How to Build a Warehouse Management App?

A warehouse management app helps businesses track inventory, manage stock, streamline ordering, and integrate with e-commerce platforms for efficient logistics and distribution operations.

Highlights

• 70% of warehouses lack automation, impacting efficiency and accuracy. Forbes
• Barcode scanning reduces warehouse errors by 41%, enhancing order accuracy. Supply Chain Dive
• Cloud WMS adoption grew by 50% in 2023 and improved inventory management. Gartner

Co-Founder

Harsh Abrol

4 min read

With Over 14 years of Experience in the IT Field, Helping Companies Optimise there Products for more Conversions

A warehouse management system (WMS) is essential for businesses handling large inventories. A warehouse management app helps companies manage inventory, ordering, stock control, and tracking efficiently. Whether dealing with e-commerce, retail, logistics, or distribution, a well-built application simplifies operations and minimizes errors.

This guide covers everything required to develop a warehouse management app, including core features, development steps, and essential technologies.

Understanding Warehouse Management Applications

A warehouse management app is a software solution designed to handle inventory tracking, storage management, and order processing. Many businesses use warehouse inventory management software to manage stock levels and reduce inefficiencies. Some leading WMS platforms include Odoo, Unicommerce, Peoplevox, Oracle EBS, and SAP.

These applications assist in:

1. Tracking goods in and out of the godown
2. Managing ordering and stock control
3. Improving warehouse integration with e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce, OpenCart, and Microsoft Dynamics
4. Reducing manual errors using barcode scanners
5. Generating reports for online and offline retail operations

Current Warehouse Automation Trends

According to Forbes, 70% of warehouses lack automation, which affects operational efficiency and accuracy. This highlights the need for businesses to adopt digital solutions like a warehouse management system to reduce errors and improve workflow.

Using a web-based or mobile WMS solution ensures real-time access to crucial information.

Steps to Build a Warehouse Management System

Define Business Needs

Understanding warehouse operations is the first step. Identify the specific challenges faced by the warehouse and choose the best approach for development.

Some questions to consider:

1. Will the app be standalone or integrated with other software solutions?
2. Does the warehouse require real-time barcode scanning and cloud storage?
3. Should the app support Android and iOS platforms?
4. Does the business need OpenCart, WooCommerce, or Microsoft Dynamics integration?

These factors help determine the ideal mobile and web-based WMS solution.

Select Essential Features

A warehouse management system should offer functionalities that make daily operations smooth.

Inventory and Stock Control

1. Barcode scanner integration for quick item identification
2. Cloud-based storage system to update stock levels
3. Automated alerts for low inventory

According to Supply Chain Dive, barcode scanning reduces warehouse errors by 41%, significantly improving order accuracy and stock control.

Order Management

1. Ordering module for tracking inbound and outbound shipments
2. Retail and e-commerce integration with platforms like SAP, Oracle EBS, and Odoo
3. Return management with automated refund processing

Warehouse Layout and Yard Management

1. Digital maps of storage areas and yard sections
2. Efficient stock placement and retrieval tracking

Reporting and Analytics

1. Database-powered insights for better forecasting
2. Unicommerce and Microsoft PowerApps support for detailed analytics
3. Performance metrics for improved decision-making

Adding these features makes the warehouse inventory management software more useful for businesses of all sizes.

Choose the Right Technology Stack

The right software and applications improve app efficiency and usability.

Mobile App Development

1. Flutter or React Native for cross-platform development
2. APK support for Android app development
3. Swift for iOS app development (when hiring an iOS App Developer)

Backend and Database

1. Node.js, Python, or Java for web-based and mobile app backend
2. PostgreSQL, MySQL, or Oracle Database for managing warehouse records
3. Cloud-based integration with AWS or Google Cloud

API and Ecommerce Integrations

1. WooCommerce, OpenCart, and Microsoft Dynamics APIs for ecommerce businesses
2. Barcode scanner SDKs for quick stock tracking and ordering

The right WMS platform and database integration ensure seamless operations.

Focus on UI/UX Design

A warehouse management system should have an intuitive design, allowing staff to complete tasks without delays.

Key UI/UX Considerations:

1. A dashboard with stock tracking and ordering information
2. Large buttons and barcode scanner access for quick data entry
3. Downloadable APK files for Android users needing offline access
4. Integration with cloud-based storage solutions for real-time updates

A simple and functional WMS solution improves user productivity.

Develop and Test the Application

Once the design is finalized, development begins.

Development Process:

1. Backend programming: Setting up servers and database connections.
2. Mobile app development: Building the Android and iOS applications.
3. API integration: Connecting with retail, ecommerce, and distribution systems.

Testing the WMS Software

1. Functional testing to ensure all modules work
2. Barcode scanner testing for stock tracking and ordering
3. Database stress tests to handle high data loads

Testing ensures the warehouse inventory management software runs smoothly.

Deployment and Maintenance

After testing, the app is deployed for warehouse use.

1. Upload to app stores (Google Play for Android and App Store for iOS)
2. Cloud-based storage setup for secure data management
3. Database optimization to handle inventory growth

According to Gartner, cloud-based WMS adoption increased by 50% in 2023, helping businesses improve inventory tracking and warehouse efficiency.

Regular updates help maintain the WMS system and introduce new features.

Cost of Developing a Warehouse Management App

The cost depends on:

1. Number of features and modules
2. Standalone vs integrated WMS software
3. E-commerce and database requirements
4. App development company expertise

Typical costs range from USD 20,000 to USD 80,000 (INR 17,16,000 - INR 68,64,000) depending on project complexity. Hiring an experienced app development company ensures a high-quality WMS platform.

Benefits of a Warehouse Management Application

A warehouse inventory management software improves:

1. Stock control and tracking for reduced errors
2. Ordering and distribution efficiency
3. Retail and e-commerce integration with platforms like WooCommerce and OpenCart
4. Barcode scanner-based inventory tracking
5. Seamless cloud storage for real-time data updates

For businesses handling large inventories, a warehouse management system is a valuable investment.

Final Words

Building a warehouse management app requires thorough planning, the right technology, and proper testing. By choosing the right WMS platform, integrating barcode scanners, cloud storage, and ecommerce solutions, businesses can create an efficient inventory tracking system.

Working with an experienced app development company ensures the application meets business needs, whether for retail, logistics, or distribution purposes. With the right approach, a warehouse management system can significantly improve warehouse operations.

Build Your Warehouse Management App with Digittrix

In today’s fast-paced logistics and supply chain industry, a warehouse management app is essential for businesses looking to efficiently handle inventory, stock control, and order processing. A well-designed app should include real-time inventory tracking, barcode scanning, cloud-based storage, and seamless integration with ecommerce and retail platforms. For better operational efficiency, features like automated ordering, warehouse layout mapping, and detailed reporting tools are crucial.

If you’re planning to build a warehouse management app and need expert guidance, Digittrix is here to help!

We are a leading app development company with 14 years of experience, specializing in custom warehouse management software solutions for businesses of all sizes. Our team of expert Android and iOS developers ensures high-performance applications tailored to your specific warehouse needs.

If you’re unsure how to begin, schedule an appointment or book a consultation with our expert technical managers today! Call us at +91 8727000867 or write to us at digittrix@gmail.com for all your queries.