5 September 2021 Discover the key points of change management that make a difference when deploying a new system in the warehouse “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most adaptable to change.” This phrase, spoken almost 200 years ago by Charles Darwin to explain the theory of evolution, seems perfect to describe the current business landscape. Faced with high competitiveness and rapid technological advancement, only those ready for change will survive. But this is not an easy task. Change is good for any company, but the team must be ready for new developments. In the case of warehouses, one of the most significant and necessary changes is the implementation of the WMS (Warehouse Management System), an intralogistics management software that integrates processes from product entry, directed and stored, to shipping. WMS is designed to facilitate warehouse work, but to achieve its goal, it must be well implemented, which means careful planning, especially considering change management. Although there are different change management plans, each adapted to the reality of a company or sector, there are issues that must be considered whenever a new system is implemented. Therefore, we have selected some steps that must be contemplated in any project, some of your responsibilities, and others that should be taken by the technology company you have contracted. 1. Create a list of all actions that should happen A change plan only happens if you and your entire team fully understand what will happen, so all activities related to the implementation of a new project must be planned and listed. And this applies not only during the implementation of the WMS but also in the preparation phase. Before the software is deployed, it is essential to develop prior actions such as integration with other systems, evaluation of infrastructure and necessary requirements, process review, equipment distribution, definition of parameters and test scenarios, and definition of KPIs and reports. Planning should also include conceptual and practical training activities for the team that will manage the system in their work routine. Everyone should be very well informed and familiar with the software, new equipment, and various dashboards. For the WMS implementation phase, do not forget to plan support actions. When relying on a technology company, ensure that the service includes monitoring during and after system implementation, including on-site assistance in the first days of use for stabilization. You will notice that this support makes a difference, both to give your team more confidence and to make changes quickly and decisively. 2. Define what to measure and how it affects operations If you have chosen to implement WMS in your company, it is because you want to improve your numbers, whether in terms of goals or performance indicators. But it is also important to think about the goals related to the project implementation itself, considering questions like: “How quickly do you want teams to start using the new system? How can you assess if people are using the software correctly?” Measuring these indicators shows that you are thinking about the WMS holistically and that you are ready for all changes and to evaluate the positive impacts on each role. State your goals as clearly as possible so you can rely on accurate reports and KPIs that will help you in decision-making. 3. Be available for your team and rely on a company with support and guides always available One of the most important points is to develop a feedback tool. This happens already with the project distribution, but it is essential that it is well planned beforehand because your team will need you, and you will need all the support from the technology company contacted to develop and distribute the WMS. Your employees will have various concerns and questions. They will need your help, and you, as a leader, must be ready to receive all feedback and communicate it to the people involved. It is therefore crucial to define how this communication will take place, whether through an online feedback system, a board where each section can take notes, daily meetings, or even via email. The important thing is to rely on tools that allow constant dialogue between you, your team, and the technology company that implemented the WMS. Another key issue is to count on agile and efficient support from the company you turned to. And it is your right to request it. Define in advance how this support will be, who your main contacts will be, and what the forms of problem notification are. Finally, here’s a tip: show your employees that it’s easy to ask for help. If they know they can count on you, they will be more committed to adapting to new processes, and your change management is likely to succeed! If you are already thinking about implementing WMS in your warehouse, it is important to make the choice of the technology provider with great care. To help you in this task, we have prepared a text with 6 valuable tips for choosing the best WMS technology provider for your company. Three Steps to Successfully Implementing a WMS Deagor WMS per ecommerce può aiutarti!