Top Skills You’ll Gain from WMS Training

Warehouses are no longer just storage spaces — they’re now smart, connected hubs that power modern supply chains. At the center of this transformation lies the Warehouse Management System (WMS) — software designed to streamline inventory tracking, improve order fulfillment, and drive warehouse efficiency.

But implementing WMS technology without the proper training can lead to confusion, errors, and underutilization of powerful features. That’s why WMS training has become essential for logistics teams, warehouse operators, and inventory managers.

Whether you're rolling out a new system or upgrading existing operations, WMS training ensures that your team can fully leverage the technology to improve performance, reduce costs, and deliver a better customer experience.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the top skills you’ll gain from WMS training, how they empower teams, and why every warehouse should invest in this critical form of upskilling.

🧠 What Is WMS Training?

WMS training refers to structured education and hands-on learning that helps warehouse staff understand how to use, configure, and optimize a warehouse management system.

Popular WMS platforms include:

• SAP Extended Warehouse Management (SAP EWM)
• Oracle Warehouse Management Cloud (WMS Cloud)
• Manhattan WMS
• NetSuite WMS
• Infor CloudSuite WMS

These platforms are used by companies across industries to manage inventory, labor, shipping, receiving, and reporting — all in real time.

Training is often tailored to roles such as:

• Warehouse operators
• Pickers and packers
• Inventory control managers
• IT administrators and WMS superusers
• Logistics and supply chain leaders

🔹 Top Skills You’ll Gain from WMS Training

1. Inventory Management and Tracking

What You’ll Learn:

• Real-time stock visibility
• Receiving and putaway processes
• Stock transfers and bin-level tracking
• Cycle counting and physical inventory

Why It Matters:

WMS training helps you move beyond manual spreadsheets by automating how inventory is recorded, moved, and counted. This leads to greater accuracy, fewer stockouts, and reduced write-offs.

2. Order Picking and Packing Optimization

What You’ll Learn:

• Picking strategies (wave, batch, zone, etc.)
• Packing configurations and label printing
• Reducing pick-path inefficiencies
• Managing returns and restocking

Why It Matters:

Efficient picking and packing means faster fulfillment times and fewer errors — which directly improves customer satisfaction. Training teaches staff how to use the system to automate pick lists and reduce travel time on the warehouse floor.

3. Receiving and Putaway Processes

What You’ll Learn:

• Automated receiving workflows
• Barcode scanning for inbound shipments
• Optimal bin allocation for space utilization
• Quality checks during receipt

Why It Matters:

When products arrive at the warehouse, the speed and accuracy of receiving affect the rest of the workflow. WMS training ensures staff know how to log inventory quickly and store it efficiently for fast retrieval later.

4. Shipping and Labeling Automation

What You’ll Learn:

• Carrier integration (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.)
• Generating shipping labels and documentation
• Coordinating multi-package shipments
• Automating bill of lading (BOL) creation

Why It Matters:

Training empowers your team to automate shipping tasks, improve compliance, and reduce fulfillment time. This minimizes shipping delays and improves order tracking for end customers.

5. Use of Mobile Devices and Barcode Scanners

What You’ll Learn:

• Navigating mobile WMS interfaces
• Scanning products for inbound and outbound accuracy
• Mobile data entry and voice picking
• Managing handheld device connectivity

Why It Matters:

Most modern WMS platforms support mobile and handheld devices, allowing workers to interact with the system on the go. Training ensures team members are comfortable using scanners and mobile workflows without disruption.

6. Warehouse Layout Optimization

What You’ll Learn:

• Creating logical storage zones (e.g., fast movers, cold storage, hazardous materials)
• Slotting and re-slotting items based on volume and frequency
• Adjusting layout to match demand patterns

Why It Matters:

A smart layout reduces wasted movement and increases productivity. Training helps you use WMS data to reconfigure your warehouse layout for maximum efficiency.

7. User Roles and Security Settings

What You’ll Learn:

• Creating and managing user accounts
• Assigning permissions and access rights
• Audit trails and user activity monitoring

Why It Matters:

WMS training ensures that the right people have access to the right functions, minimizing operational risks and security breaches while maintaining accountability.

8. WMS Reporting and Analytics

What You’ll Learn:

• Generating standard reports (inventory status, order accuracy, labor productivity)
• Custom report creation and dashboard usage
• Exporting data for further analysis
• Interpreting WMS KPIs

Why It Matters:

Data is power. WMS training teaches you how to leverage reporting tools to gain insights, forecast inventory needs, and make data-driven decisions.

9. System Configuration and Integration

What You’ll Learn:

• Configuring workflows, notifications, and automation rules
• Connecting WMS to ERP and TMS systems
• Customizing product master data and vendor profiles
• Managing updates and patches

Why It Matters:

Admins and IT professionals gain skills in system configuration and maintenance, which is vital for scaling WMS usage and integrating it with other business systems.

10. Change Management and Continuous Improvement

What You’ll Learn:

• Communicating changes to warehouse staff
• Documenting SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)
• Reviewing WMS usage metrics
• Identifying areas for ongoing process improvement

Why It Matters:

Training not only teaches system use but promotes cultural adoption. Teams that embrace WMS usage see better ROI and reduced resistance to change.

👨‍🏫 Who Should Take WMS Training?

• Warehouse supervisors and leads
• New warehouse employees
• Inventory control specialists
• IT staff managing logistics systems
• Logistics and supply chain professionals
• Anyone transitioning from manual to digital inventory systems

📈 Business Benefits of WMS Training

🧭 Final Thoughts

WMS systems are only as powerful as the people using them. Without proper training, even the most advanced warehouse software will fall short of its potential.

WMS training builds the skills your team needs to automate workflows, improve order accuracy, and operate your warehouse like a well-oiled machine. It also creates a shared understanding of procedures, reduces confusion, and helps your organization transition smoothly into the digital supply chain era.

✅ Final Takeaway:

If you want to increase warehouse productivity, reduce errors, and prepare your operations for the future, WMS training from Koenig Solutions is the smartest investment you can make in your team and your bottom line