WMS/TMS: pitfalls to avoid

Choosing a WMS or TMS solution is never just another IT project. It is often a strategic turning point, a moment that reshuffles the deck for the organization. Because behind the software, it is the flows, teams, methods, and sometimes even the culture of the company that are being reconfigured. And like any major project, this one comes with pitfalls—some obvious, others much less so. Here are the ones we still encounter too often…and that are better to anticipate than to suffer.

Focusing solely on functionality

The first instinct is to compare solutions based on their functional specifications. This is logical, but misleading. Having a box checked on a grid does not guarantee relevance, ease of use, or suitability for your situation. A tool may be very comprehensive—on paper—but completely unsuited to the way you work. The right choice is one that fits your processes, your digital maturity, and will grow with you. You need to think about real-world use, not technological showmanship.

Neglecting the upstream scoping phase

Too often, projects are launched without a clear vision of their scope, objectives, or internal constraints. The result: constant adjustments, shifting objectives, and project fatigue that quickly sets in. The scoping phase is not optional: it is the foundation. This is where expectations are aligned, priorities are structured, and a realistic trajectory is set. Skipping this step is like building a house without a plan.

Underestimating the importance of change management

Good software that is poorly adopted remains a bad investment. Resistance to change is a reality in any organization. It is necessary to provide support, explain, and reassure. You cannot impose a new way of working without taking the time to listen and provide support. A software project, no matter how good it is, can fail if it is poorly adopted. Change management is a cornerstone of the overall project.

Choosing a provider that is too rigid or too far removed from the field

Some publishers or integrators have solid tools, but lack proximity or understanding of operational realities. What is needed is a player who knows the field, adapts, and stays close. Not just another supplier, but a true co-pilot.

Opting for a closed or non-scalable solution

The world of logistics is changing rapidly: new channels, new services, environmental pressures, customer expectations—everything is in flux. In this context, a fixed solution that is technologically locked or difficult to interface with quickly becomes a disadvantage. You need to choose an open, scalable platform that is built to adapt.

Focusing solely on the short term

Finally, the last pitfall, and not the least: thinking short term. Of course, every company aims to make concrete profits, but a WMS/TMS project must also be part of a sustainable vision. Opting for a quick-to-implement solution without considering its scalability or its impact over three to five years is tantamount to tinkering. And tinkering, in logistics, is expensive.

In summary

Choosing a WMS or TMS cannot be improvised. It requires method, foresight, and listening. Above all, it deserves to be approached with clarity: not as a simple technical issue, but as a genuine business project. Taking the time to identify the right criteria, select a solid partner, and properly frame your project not only helps you avoid unpleasant surprises, but above all creates the conditions for lasting success.

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