Top 9 reasons to upgrade Manhattan WM iSeries Systems

As businesses evolve and the demands on warehouse management systems (WMS) become more complex, WMi has shown several limitations given the obsolete tech stack it is built with. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Specialized Skills

Rare Skill Set Requirement: WMi runs on the IBM iSeries, so maintaining it requires a specific set of skills, much like needing a vintage car mechanic for an old classic. Unlike the new technologies, AS400 development requires strong analytical strength and hands on technical expertise as prebuilt libraries are not available like in the opensource world. On the other end, the next generation workforce tends to dislike development roles altogether, finding the AS400 developer is challenging.

As these skills become rarer, the cost of hiring and maintaining the code base and supporting production WMi environments climbs higher.

2. High Maintenance Costs

Customizations and Upgrades: Many WMi implementations have been heavily customized over the years to meet the company’s unique business needs. These customizations can make upgrading difficult, costly and risky, as businesses often delay updates to avoid disruption.

Dependency on Legacy Hardware: The underlying hardware for WMi is aging, which can lead to higher costs for hardware maintenance, support, and eventual replacement.

3. Legacy Technology

Rigid Infrastructure: Built with the IBM iSeries (AS/400), WMi’s infrastructure doesn’t easily accommodate modern cloud-native technologies, which are inherently more scalable. Expanding and modifying its rigid infrastructure to fit new demands is like trying to force a square peg into a round hole.

Limited Scalability: WMi runs on-prem and hence Memory, CPU must be procured and installed for peak volume upfront, this leads to a high cost of investment. Unlike Cloud Apps which can be scaled immediately as per workload. So, it struggles to scale efficiently in environments where businesses experience rapid growth, fluctuating demand.

4. Green Screen

Outdated User Interface: Using WMi’s interface today can feel like stepping back in time. The WMi system typically has a text-based green screen GUI, which can be less intuitive and harder to use compared to modern WMS solutions with more user-friendly, web-based interfaces. The new-gen workforce prefers handheld gadgets and intuitive user interfaces to perform their day-to-day tasks. Hence change management and user acceptance is becoming an uphill task

Limited Automation and AI Integration: Modern WMS platforms offer advanced automation capabilities, including AI-driven demand forecasting, automated order picking, and real-time inventory tracking. WMi lacks these advanced features, which can lead to inefficiencies and slower processes.

Manual Processes: Many of the processes within WMi may require manual intervention or custom coding, which can slow down operations and increase the risk of human error.

5. Integration Challenges

Compatibility Issues: Integrating WMi with other modern enterprise systems (like ERP, CRM, or newer supply chain management tools) can be difficult at times. Its architecture is not built to seamlessly connect with cloud-based applications, leading to difficulties in achieving a fully integrated IT ecosystem.

Limited API Support: Modern systems rely heavily on APIs for integration and communication between different software platforms. WMi has limited API support, making integration more complex and time-consuming. WMi runs on legacy Integration technology like FTP, SFTP, Socket connections. As such integration of WMi which is primarily on-prem is challenging with Automation equipment’s, Warehouse Control System, latest cloud apps and cloud technology.

6. Cloud Capabilities

Lack of Cloud Integration: WMi was not designed with cloud integration in mind. This limits the ability to leverage cloud benefits such as scalability, remote access, reduced infrastructure costs, and easier disaster recovery.

Inability to Support Cloud-Based Models: As businesses increasingly move towards cloud-based and SaaS models, WMi’s on-premises nature becomes a significant drawback. It doesn’t support the flexibility and cost-efficiency that cloud solutions offer.

7. Security and Compliance

Outdated Security Protocols: WMi may not support the latest security protocols and practices, making it more vulnerable to security breaches. Modern systems are designed with advanced security features to protect against evolving cyber threats.

Regulatory Compliance Issues: As regulatory environments evolve, companies may find it challenging to ensure that WMi remains compliant with new standards and regulations, especially those related to data protection and security.

8. Limited Innovation

Slower Adoption of New Technologies: WMi’s legacy nature means that adopting new technologies, such as AI, machine learning, IoT and real-time data analytics, is more difficult compared to modern WMS platforms. This can limit a company’s ability to innovate and stay competitive.

Continuous Improvement: Unlike other product lines, continuous releases and feature rollouts are limited. As technology advances, vendors often shift their focus to developing and supporting newer products in the latest technologies. This can result in reduced support, fewer updates, and a decline in the overall innovation around WMi.

9. Globalization and Flexibility

Challenges in Supporting Global Operations: Global operations require a WMS that can handle multiple languages, different units of measure, dual units of measure, currencies, and compliance regulations across different countries. WMi’s capabilities in this area are limited compared to modern systems designed with global operations in mind.

Inflexible Architecture: WMi’s architecture is less flexible when it comes to adapting to the varied needs of different business units or regions. This can make it difficult to implement consistent processes across a global enterprise.

These factors collectively underscore why many companies are considering or have already begun the transition from WMi to more modern, cloud-based solutions like Manhattan Active WMS, which address these limitations and provide a more future-proof platform.

Manhattan WMi to Active WMS

Manhattan Active WMS addresses the shortcomings of WMi by offering a cloud-native solution that is secure, scalable, and rich in modern features. It excels with its intuitive user interface, seamless integration capabilities, and continuous upgrade support without downtime, making it ideal for enterprises looking to modernize. The platform’s robust functionalities and flexible, low-code customization options empower businesses to tailor their WMS to complex needs while maintaining global standards and operational efficiency. With its proven track record in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant and strong support for rapid implementation, Manhattan Active WMS provides a future-proof solution that enhances productivity and reduces technical debt, making it a compelling choice.

Ready to Upgrade from Manhattan WMi to Active WMS?

Our whitepaper is intended for enterprise buyers and decision-makers who are currently assessing or implementing Manhattan WM Active. This whitepaper is not marketing material and is written from a third-party system integrator’s perspective leveraging the hands-on experience that ITOrizon gained as an implementor across different customer profiles, business channels, and 24/7 support cycles post-launch. It covers the business factors driving cloud products, rapid implementation methodology, and intended outcomes.