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WMS software requires professional implementation/installation, which can cost $3,500-$40,000, depending on the number of integrations and the level of customization needed. On-premise software requires installation, and cloud-based software requires implementation. 

WMS integrations add increased capabilities and extensions to WMS solutions. Integrations make working with different organizational units and companies in complex logistics networks easy via web and mobile technologies. This ensures that customers, suppliers, partners, and other service providers are integrated into your processes, aiding in valuable business operations. 

While some integrations come included and are free, others you’ll have to pay for - something to consider when you and your team are shopping for a WMS. 

It’s also noted that each user/team member you add to a WMS platform will affect pricing. Therefore, many models limit the number of users on a plan and require an upgrade if warehouses wish to add more users. 

Some software companies only offer live customer support (i.e., phone support) at higher subscription tiers. If you wish to avoid frustration and wasted time troubleshooting problems yourself, make sure your license includes ongoing live customer support. 

Everyone likes free…why not save a few bucks when you can? Just a quick Google search for ‘free wms software’ or ‘free warehouse management software’ will give you dozens of results. 

Here’s a list of reputable free WMS software platforms you can check out: 

• Sortly 
• Zoho Inventory 
• Odoo Inventory 
• Boxstorm 
• SKUsavvy 

This may cause business leaders to ask, “Why should anyone pay for a warehouse management system when you can utilize one for free?” 

The reality is that free WMS software is far from as proficient as the paid version. On free plans, warehouse teams will have restricted capabilities, no premium features, and a limited number of users who can utilize the WMS. 

A free WMS platform’s primary goal is to get users hooked. When teams quickly outgrow the free version’s capabilities, they will have to upgrade to get the actual benefits of a warehouse management system. 

Simply put, ‘free WMS’ models/brands mainly advertise their paid versions.  However, they can be an ideal first step for small businesses new to inventory management software.