Are you evaluating a cloud-based ERP solution like NetSuite and need an inventory management tool to fill gaps? A warehouse management system (WMS) connects to your ERP; it stores the location and controls the movement of your inventory from receiving to shipping. Implementing a WMS can help you keep better track of your inventory and improve many business metrics, but how much does a cloud WMS cost for NetSuite?
As with any big business purchase, you need to budget for an inventory management system. While each solution will vary on pricing, we have put together an overview of how cloud WMS solutions are priced - and the different factors that will influence how much you will pay.
![NetSuite Pricing for WMS]()
The Rise of Cloud WMS
Accelerated by the validation of the Cloud value proposition during the pandemic, Gartner expects that by 2024, Cloud will make up 14% of the total global enterprise IT spend, with subscription-based business model (referred to as SaaS, or Software as a Service) growing to $117.7 billion in 2021. While there are many advantages to cloud-based WMS, in the NetSuite space, we are seeing high adoption for businesses looking for a solution that can meet their needs now and scale with them as they grow. The initial cost of SaaS products is generally much lower and more flexible than an on-premises solution. Here are some factors that can influence the cost of a NetSuite WMS solution in the cloud like RF-SMART.
Factors that Influence NetSuite Pricing for a WMS
- Contract Duration – Since cloud based software is subscription based, you can choose the duration of your contract. When evaluating your options for subscription-based solutions, ask if you can lock in the rate with a multi-year deal. Signing up for NetSuite for 3 years? Make sure your WMS subscription is at least that long too.
- User Count – Most cloud-based SaaS models have a per-user cost per month. This type of setup allows for businesses to scale as they grow. You only need to purchase the amount of users you need. On the other hand, the cost per user is typically higher for low user counts. When evaluating options, ask if there is a minimum number of users or if you can lock in user pricing. Have you accounted for your proposed hiring or peak seasons?
User subscription costs can also be based on the total number of users or concurrent users (the number of employees that would be using the software at one time). Opting for a contract that's based on concurrent users can be an effective way to save money. Make sure to ask your provider how their per-user cost is set up.
- Bundled Functionality – How complex are your operations? The more inventory you have, the more people touching that inventory, and higher volume of orders, the more functionality you will need.
Some NetSuite WMS solutions offer bundles of functionality. Bundles offer the flexibility to bring the cost to where you are right now with the option to upgrade later as your business grows. If you are a startup a base functionality bundle will be less initial investment than a manufacturer or distributor that need advanced WMS functionality.
- Advanced Add-on Modules – Cloud-based WMS products typically have advanced features that you can purchase separately from the core bundle of functionality. However, these advanced modules will be a separate line item.
For example, Distributors may want additional packing functionality.
- Maintenance, Support & Services Fees – Once you buy a cloud WMS, it has to be installed and configured, and your team trained on how to use it. With NetSuite, the installation services can be fixed fee bundle to get you up and running.
There is also a yearly maintenance fee for support. One critical component of maintenance is keeping the WMS compatible with the latest release of NetSuite. Since SaaS ERP software is typically hosted in the Cloud, customers are generally on the same version. With each new NetSuite release, you are pushed to the latest version. A Native NetSuite WMS SuiteApp is required to make sure it works with every release of NetSuite.
Learn more about the different types of NetSuite WMS SuiteApps
- Customizing Functionality - Customizations, Enhancements, Modifications – no matter what you call it, it means that part of the software has been changed for your business.
We recommend understanding best practices and asking yourself, what is the business use case for this change? Does it provide value or can results be achieved by adapting your business processes? If you decide to move forward, there will be an initial cost to make the changes and typically additional charges to support that modification when new releases come out.
- Hardware – With any mobile inventory project, there are things like printers, scanning devices, barcode labels and Wi-Fi infrastructure to factor in to the price. All of these items will influence your experience with the software, and should not be forgotten or delayed until right before go-live. Many leading WMS solutions, like RF-SMART, have a dedicated hardware team that can recommend hardware and services for your specific project.
How do you know if a cloud-based NetSuite WMS is worth the price tag?
As you are evaluating solutions, the key principle you should keep in mind is whether the value of a WMS meets your needs and can scale and grow with your business. Before engaging in any pricing discussions, you should have a clear understanding of your:
- Current warehousing processes
- User counts
- Business metrics you’d like to improve
- Compliance requirements
- Budget
- Timeline for implementation
How do you justify the cost or formulate a budget? RF-SMART WMS is known to help in multiple areas like inventory accuracy, improved operational efficiency, and increased worker productivity. Pick one area of improvement and ask yourself “If I can improve that, how much will it save me?”
Here is one example:
![NetSuite ROI - Cost of WMS for NetSuite]()
Calculate Your ROI for Your WMS for NetSuite
While price will inevitably be a key factor for selecting your WMS, don’t overlook the importance of ROI. You may find that the cheapest solution isn’t necessarily the best fit for your needs.
PetShop.co.uk, British e-retailer of pet supplies, is a fantastic example of a business that keeps close tabs on it’s return on investment. Before implementing RF-SMART in 2017, the company’s warehouse processes were in disarray; “We saw cracks in our customer service by not getting orders out quickly enough, and that was a result of our non-digital focus,” said Adam Taylor, Founder of PetShop.
The PetShop team now track a variety of warehouse KPIs, helping them make better strategic business decisions. By optimizing their warehouse setup, and labeling and scanning their inventory, they’ve managed to half the amount of obsolete stock they once had, increasing the value of their balance sheet by 20%.
Their new mobile-led processes have enabled them to fulfill sales orders faster whilst incurring far fewer errors. They can now fulfill 100% more orders in one day than before. The improvement in accuracy and efficiency hasn’t gone unnoticed – PetShop’s customer retention rate has also increased from 40% to 70%.
Read their case study
Every operation is different. Speak to one of our Sales Executives to see how RF-SMART can meet your WMS needs and your budget.
