What are Typical Business Goals of Using a WMS for NetSuite?

Introduction: What Matters Most in WMS Selection 

When evaluating warehouse management solutions for NetSuite, understanding which outcomes deliver the most value for your specific operation is essential.  

To provide objective insight into what matters most to businesses, RF-SMART commissioned a third-party audit surveying over 300 WMS users about their implementation priorities and results. 

The data reveals clear patterns in what businesses value most from their warehouse management systems, with three primary factors standing significantly above the rest: efficiency, accuracy & ease of use. 

This guide analyzes each area based on real implementation data and provides framework for evaluating which factors may be most relevant to your operation. 

Top Business Priorities for WMS Implementation

The survey identified clear tiers of importance: 

Why It Matters

Warehouse efficiency emerged as the top priority, cited by 80% of survey respondents. In today's competitive logistics landscape, the ability to process more orders with fewer resources directly impacts both customer satisfaction and profitability.

Measurable Outcomes

Reduced labor hours per order processed
Increased lines picked per hour
Decreased walking distance for warehouse staff
Lower training requirements for new employees

Implementation Considerations 

For NetSuite users, efficiency improvements typically require solutions that provide real-time integration with inventory records while adding mobile functionality that removes manual data entry bottlenecks. 

Why It Matters

Inventory accuracy ranked as the second highest priority, with 207 companies citing it as mission critical. Accurate inventory is the foundation for reliable operations, financial reporting, and customer satisfaction.

Measurable Outcomes

Inventory accuracy rates of 99%+ consistently reported
Reduced inventory write-offs
Elimination of emergency orders due to phantom checks
More reliable financial reporting

Implementation Considerations 

Achieving high inventory accuracy requires both technology solutions and process discipline. Successful implementations typically integrate barcode scanning with structured verification procedures throughout the inventory lifecycle.

Why It Matters

Ease of use ranked third among implementation priorities, with 193 respondents highlighting its importance. In warehouse environments with varied staff technical abilities and potential seasonal fluctuations, intuitive systems dramatically reduce training time and errors. 

Measurable Outcomes

Shorter training periods for new staff
Higher adoption rates among warehouse personnel
Fewer user errors requiring supervisor intervention
Improved employee satisfaction

Implementation Considerations 

Evaluating ease of use requires hands-on testing by the actual warehouse staff who will use the system daily. The most effective solutions balance comprehensive functionality with operational simplicity. 

While efficiency, accuracy, and ease of use dominate WMS selection criteria, several other factors play important roles for specific business needs. Our survey identified five additional priorities that, while cited by fewer respondents, can be critical differentiators depending on your operation's unique requirements. 

Scalability and Growth ▼
Operational Speed ▼
Cost Reduction ▼
Real-time Inventory Visibility ▼
Regulatory Compliance ▼
Space Utilization: An Advanced Consideration ▼

Scalability and Growth 

Why It Matters: For high-growth organizations and larger enterprises, a WMS that can evolve with your business prevents disruptive re-implementations as operations expand. 

Key Implementation Components: 

• Multi-warehouse support across locations
• Architecture supporting peak transaction volumes
• Progressive functionality activation as needs evolve
• Integration framework connecting with expanding tech ecosystems 

Operational Speed 

Why It Matters: In markets where same-day fulfillment is increasingly expected, processing velocity directly impacts customer satisfaction and competitive advantage.

Key Implementation Components: 

• Real-time inventory processing
• Optimized picking paths
• Batch processing for high-volume activities
• Mobile functionality for on-the-spot transactions

Cost Reduction

Why It Matters: Particularly important for organizations with thin margins or high labor costs, operational savings directly impact bottom-line performance.

Key Implementation Components: 

• Labor optimization
• Reduced inventory carrying costs
• Error prevention
• Improved space utilization 

Real-time Inventory Visibility 

Why It Matters: Accurate, up-to-the-minute inventory insight serves as a foundation for informed decision-making across the organization.

Key Implementation Components: 

• Dynamic inventory dashboards
• Cross-location visibility
• Status tracking
• Mobile management access

Regulatory Compliance 

Why It Matters: Compliance is mission-critical in regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and medical devices.

Key Implementation Components: 

• Lot traceability
• Serialization support
• Complete audit trails
• Enforced compliance procedures

Space Utilization: An Advanced Consideration 

Why It Matters: While not ranking among top survey priorities, space utilization becomes critically important when organizations face capacity constraints or growth challenges. 

Key Implementation Components: 

• Vertical storage solutions
• Dynamic slotting optimization
• Automated storage system integration
• Strategic zone organization