Selection of warehouse management system by analytical hierarchy method in air cargo sector: A ground handling services company application

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) are crucial for storing and managing shipments, constituting a critical component of any logistics operation. WMS improves efficiency, accuracy, and visibility, resulting in significant cost savings and enhancing customer satisfaction. WMS software significantly contributes to time and labor savings. Tracking the movement of shipments in the warehouse enhances the accuracy of inventory data and provides real-time visibility to monitor the status of shipments. In today's competitive market, businesses that can increase warehouse efficiency and accuracy have a significant advantage. WMS can help organizations achieve these goals, leading to enhanced customer service, reduced costs, and improved profits. The Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) is employed to evaluate different WMSs and choose the best option. This study in Turkey reveals the first use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in selecting WMS software. It provides information on the criteria used in software selection, determining the weights of these criteria, and choosing the best alternative. In survey results, usability has the highest weight, while cost has the lowest. Among the three alternatives, "A3" stands out due to its usability and technological features. The AHP method is a powerful tool for selecting the most suitable WMS. However, the study is limited to a logistics company, and the criteria and sub-criteria used may vary for other businesses. Future studies could analyze software systems utilized by airlines and other warehouses. Additionally, research could be conducted on how different methods, such as Fuzzy AHP or focus group techniques, can be applied in WMS software selection.