Companies eventually reach a point where their existing warehouse management system is no longer sufficient. Processes have evolved over time, inventory becomes difficult to track, manual steps consume valuable time, and orders need to move through the warehouse faster and more reliably. This is when a warehouse management system (WMS) becomes a key consideration.
Yet many organizations delay implementing a WMS. The reason is rarely a lack of need, but because management boards, IT leaders and logistics managers must realistically evaluate the full scope of the project: How long will implementation take? What internal resources will be required? What costs will be involved? And most importantly, how can day-to-day warehouse operations continue running smoothly throughout the transition?
This is where PROLAG One comes in. Designed to deliver a structured and predictable implementation experience, the solution guides companies through every stage of the journey to a successful WMS go-live. The implementation journey is built around seven clearly defined steps – from project kickoff to go-live support. Rather than becoming a complex, high-risk undertaking, warehouse digitalization follows a proven roadmap with clear milestones, defined responsibilities and full transparency.
A warehouse management system is more than just software. It transforms warehouse processes, increases visibility across inventory and order flows, and impacts the day-to-day work of warehouse teams. This is why a successful WMS implementation requires a clear and structured approach.
The key priorities for management boards are predictable project timelines, controlled investment costs and a fast return on value. IT leaders focus on technical requirements, system stability, integration efforts and the efficient use of internal resources. Logistics managers, meanwhile, need to ensure that critical warehouse operations – including goods receipt, inventory management, order picking, stocktaking, packing and shipping – continue to run smoothly and reliably.
A well-defined implementation process provides clarity and confidence for everyone involved. It outlines each step of the journey, defines the internal responsibilities required at every stage, and establishes a clear timeline for when the organization can begin operating productively with the new WMS.
The process for implementing PROLAG One is clear and transparent. The seven steps provide orientation and help companies better assess the required effort, costs, and internal resources.
Every successful WMS implementation begins with a kickoff phase. Key questions include:
This step is critical as it establishes the framework for the entire project. It ensures that the management board, IT and logistics departments share a common understanding of what will be implemented and what responsibilities each stakeholder holds. A well-structured kickoff is essential for any organization, as project activities are typically carried out alongside ongoing day-to-day operations. Establishing clarity from the outset helps prevent key questions from emerging late in the project and reduces the risk of misalignment as the implementation progresses.
Following the kickoff, the relevant users take part in a training course to learn about individual features and functions. It is crucial that participants gain a clear understanding of how PROLAG One is structured and how warehouse processes are mapped within the system.
The training covers:
This enables employees to become familiar with the new system early on in the project., This is particularly important for logistics management, since a WMS can only be used successfully if the new ways of working are understood and embraced in day-to-day operations.
In the next step, the existing warehouse structure is configured in PROLAG One. This includes storage areas, storage locations and other relevant structures required to manage processes digitally. Storage generation makes it clear how the physical warehouse organization is represented within the WMS. During this step, companies review which structures are necessary for their operations and how these can be systematically mapped in PROLAG One. This step is essential since a WMS can only operate reliably if the structure of the warehouse is accurately depicted. At the same time, PROLAG One’s standardized approach helps minimize unnecessary project complexity and supports an efficient implementation.
During system configuration, PROLAG One is set up for operational use. Users, mobile devices and workstations are set up and configured, and the required system logic is implemented. This step is particularly important for IT management, as it establishes the technical foundation for productive operations. Thanks to the SaaS approach and browser-based access, the implementation effort remains manageable. Mobile warehouse processes can be supported using CIM’s Android app, PROLAG Go. A clean and well-structured configuration is critical for operational logistics. Workstations, devices and user roles must be set up and prepared in a way that enables employees to work efficiently with the system from the outset.
Before PROLAG One is used in live operations, the processes are tested to check that system workflows align with actual day-to-day warehouse operations. Key processes are reviewed including:
The testing phase helps reduce project risks. Any outstanding issues are resolved collaboratively before final acceptance. This provides greater assurance for logistics leaders and management boards: The system does not go live unprepared, but has already been thoroughly validated under realistic conditions.
Go-live marks the start of live operations. From this point onward, real warehouse processes are managed using PROLAG One. If required, CIM supports this step by assisting with initial system workflows and real-world processes. This ensures a controlled transition to digital warehouse management. At this stage, companies can clearly see how the new WMS delivers tangible support in day-to-day warehouse operations.
A well-prepared go-live is not a single event, but the result of all preceding steps. The kickoff, training, storage generation, system configuration and testing phase all contribute to ensuring a controlled and predictable start to live operations.
Go-live does not mark the abrupt end of implementation. In the first days and weeks after the start of live operations, it is common for practical questions to arise. Employees continue to get familiar with the system, processes gradually stabilize and minor adjustments may be required. For this reason, go-live support is an integral part of the implementation process. CIM remains involved and supports companies in stabilizing the new digital warehouse management system during live operations. This step is essential for long-term project success. The value of a WMS is not created solely through technical implementation, but through confident and consistent use in day-to-day operations.
Implementing a warehouse management system within four weeks does not have to be a complex, high-risk project. What matters is a clear, structured approach that guides companies step by step into live operations. The seven steps from kickoff through to go-live support provide a clear framework, helping organizations become productive with the new system quickly and safely.
With CIM, we have a partner that perfectly complements our technology. The NIMMSTA Smart Watch, in combination with PROLAG World, is ready for use from day one—and delivers immediate efficiency gains for our customers.
Teresa Wimmer, Chief Marketing Officer at NIMMSTA
It’s immediately clear that CIM draws on 40 years of experience. Everything runs professionally and reliably—our logistics processes have been implemented securely.
Benjamin Pajaziti, Manager Supply Chain at SONAX GmbH
We have been working faster and more efficiently since we implemented CIM’s warehouse management system. In addition, we feel fit for the future thanks to the modular scalability of PROLAG World!
Stephanie Maertin, Managing Director of Maertin
Take our step-by-step product tour to discover how PROLAG One can steer your warehouse processes, ensuring efficient and profitable warehouse operations. Or get in touch with our logistics experts to arrange a demo.
