Warehouse Management systems 139 improved customer service; minimized paperwork. The diagram from Tompkins in Figure 8.1 illustrates how the quality of infor- mation can lead to increased sales and cost reduction. F i g u r e 8.1 Advantages of quality information (used with permission of Tompkins Associates) Quality of Information Reduced Lead Times Reduced Errors Minimize Unproductive Labour Improved Space Utilization Improved Equipment Utilization Improved Customer Service Increased Sales Reduced Operating Costs Increased profitability There is an adage that says that any IT system costs twice as much as quoted, takes twice as long to implement and produces half the benefits. In order to avoid this, there are a number of simple steps which need to be followed when choosing a WMS. Choosing a WMs When choosing the right WMS for a company you first need to fully under- stand the needs of the company and the key business requirements, not only today but some time into the future. You need to understand your company strategy, ensure that your specific needs are met by selecting the solution that best matches your business objectives.