Many enterprises are transforming to informatization. In the process of warehouse management, some software tools are often used to deal with relatively complex operation processes. WMS and ERP are two commonly used software tools.

Among them, many people have a lot of misunderstandings about WMS and ERP: they think that both can manage warehouses, and they can choose one of them. In addition to the warehouse management module, the ERP system has other management modules, which are much more powerful than the single warehouse management of WMS. If you choose one of the two, you must choose the ERP system. In addition, before the introduction of WMS, most enterprises have already deployed ERP, so there is no need to use WMS anymore.

In fact, the relationship between WMS and ERP is not mutually exclusive, but complementary, and the combination of the two can ensure the maximum effect. So what are the similarities and differences between the two?

Similarities between WMS and ERP: both have the function of managing warehouses, and using both can help companies improve warehouse information management.

The functional details difference between WMS and ERP:

ERP is a comprehensive management tool at the overall level of an enterprise. In addition to warehouse management, it also includes various functional modules such as personnel, finance, procurement, and sales. However, the warehouse management module in ERP is only one of the modules in the warehouse management work, mainly accounting for warehouse costs and inventory, which belongs to the financial management of the warehouse.

WMS is a management system that focuses on the warehouse management process, and manages all aspects of warehouse operations. Using barcode and automatic identification technology, WMS monitors the warehouse operation process in an all-round way, ranging from material registration and storage location placement to material delivery and storage, quality traceability.

Although ERP can integrate barcode management functions, its application scope is limited and cannot analyze and apply barcodes of other companies. Many jobs that can be scanned with barcodes still require manual typing.

The difference between WMS and ERP integrated equipment:

In addition, the most obvious difference between WMS and ERP is that ERP is only a system management software, while WMS can integrate equipment such as barcode printers, barcode collectors, AGV robots, wireless APs, etc., and combine software to scan, check, and control warehouse operations. , guide.

Of course, how to choose these two tools depends on the actual operational needs of the enterprise. If the product category of the enterprise is simple, ERP can also meet its warehouse management requirements for product shelf life and traceability requirements. The WMS system has the integration of testing equipment and is suitable for more complex and demanding warehouses.

However, the integrated use of WMS and ERP can ensure the maximum effect, help enterprises to achieve information management at the overall level, improve the efficiency of warehousing, and improve the comprehensive management level of enterprises.