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Why are warehouses slow to adopt WMS?

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Why are warehouses slow to adopt WMS?

In the News – SupplyChainDive Article

Open Sky Group’s COO, Chad Kramlich was recently interviewed by SupplyChainDive magazine about why some companies are slow to adopt WMS – and offers a few things for those companies that might be lagging to consider. Below are a few excerpts from the article – the full article can be found here on SupplyChainDive.

“A recent survey of 549 industry professionals by Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) found 35% of warehouses are not using WMS as of 2018.  Why would companies be so slow in adopting a WMS?  While the statistics may be startling, they found companies still using Excel as their primary operating system even more so…”

For these companies, it can be hard to see the benefits of a WMS. “There’s a level of sophistication that they may not recognize that they need in terms of accuracy, order processing, adaptabilities, and warehouse staff utilization,” Chad Kramlich, COO of consulting firm Open Sky Group, told Supply Chain Dive.

“Companies may turn to WMS when they are in a growth phase and/or are looking to be acquired. “The research shows that they need tier 1 systems or better systems in place to be an acquisition target…” Kramlich said that the right WMS will allow for adaptation for both growth and whatever else lies ahead. “We see smaller companies that are willing to adopt a tier 1 application who are on a growth path,” he said. “They see they might not need all these capabilities today but based on their growth trajectory and where they want to be in three years, five years, they don’t have to go through this process again so they’re buying something that’s essentially future proof.”

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Jeremy Hudson

Vice President of Client Services

Jeremy’s focus is on the products and services clients need to stay competitive. Open Sky Group’s mission is to deliver technology-enabled solutions that allow our customers to achieve more while having the flexibility to adapt to change. Jeremy lives the core values and mission by bringing the best experience possible to our clients. He is an essential member of implementation teams, working alongside clients, and encouraging them to use innovation and best practices instead of customizations for success.

Jason Yantiss

Vice President of Client Services

Jason provides leadership to a variety of teams focused on implementation and integration. With 27+ years of experience holding operational and technical management roles in transportation, billing, and warehousing across a vast array of industry verticals, Jason is adept at driving multiple complex projects, understanding customer needs at all levels of the operation and providing viable solutions. Jason’s resume of 150+ implementation projects include Warehouse, Labor, Transportation, Yard Management and multiple AR/AP Freight Pay and Customer Billing systems. 

Eric McPherson

Vice President of Client Services

Mac works to oversee implementation and integration projects. A former Marine officer and military police officer, he brings over 27 years of supply chain experience, including 11 years at Blue Yonder in both delivery and service sales. Mac is a dedicated, team-oriented professional with a background in business management, professional services, customer service, and supply chain technology. His specialties include sales support, supply chain execution systems, project management, fulfillment operations, distribution operations, and GSA contracts.

Shannon Caflisch

Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Shannon is responsible for the strategy and management of all sales, business development, and marketing programs. With over 25 years of sales experience and 15 years focused in the supply chain space, Shannon focuses on building strong relationships with clients and partners and strives to deliver the right software solutions to help conquer supply chain challenges. Shannon believes in learning by listening to understand clients’ goals, struggles, and what is important to their business to build lasting, successful relationships.

Alan Prillaman

Senior Vice President of Client Services

As Senior VP of Client Services, Alan oversees all consulting services and account management at Open Sky Group. Possessing over 30 years of combined industry and consulting experience, Alan leverages his unique background in IT, logistics, quality management systems, manufacturing and distribution operations, and facility and strategic account management to provide clients with creative resolutions to complex challenges. His core philosophy and passion are to deliver tangible value for and establish long-term trusted partnerships with our clients.

Mike Noble

Senior Vice President of Technology

As Senior Vice President of Technology, Mike leads Open Sky Group’s Managed Services, Software Services, Infrastructure Services, and Information Technology teams bringing 35+ years of experience in Supply Chain Execution and Information Technology. Mike and his teams ensure we maintain the highest levels of customer service in a secure and reliable environment, constantly reviewing and evaluating new technologies, their appropriateness and applicability so we can safely and securely transact our own business – and help our clients accomplish the same.

Chad Kramlich

CEO

Joining Open Sky Group in 2015, Chad, served as Chief Revenue Officer for three years prior to his appointment to CEO in 2022. With over 25 years of experience delivering results for high-growth software and consulting organizations, Chad is leveraging his background in building efficient and effective implementation teams, establishing high-impact services operations, achieving revenue growth, and deepening executive-level client relations to help propel Open Sky Group into a very successful future.