Custom WMS development
A custom warehouse management system that fits your warehouse processes exactly. Real-time stock management, smart pick routes, barcode and RFID support and seamless integrations with your ERP and webshops. Built for your specific logistics operation.
Why a custom WMS?
Off-the-shelf warehouse management systems are designed for generic warehouse processes. But every warehouse is different: different products, storage methods, picking strategies and integration needs. When your operation doesn't fit a standard package, you run into limitations that reduce your efficiency.
Warehouse software that fits your operation
A custom WMS is built around your specific warehouse layout, product categories and logistics processes. From inbound to outbound, every step is optimised for your situation. Your staff work with software that fits their daily routine, not the other way round.
At Appfront we build custom software that you fully own. You are not tied to per-user licences that rise as your team grows. Your WMS can always be extended with new modules, locations or integrations when your operation requires it.
Modules we build
A custom WMS consists of modules that you assemble based on your operation. Start with the core and expand as your warehouse grows or your processes change.
Receiving & put-away
Register incoming deliveries quickly and accurately. From scanning inbound goods to quality checks and automatic assignment to storage locations. With support for barcode, RFID and manual entry.
- Goods receipt and expected deliveries
- Quality control on receipt
- Automatic putaway allocation
- Barcode and RFID scanning
Inventory management & locations
Real-time insight into stock levels by location, zone and warehouse. Manage storage locations, move stock between zones and set automatic reorder points. Includes batch and serial number management for full traceability.
- Real-time stock levels by location
- Location and zone management
- Batch and serial number tracking
- Automatic reorder points
Order picking & dispatch
Optimise the picking process with smart picking routes, batch picking and wave management. From assigning orders to pickers through to packing slip generation and shipping label integration. Less walking, fewer errors, faster turnaround.
- Optimised picking routes
- Batch and wave picking
- Packing slip and label printing
- Shipping integration (PostNL, DHL, DPD)
Returns processing
Handle returns efficiently with structured workflows for receipt, inspection, restocking or disposal. Feed return status back automatically to your webshop or customer service for fast resolution.
- Return registration and inspection
- Automatic restocking
- Return status to webshop
- Disposal and destruction workflow
Reporting & KPIs
Get real-time insight into your warehouse performance with dashboards for lead times, pick accuracy, stock rotation and staff productivity. Automated reporting for management and operations.
- Operational KPI dashboards
- Pick accuracy and lead times
- Stock rotation analysis
- Staff productivity
Mobile scanner app
A mobile app for handhelds and smartphones that lets warehouse staff scan, pick and move stock directly on the warehouse floor. Designed for speed and simplicity, even when wearing gloves or working in cold environments.
- Barcode and QR scanning
- Pick-by-scan workflow
- Offline mode during network outages
- Suitable for handhelds and smartphones
Every module can be built as part of your WMS or as a standalone web application. We are happy to advise you on the best approach for your warehouse.
Custom WMS versus standard WMS packages
The choice between a standard WMS and a custom solution depends on the complexity of your operation, your integration needs and how unique your warehouse processes are. Both options have their place.
Standard WMS packages
Packages such as Picqer, Exact WMS or Manhattan offer out-of-the-box warehouse functionality. They are quick to set up for standard pick, pack and ship processes. However, when your warehouse departs from the norm, for example with special storage requirements, complex batch tracking or unique picking strategies, you run into limitations.
- Quickly operational for standard processes
- Broad range of core features
- Limited adaptability to unique operations
- Per-user licence costs that add up
- Limited control over data and integrations
Custom WMS from Appfront
A custom WMS is built precisely around your warehouse layout, product categories and operational processes. Your picking strategy, storage logic and integrations are built in as core functionality, not as a workaround. You retain full control over the software and your data.
- 100% tailored to your warehouse operation
- Ownership of source code and data
- Unlimited integration possibilities
- No per-user licence fees
- Freedom of choice in hardware and scanners
Not sure which approach suits you best? Our IT modernisation consultants are happy to help you determine the right strategy for your warehouse.
