Körber WMS Review 2024

What is Körber WMS?

Körber Supply Chain has emerged as a significant force in warehouse management through strategic acquisitions and organic development. The company consolidates multiple WMS product lines from acquisitions including HighJump, Accellos, and other supply chain software providers into a unified platform approach. This consolidation brings diverse capabilities and extensive installed base experience to the Körber portfolio.

The Körber warehouse management platform emphasizes modularity, allowing organizations to select and deploy specific capabilities aligned with their requirements. This flexibility supports various operational scenarios from straightforward single-warehouse deployments to complex multi-facility third-party logistics operations. The modular approach also enables phased implementations that deliver value incrementally rather than requiring big-bang deployment.

Körber's positioning bridges the gap between enterprise solutions like SAP EWM and lighter-weight alternatives. Organizations seeking sophisticated functionality without enterprise software complexity often find Körber attractive. The company's strong presence in the 3PL market demonstrates capability for multi-client environments with diverse operational requirements.

Core Features and Capabilities

Modular Architecture

Körber's modular architecture enables organizations to deploy specific functionality aligned with operational priorities. Core warehouse management provides inventory tracking, receiving, putaway, picking, packing, and shipping capabilities. Additional modules address labor management, slotting optimization, yard management, and advanced analytics. Organizations can adopt capabilities progressively, reducing implementation risk while building value incrementally.

This modularity also supports diverse deployment scenarios within the same organization. Different facilities may operate with different module configurations based on their specific requirements, while enterprise visibility layers provide consolidated reporting and control across the network.

3PL and Multi-Client Capabilities

Körber excels in third-party logistics environments where multiple clients share warehouse facilities and resources. The platform supports client-specific configurations including unique workflows, billing rules, inventory policies, and quality requirements. Multi-client billing integration tracks activities at granular levels to support accurate client invoicing based on storage, handling, and value-added service charges.

Customer portal capabilities provide 3PL clients with visibility into their inventory, orders, and operational metrics without requiring direct WMS access. This self-service visibility reduces operational overhead while improving client satisfaction. Client-specific reporting enables 3PLs to demonstrate service level achievement and provide the operational transparency that clients increasingly demand.

The platform's flexibility accommodates diverse client requirements within shared facilities. Different clients may require different lot tracking practices, quality procedures, or packaging requirements. Körber's configuration capabilities enable these variations without requiring extensive customization.

Warehouse Execution and Optimization

Core warehouse execution capabilities address the full spectrum of distribution operations. Directed receiving guides inbound operations through configurable workflows that accommodate different receipt types, quality inspection requirements, and putaway strategies. The system generates optimal storage location assignments based on product characteristics, zone rules, and downstream picking efficiency considerations.

Wave planning and order management provide control over fulfillment operations. The system supports multiple picking strategies including discrete order picking, batch picking, zone picking, and cluster picking. Wave optimization considers carrier cutoffs, labor availability, and capacity constraints to maximize operational throughput while meeting service commitments.

Labor management functionality enables productivity tracking, performance measurement, and workforce optimization. The system tracks task completion and compares actual performance against expected standards. Supervisory dashboards provide real-time visibility into workforce activity and productivity metrics that support operational decision-making.

Automation and WCS Integration

Körber provides strong integration capabilities with automated material handling equipment. The Warehouse Control System (WCS) layer manages communication with conveyor systems, sortation equipment, pick-to-light systems, and other automation technologies. This integration enables coordinated operation of automated and manual processes within unified workflow control.

As warehouse automation adoption increases, Körber's WCS capabilities provide value for organizations integrating goods-to-person systems, autonomous mobile robots, and other emerging technologies. The platform's experience with diverse automation configurations across its installed base provides implementation patterns and best practices for automation integration.

Voice and Mobile Technology

Körber supports various mobile technology options for warehouse floor operations. Voice-directed picking enables hands-free operation that improves productivity and accuracy for picking activities. RF scanning remains available for operations preferring traditional handheld device interaction. The platform also supports emerging technologies including smart glasses and wearable devices.

Mobile device management capabilities enable centralized configuration and deployment of warehouse devices. This administrative control simplifies device management while ensuring consistent operation across the warehouse floor.

Industry Specializations

Third-Party Logistics

Körber's 3PL capabilities rank among the strongest in the market. Multi-client management, flexible billing configurations, and customer portal access address the specific requirements of logistics service providers. The platform supports diverse client requirements within shared facilities while maintaining operational efficiency across the client base.

