Ep. 32 - WMS Investment and Implementation 101

In this episode we talk with Casey Winans, an expert in warehouse management systems (WMS) and supply chain consulting.  We discuss the importance of understanding the need for a WMS, the challenges businesses face when transitioning from spreadsheets, and the significance of process clarity and documentation. Casey shares insights from his extensive experience in the industry, emphasizing the need for businesses to assess their readiness for a WMS and the potential pitfalls of rushing into software purchases without proper evaluation. The conversation also touches on suggestions for students contemplating a career in warehousing and logistics, best practices for documenting processes and the importance of not waiting for urgent situations to arise before seeking solutions.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Casey 
04:17 Casey Winans' Journey in Warehouse Management
09:08 Assessing the Need for a WMS
11:51 Challenges of Spreadsheets and Manual Processes
14:52 People without WMS
17:12 The Importance of Readiness for WMS Implementation
20:13 Data Integrity and Process Clarity for WMS Success
25:18 Deep Dive into Warehouse Operations
32:55 Advice for Aspiring Supply Chain Professionals
37:11 Proactive Planning for Software Implementation

Surgere is the official sponsor of The Supply Chaney Podcast for 2025. Surgere’s singular focus is building AI-powered, frictionless supply chains that result in real time, end-to-end visibility with 99.9% accuracy for partners and customers.