Technologies we use
A WMS must be fast, reliable and available 24/7. We choose proven technologies suited to real-time operations with high volumes and low latency.
Backend & databases
The core of your WMS runs on a high-performance backend. We work with Node.js and Python for the application logic, PostgreSQL as the database, Redis for caching and real-time updates, and message queues for asynchronous tasks such as bulk processing.
If you load lorries at fixed loading bays at a tank or bulk terminal, with lines per product, then there is our terminal loading bay planning software.
- Node.js and Python
- PostgreSQL and Redis
- WebSockets for real-time updates
- Message queues (RabbitMQ)
Frontend and mobile apps
A WMS is used on desktop (office and planning) and on mobile (warehouse floor). We build with React and TypeScript for the web interface and React Native for the mobile scanner app. Fast, responsive and suitable for handhelds.
- React and TypeScript (web)
- React Native (mobile app)
- Offline-first for the warehouse floor
- Barcode camera and hardware scanner
Cloud & infrastructure
Your WMS runs on reliable cloud infrastructure with high availability. AWS or Google Cloud for hosting, Docker and Kubernetes for scalability, and CI/CD pipelines for automated updates without downtime.
- AWS and Google Cloud
- Docker and Kubernetes
- Zero-downtime deployments
- 24/7 monitoring and alerting
Test your idea first: a working prototype in 1 day
With OneDayBuild, we turn your idea into something tangible in one day for €1,150, so you can see whether further development is worth the investment. Decide to go ahead with the full build? Then we credit the full cost.
Explore OneDayBuild →Integrations with your existing systems
A WMS does not stand alone. It must work seamlessly with your ERP, webshops, shipping services and other business software. We have extensive experience building API integrations for logistics environments.
ERP & accounting
Synchronise stock, orders and purchasing data between your WMS and your ERP system. We build integrations with Exact Online, SAP, AFAS and custom ERP systems for an automated flow of goods.
Webshops & marketplaces
Connect your WMS directly to Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Lightspeed, bol.com and Amazon. Orders come in automatically, stock is synchronised in real time and shipping status is passed back.
Shipping services and TMS
Integrate with carriers such as PostNL, DHL, DPD, GLS and UPS for automatic shipping labels and track and trace. We also build custom middleware for integrations with transport management systems.
Why choose Appfront for your WMS?
Building a custom WMS calls for a partner that can not only develop software, but also understands how warehouse operations work in practice. Speed, reliability and ease of use on the warehouse floor are central.
Our approach
Every WMS project starts with a thorough analysis of your warehouse: layout, product flows, peak periods and bottlenecks. We map out your processes before a single line of code is written. We then build in sprints, with interim testing on the warehouse floor.
- Warehouse analysis and process optimisation upfront
- Agile development in two-weekly sprints
- On-site testing with warehouse staff
- Phased rollout to limit risk
- Comprehensive documentation and training
Take a look at our full range of services for an overview of our expertise.
What you can expect from us
We build WMS systems that can handle high volumes and peak loads. Clean code, automated testing, monitoring and an architecture that grows with you. After go-live, we remain available for maintenance, optimisation and new modules.
- Ownership of all source code
- High performance under heavy volumes
- Management and support after handover
- Scalable across multiple warehouses
- Experience with logistics processes
Curious about how we work? See our work for examples of projects.
Security and compliance
Your WMS holds sensitive business data: stock valuations, supplier prices, customer orders and logistics patterns. Security and data integrity are therefore a core part of every system we build.
- Full GDPR compliance in data processing
- Role-Based Access Control per warehouse and function
- Audit trails for all stock movements and actions
- Encrypted data in transit and at rest (TLS/AES-256)
- Automated backups with recovery procedures
- Traceability for batch and serial numbers
Read more about our information security policy and vulnerability disclosure policy.
Frequently asked questions about a custom WMS
Ready to optimise your warehouse operations?
Discover how a custom WMS makes your warehouse faster, more accurate and more scalable. From initial analysis through to full delivery and management. View our services, read more about us, or get in touch directly for a no-obligation conversation. For visibility beyond the warehouse, see the control tower integration.