply chain stages and provide companies with insights into their operations.

The best WMS software enables companies to streamline and scale their operations without necessarily increasing operational costs. But to do so, companies must organize high-quality training for their employees to optimize their features and benefits.

If you’re wondering who is best qualified to do it, read on to take a closer look at the basics of WMS software training.

1. Who provides the WMS software training?

The WMS software vendor is the most qualified entity to provide training to its clients. Sometimes, these sessions can be held for free if they’re included in the purchase costs. Third-party consultants can be hired when the client wants in-depth WMS software training.

Software companies and consultants adhere to different training designs, but most will conduct on-site and off-site lectures and presentations about the system and how it works. Depending on the number of users and specific arrangements with the clients, the vendor can conduct ‘super user training,’ where they round up the sector heads with broader software access to later train their team.

Sometimes, online seminars are accessible through the vendor’s site, which can be helpful, especially for larger firms with multiple warehouses.

2. Who must participate in the WMS software training?

The warehouse management system software is often used by staff assigned to specific duties in the storage area. Department managers or supervisors are often the first batch of trainees and are expected to train others, for instance, workers in inbound, outbound, and picking areas.

It’s wise to conduct periodic and comprehensive WMS software training for all personnel, considering the turnover rates in the sector. This helps employees maximize their operations regardless of their roles and assignments, which is WMS software’s primary goal. Inclusive training can help increase employees’ motivation and contributes to their efficiency. Knowing that they have a chance to move up the ladder helps increase employee retention.

Additionally, training must include executives who don’t necessarily use the tool daily but must understand its functionalities and specific operations, like pulling up reports and data analysis.

Training must be hands-on and relevant regardless of the target participants and the advanced training technologies. It should discuss essential topics that resonate with staff who want to increase productivity and efficiency.

3. What’s the best approach for WMS software training?

Learning preferences differ from one person to another. But the ‘super user training’ can be a common approach, as these mid-level employees have more access than other warehouse personnel. Ideally, they also have more experience and can relate more easily to the subjects at hand, except when their computer literacy level is low.

In large warehouses, conducting multiple sessions may be a good idea so long as these users pass on their knowledge to others using existing WMS tools. Ideally, the sessions must be done on-site to facilitate hands-on training, which undoubtedly is more effective than off-site discussions. At the end of the training, organizers must measure training effectiveness by seeking feedback from participants.

Off-site lectures may be reserved when the clients’ staff has enough WMS software experience. They can interact more effectively about the gaps, share best practices, and provide valuable insights to help improve or upgrade the tool.

4. When should the WMS software training be?

The WMS software training must be done when the system is up and running, and the features and functionalities are in place. Moreover, companies must address common challenges that can hamper training success.

Before the training, explain why the business needs the software and how they can use it to their advantage. Doing so can hopefully reduce resistance and negative impressions about the proposed operational changes.

And for how long?

Training length depends on the company’s requirements and how engaged and interactive the audience will be. The sessions can be broken into multiple sessions for inclusive presentations where the firm prefers fewer participants.

However, the greatest factors influencing training length are the available software features and the warehouse’s operation. Basic ones can be done in at least one day, whereas more complex systems require a few days or weeks to finish. However, some companies might ask for at least two sessions to keep their operations going during lectures.

Once warehouse staff is capable enough to operate the tool, they can create a video or webinar internally and use the cloud storage platform to allow newly hired personnel to access them.

Wrapping up

Comprehensive training is necessary for any warehouse management system (WMS) software implementation. And successful training has two elements: software and user preparation. The warehouse company, vendor, or consultant must cover all operational aspects, while users must understand the lecture’s why, what, who, and how, to generate favorable results.