Question 1

What is WebWMS?

Accepted Answer

WebWMS is a cloud-native Warehouse Management System designed for UK 3PLs and high-growth eCommerce brands. It replaces spreadsheets and outdated legacy software with real-time barcode scanning, automated order picking/packing, 3PL client portals, and automated storage billing.

Question 2

How does FIFO (First-In, First-Out) batch tracking work?

Accepted Answer

Every item booked into the warehouse is assigned an automated chronological sequence number, supplier batch/lot code, and date-in timestamp. When orders are generated, the system directs warehouse pickers to the oldest inventory first, guaranteeing strict FIFO rotation and eliminating expired stock.

Question 3

Can we import expected goods-in via ASN (Advance Shipping Notice)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Inbound shipments can be created manually or imported via CSV files containing expected SKUs, expected quantities, supplier references, and expected delivery dates. Vendors and 3PL clients can also submit ASNs directly through their white-label client portals.

Question 4

What handheld scanner hardware is supported by WebWMS?

Accepted Answer

WebWMS runs as a high-performance Progressive Web App (PWA) compatible with virtually all modern devices. This includes dedicated Android laser scanners (Zebra TC21/TC26, Zebra TC52, Honeywell Dolphin, Datalogic), iOS devices (iPhone, iPad), Android smartphones/tablets, and desktop PCs with USB barcode guns.

Question 5

Do you charge extra per-device software license fees for handheld scanners?

Accepted Answer

No! Unlike traditional WMS vendors who charge £30–£80/month for every extra scanner gun connected, WebWMS offers £0 per-device software licensing. You can connect as many handheld scanners, phones, or tablets as your team needs without unexpected monthly fees.

Question 6

Does the scanner app require app store downloads or IT installation?

Accepted Answer

No app store download is needed. Staff simply navigate to your secure scanner URL in Chrome, Safari, or Edge and tap 'Add to Home Screen'. The app runs instantly fullscreen with hardware laser engine integration and camera scanning fallbacks.

Question 7

How do 3PL warehouses connect multiple independent client Shopify stores?

Accepted Answer

WebWMS features official 1-Click Shopify OAuth 2.0 onboarding. The warehouse creates a Vendor workspace for each client brand. The brand logs into their white-label Client Portal, enters their store domain (e.g. `mybrand.myshopify.com`), and clicks 'Connect to Shopify'. In under 10 seconds, Shopify authenticates the store, automatically subscribes all necessary webhooks, and connects with zero developer keys or API coding required.

Question 8

How does WebWMS ensure stock and orders are kept strictly isolated between 3PL clients?

Accepted Answer

Every SKU, physical bin location, FIFO batch, order, and billing record is strictly isolated in the database under that specific client's Vendor ID. When orders arrive from a client's Shopify store, WebWMS routes them strictly to that client's queue. Warehouse pickers are directed only to that brand's allocated stock, guaranteeing zero cross-contamination.

Question 9

Does WebWMS sync tracking numbers and mark orders as fulfilled in Shopify automatically?

Accepted Answer

Yes! WebWMS connects with Shopify's modern Fulfillment Orders API. The moment warehouse staff scan, pack, and label an order (via Royal Mail, DPD, Evri, DHL, etc.), WebWMS pushes the tracking number and carrier back to Shopify in real time, marks the order as Fulfilled, and triggers the customer's branded dispatch email.

Question 10

Can we import existing unfulfilled Shopify orders immediately when onboarding a new brand?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In addition to sub-second real-time webhooks, WebWMS features a 1-click '📥 Sync Open Orders Now' tool. On day one of onboarding, the warehouse can import all currently unfulfilled Shopify orders in seconds without needing manual CSV exports.

Question 11

Does WebWMS support Royal Mail shipping label printing?

Accepted Answer

Yes! WebWMS integrates directly with the Royal Mail Click & Drop API. You can generate Royal Mail shipping labels, select package formats (Letter, Large Letter, Small Parcel, Medium Parcel), retrieve tracking numbers automatically, and pass actual postage costs into your billing engine.

Question 12

What if our brands use different variant SKUs on Shopify than our warehouse part numbers?

Accepted Answer

WebWMS includes a built-in Item Alias Mapping tool. If a brand uses custom marketplace SKUs (e.g. `SHOPIFY-RED-SHIRT-M` vs internal warehouse code `ITM-0092`), you can link them in seconds with autocomplete search so all incoming orders map to the correct physical stock.

Question 13

How do 3PL client portals work for warehouse clients (brands/vendors)?

Accepted Answer

Each brand or vendor storing goods in your warehouse gets a dedicated, white-label client portal. Clients can log in to view held stock levels, track live picking and dispatch status, submit expected ASNs, view daily billing invoices, and communicate with warehouse managers.

Question 14

Can 3PL clients submit support tickets inside the portal instead of emailing?

Accepted Answer

Yes! WebWMS replaces messy email chains with a ticketless support messaging system. Clients can raise inquiries directly against specific orders or ASNs. Warehouse managers receive real-time notifications on their dashboard and can reply instantly.

Question 15

How does automated 3PL storage and handling billing work?

Accepted Answer

WebWMS tracks inventory duration down to the individual FIFO pallet/carton level. You can define custom rate cards for each client with daily storage fees (tiered by item size: Small, Medium, Large, Pallet), handling-in (receiving) fees, handling-out (dispatch) fees, and shipping carrier markups. Invoices generate automatically at the end of every billing cycle.

Question 16

Can we manually adjust or add line items to 3PL invoices?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While WebWMS automatically calculates exact storage fees, pick/pack charges, and carrier postage, warehouse admins can review draft invoices, add custom line-item adjustments (e.g. kitting, re-boxing, special packaging), and finalise before issuing.

Question 17

Where is our warehouse data hosted and backed up?

Accepted Answer

WebWMS is hosted on dedicated, high-speed UK VPS infrastructure with SSL encryption for all web and scanner connections. Automated daily database backups ensure your inventory data, audit trails, and financial records are 100% secure and recoverable.

Question 18

What staff roles and permissions can we set?

Accepted Answer

WebWMS features granular role-based access control. You can assign staff as Admins, Managers, Pickers, or Packers, and fine-tune specific permissions (e.g. can view orders, can create ASNs, can view stock, can access billing, can view reports).

Frequently Asked Questions