A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is critical for brands managing high order volumes, multiple fulfillment centers, or complex workflows. The right WMS helps reduce picking errors, speed up processing, and maintain accurate inventory across channels.
However, not all WMS platforms are built the same. Each system has different strengths depending on your warehouse size, operational complexity, and integration needs.
This guide compares the most commonly used WMS solutions, highlighting their features, strengths, and ideal use cases so teams can make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
- 1. What a WMS Should Help You Achieve
- 2. SAP Extended Warehouse Management (SAP EWM)
- 3. Oracle WMS Cloud
- 4. Manhattan WMS
- 5. Infor WMS
- 6. 3PL-Focused WMS Platforms
- 7. Regional WMS and OMS-Integrated Solutions (Including Opollo)
- 8. Key Criteria for Choosing a WMS
- Conclusion
1. What a WMS Should Help You Achieve
Before comparing platforms, it’s important to understand what a good WMS should enable:
✔ Improve order accuracy
Reduce picking/packing errors through guided workflows and scanning.
✔ Speed up warehouse processing
Optimize picking paths, automate task assignment, streamline packing.
✔ Maintain real-time inventory accuracy
Ensure stock levels reflect live movements across all channels.
✔ Handle multi-warehouse complexity
Support stock distribution, routing, replenishment, and transfers.
✔ Support peak-season volume
Remain stable and responsive during flash sales or holiday peaks.
Any WMS you choose should fulfil these core functions.
2. SAP Extended Warehouse Management (SAP EWM)
SAP EWM is one of the most advanced WMS platforms globally, designed for large-scale and highly complex operations.
Strengths
- Deep integration with SAP ERP
- Highly customizable workflows
- Advanced automation support (conveyors, ASRS, robotics)
- Strong outbound and inbound orchestration
Ideal for
Large enterprises with high SKU counts, automation needs, and multi-country operations.
Considerations
- High implementation cost
- Requires technical expertise
- Not ideal for fast-moving, mid-size ecommerce brands due to complexity
3. Oracle WMS Cloud
A strong cloud-native system suitable for enterprises and large warehouses.
Strengths
- Flexible cloud architecture
- Scalable for multi-facility operations
- Native device & mobile scanning support
- Good analytics and reporting
Ideal for
Brands wanting cloud-based infrastructure and strong global support.
Considerations
- Pricing can be high
- Long implementation timelines
- Best suited for companies already using Oracle systems
4. Manhattan WMS
One of the most mature WMS systems in the world, often used in high-volume distribution centers.
Strengths
- Extremely robust for large warehouses
- Excellent slotting, replenishment, and optimization tools
- Proven performance in retail and logistics
Ideal for
Retailers, logistics enterprises, and large warehouses with complex automation.
Considerations
- Enterprise-level cost
- Requires specialized implementation partners
5. Infor WMS
Infor WMS is known for balancing strong functionality with more usable UI compared to older enterprise systems.
Strengths
- Good balance between power and usability
- Strong labor management and task optimization
- Suitable for multi-warehouse brands
Ideal for
Mid-sized to large businesses looking for a modern warehouse system.
Considerations
- Still requires integration specialists
- Customization can increase cost
6. 3PL-Focused WMS Platforms
These WMS systems are designed specifically for third-party logistics providers.
Examples include:
- JDA / Blue Yonder WMS
- Softeon WMS
- Deposco
Strengths
- Billing tools for 3PL clients
- Multi-client warehouse management
- Support for diverse workflows
Ideal for
3PLs managing multiple brands with varying requirements.
Considerations
- Overkill for single-brand operations
- Setup can be complex
7. Regional WMS and OMS-Integrated Solutions (Including Opollo)
In Southeast Asia, many brands use regional WMS or OMS-integrated warehouse solutions that combine warehouse operations with multi-channel order routing.
When regional systems are better:
- You operate on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop
- You need fast integrations
- You rely on multi-channel fulfillment
- You want a unified system instead of multiple tools
Opollo WMS + OMS (Hybrid Model)
Opollo provides a combined system where OMS, IMS, and WMS workflows operate in one ecosystem.
Strengths:
- Real-time stock sync across marketplaces
- Multi-warehouse routing logic
- Faster implementation compared to legacy WMS
- Built for SEA peak seasons (11.11, 12.12, Tết)
- Unified product, order, and inventory workflows
Ideal for:
Fast-growing ecommerce brands, multi-channel sellers, and businesses scaling fulfillment in Vietnam or Southeast Asia.
8. Key Criteria for Choosing the Right WMS
When evaluating WMS platforms, consider the following:
a. Integration requirements
Does it connect smoothly with your OMS, ERP, or marketplaces?
b. Warehouse complexity
How many warehouses? How many SKUs? How much automation?
c. Speed of implementation
Enterprise WMS takes months; modern cloud platforms can deploy faster.
d. Peak season performance
Can the system handle high volume without delays?
e. Cost vs scalability
Some platforms are feature-rich but expensive for expanding brands.
f. Local support availability
Especially important in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
The “best” WMS depends entirely on your operational scale, channels, and warehouse complexity. Enterprise WMS platforms like SAP, Oracle, Manhattan, and Infor are extremely powerful but require time, resources, and technical teams.
For fast-growing ecommerce businesses in Southeast Asia, systems like Opollo, which unify OMS, WMS, and inventory workflows, offer a more agile and scalable alternative.
If your brand is evaluating warehouse or multi-channel operations upgrades, you can connect with the Opollo team here: