Do you feel that your warehouse team is spending too much time working through manual processes? Many logistics companies and warehouse managers find that they’re teams are spending more time dealing with inventory inaccuracies and delays – even after investing in a top-of-the-line warehouse management system!
Many South African businesses integrate the best warehouse management software options on the market, but a lack of training or understanding of their true potential leaves them with the same issues they already had.
At Dovetail, we know these challenges well, and that’s why we’ve put together our list of the top five time-saving tips for using a warehouse management software (WMS) in 2025 and beyond!
1. Implement Paperless Receiving
Are you still using paper-based processes for receiving? It may be time for your team to finally make the switch to all-digital receiving. Paperless receiving can reduce complexity in your processing and eliminate those pesky manual data entry errors.
With the right warehouse management software, companies are receiving data electronically and automatically relaying it to their inventory system.
Imagine scanning all of your incoming products with mobile devices, and getting:
- Instant inventory updates in real-time
- Elimination of manual data entry errors
- Up to 60% faster receiving processes
- Reduced labour costs and paper waste
You can bet that your warehouse staff will thank you once you’ve freed them from the mountains of paperwork!
2. Optimise Your Picking Routes
One of the biggest time-wasters in warehouse operations? Inefficient picking routes. Your warehouse management software should allow you to use advanced algorithms to calculate the most efficient paths for your picking teams.
Taking the time to set up and implement optimised picking and packing routes can help maximise your productivity by making sure:
- Products are strategically located based on picking frequency
- Complementary items are stored near each other
- Heavy items are positioned to minimise damage and worker strain
- Storage capacity is fully optimised
3. Utilise Automated Cycle Counting
Annual physical inventory counts are disruptive and time-consuming. Instead, implement automated cycle counting to keep your inventory accuracy high.
A warehouse management software system can automatically schedule and assign cycle counts based on value and criticality, sales velocity, turnover rates, and even ABC classification.
With continuous, systematic verification of your inventory, you’ll maintain over 99% accuracy without the productivity losses associated with full physical counts. This translates to fewer stockouts, less overstock, and more satisfied customers.
4. Make Use of WMS Mobile Capabilities
Your warehouse supervisors shouldn’t be tied to their desks. The top warehouse management software gives your team full mobile functionality, so make sure you’re making the most of it! Here are some of the best ways to get the most out of your WMS mobile features:
- Approve exceptions on the spot to help keep operations flowing smoothly
- Monitor real-time performance metrics right from the warehouse floor
- Make inventory adjustments immediately when discrepancies are found
- Redirect resources to bottlenecks as they occur
5. Set Up Automated Reporting and Dashboards
Are you still wasting hours compiling reports manually? The best warehouse inventory management software in 2025 should give you a comprehensive automated reporting and interactive dashboard tool.
Yet, many teams skip over this feature – and lose the ability to make the most of their data.
What kinds of dashboards should you set up and automate?
- Real-time productivity metrics by some, function, or individual team member
- Inventory accuracy and availability statuses across all warehouse locations
- Order fulfilment rates and shipping performance data
- Labour utilisation and efficiency metrics to identify training opportunities
With automated KPI tracking, you’ll be able to identify and immediately address any problems before they start to impact your performance.
Put These Tips to Use with Warehouse Management Software from Dovetail
Your warehouse efficiency will directly impact your bottom line – and can crater your customer satisfaction fast. That’s why you need the right tools and ways to use them if you want to make the most of your warehouse management system software.
At Dovetail, we’ve partnered with more than 30,000 satisfied logistics users across Africa who have experienced remarkable results after optimising their warehouse management software.
Are you ready to transform your warehouse operations and save valuable time? For functionally rich and robust end-to-end warehouse management options you can make the most of, learn more about the Körber Warehouse Management Software system.