How does an EWM implementation unfold?
A warehouse implementation is ready when real users can execute normal and exceptional work with trusted stock, working devices, connected modules, and a support model—not merely when configuration reaches production.
- 01
Discover the physical operation
Walk North DC receiving, pallet putaway, replenishment, case picking, packing, staging, loading, inventory counting, and exception paths. Observe the 12,000-line daily rhythm, peak release times, RF devices, labels, and the run-up to the 17:00 carrier cut-off.
Evidence Observed North DC process catalogue, baseline KPIs, risks, and owners
- 02
Fit to standard and design
Agree the North DC release scope: pallet inbound, case-pick outbound, RF roles, replenishment, packing and staging, carrier hand-off, document/status ownership, exception policy, master data, interfaces, and extension decisions.
Evidence Signed North DC design decisions and acceptance evidence
- 03
Build the minimum spine
Configure the North DC warehouse structure, putaway and picking determination, replenishment, RF work creation, queues/resources, waves, packing, staging, exceptions, and required integrations for the representative pallet-inbound to case-pick dispatch flow.
Evidence Transported configuration and controlled master data for the North DC spine
- 04
Test physical and integrated reality
Run role-based unit, string, integration, volume, RF-device, printer, authorization, reversal, recovery, and day-in-the-life tests against the North DC flow. Prove that peak waves can be picked, packed, staged, and handed to carriers before 17:00; rehearse short picks, damaged stock, and device loss.
Evidence Defects resolved against traceable North DC expected results
- 05
Prepare cutover
Clean and load North DC warehouse master data; prepare stock, open deliveries, and HU/packaging data; sequence interfaces; validate RF devices and labels; train each shift; rehearse stock reconciliation and carrier cut-off containment; and define rollback decisions.
Evidence Approved North DC cutover runbook and readiness gate
- 06
Go live and stabilize
Run a named North DC command cadence around stock reconciliation, interface queues, RF/device failures, task backlog, exception volume, wave progress, staging, and the 17:00 carrier cut-off. Stabilize through shift support until service, stock, and support KPIs meet agreed exit criteria.
Evidence Stable North DC KPIs, support ownership, and accepted handover
Process and data
Process catalogue, product/packaging data, bins, HUs, stock attributes, owners, and change control.
Devices and automation
RF flows, scanners, printers, labels, network, MFS or equipment interfaces, monitoring, and fallback procedures.
Cross-module integration
MM, SD, PP, QM, TM, Finance, middleware, security, and support ownership with shared test evidence.
Operational readiness
Role-based training, supervisor routines, cut-off controls, exception playbooks, hypercare triage, and measurable exit criteria.