Retail and E-Commerce

For retail and e-commerce fulfillment, Körber provides high-velocity picking optimization, multi-carrier shipping integration, and returns management capabilities. The platform supports omnichannel scenarios including ship-from-store and buy-online-pickup-in-store where retail locations participate in fulfillment.

Manufacturing and Distribution

In manufacturing environments, Körber supports raw material management, work-in-progress tracking, and finished goods distribution. Integration with manufacturing execution systems enables coordinated operation of production and warehouse activities. The platform's flexibility accommodates the diverse requirements of discrete, process, and mixed-mode manufacturing.

Food and Cold Chain

Temperature-controlled warehouse requirements are addressed through food and beverage industry functionality. The platform supports lot tracking, FIFO/FEFO management, expiration date control, and temperature zone management. These capabilities enable compliance with food safety regulations while optimizing inventory rotation.

Deployment Options

Körber supports multiple deployment models to accommodate organizational preferences and infrastructure strategies. Cloud deployment through Körber's hosted environment provides reduced infrastructure responsibility and predictable subscription pricing. On-premise deployment remains available for organizations preferring local installation and control. Hybrid configurations support multi-site scenarios where different facilities may have different deployment requirements.

This deployment flexibility positions Körber for organizations that may be transitioning from on-premise to cloud or that have specific requirements mandating particular deployment approaches.

Implementation Considerations

Project Timeline

Körber implementations typically span 4-10 months for initial deployments, with variation based on module selection, integration complexity, and operational scope. The modular architecture supports phased implementations that deliver core functionality quickly while adding advanced capabilities over time. This approach reduces implementation risk while enabling earlier value realization.

Integration Approach

Körber provides integration capabilities through APIs, web services, and pre-built connectors for common enterprise systems. ERP integration with SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, and other platforms follows established patterns. E-commerce platform integration supports order synchronization and inventory updates. The company's extensive installed base provides integration experience across diverse technology environments.

Partner Ecosystem

Implementation services are available through Körber's direct professional services organization and qualified partner network. Partner selection should consider specific industry experience and familiarity with organizational technology environments. Körber certification programs help ensure partner competency with the platform.

Pricing and Investment

Körber pricing positions between enterprise premium solutions and basic WMS offerings, providing sophisticated functionality at accessible investment levels. Subscription pricing for cloud deployments typically ranges from $75,000 to $250,000 or more annually for enterprise implementations, based on module selection, user counts, and transaction volumes.

Implementation investment ranges from $150,000 to $1 million or more depending on module scope, integration requirements, and operational complexity. 3PL implementations with extensive client configuration requirements may require additional investment. Organizations should budget for training, data migration, and change management in addition to technical implementation costs.

Strengths and Advantages

• 3PL excellence: Industry-leading capabilities for multi-client logistics operations with flexible billing and customer portal access
• Modular architecture: Selective capability deployment enables phased implementation and aligned investment
• Automation integration: Strong WCS capabilities support diverse automation technologies and integration scenarios
• Deployment flexibility: Cloud, on-premise, and hybrid options accommodate diverse infrastructure strategies
• Balanced positioning: Enterprise functionality without enterprise complexity bridges market segments effectively
• Extensive installed base: Consolidated platform experience across acquired product lines provides implementation patterns

Limitations and Considerations

• Platform consolidation: Ongoing integration of acquired products may create uncertainty about specific product roadmaps
• Brand recognition: Körber name recognition trails longer-established WMS brands in some markets
• Enterprise positioning: Organizations seeking top-tier enterprise features may find Manhattan or Oracle more complete
• Innovation pace: AI and emerging technology adoption may trail pure-play innovators like Blue Yonder

Best Fit Scenarios

Körber WMS is ideally suited for organizations that:

• Operate third-party logistics businesses requiring multi-client management and flexible billing
• Seek enterprise functionality without the complexity and investment of top-tier enterprise solutions
• Value modular deployment enabling phased implementation and aligned investment
• Require strong automation integration with WCS capabilities for material handling equipment
• Prefer deployment flexibility between cloud, on-premise, and hybrid configurations
• Operate mid-sized to large distribution networks across diverse industries

Getting Started with Körber WMS

Organizations considering Körber should:

1. Assess 3PL versus traditional distribution requirements to understand capability priorities
2. Define module requirements based on operational needs and improvement objectives
3. Evaluate automation integration requirements for current and planned material handling
4. Engage Körber and implementation partners for capability demonstrations
5. Develop business case using our ROI calculator

Use our RFP template and request quotes from qualified implementation partners.