Infios Explains How OMS and WMS Work Together for Fulfillment

The integration of Order Management Systems (OMS) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) is crucial for effectively managing modern, multi-channel supply chains, according to Matt Boland, OMS Sales Director at Infios. While a WMS manages internal warehouse operations, an OMS orchestrates the entire order journey, from inventory visibility to fulfillment and customer communication.

Traditionally, WMS has served as the backbone of a warehouse, handling receiving, picking, and other physical operations. However, modern commerce has introduced complex customer expectations, such as buy-online-pickup-in-store and flexible return policies. These demands exceed the original design capabilities of WMS systems. Boland notes that companies attempting to use WMS or ERP systems to cover these needs face challenges because they are not designed for a broader, distributed supply chain.

An OMS adds value by aggregating inventory data from all sources, determining optimal fulfillment locations for orders, and orchestrating fulfillment across various channels. It provides a single source of truth that enhances customer service with real-time order visibility. By integrating OMS and WMS, companies can achieve complete inventory visibility, optimize order routing in real-time, and meet delivery commitments.

Infios highlights four key pillars for OMS and WMS integration: inventory visibility, order orchestration, omnichannel fulfillment, and inventory optimization. Together, these systems enable a flexible and scalable supply chain capable of meeting current and future business needs.