--- title: Understanding Warehouse Management System Durability description: In this article, we guide you through assessing the cost implications and potential benefits of purchasing, or leasing, a new warehouse management system. image: https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hubfs/How%20Long%20Does%20The%20Average%20Warehouse%20Management%20System%20Last-1.jpg --- -   [01285 704470](tel:01285704470) - [ jtindley@lpcinternational.com](mailto:jtindley@lpcinternational.com) [![LPC logo](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/LPC%20logo.webp?width=473&height=64&name=LPC%20logo.webp "LPC logo")](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/) [![LPC logo](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/LPC%20logo.webp?width=473&height=64&name=LPC%20logo.webp "LPC logo")](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/) - [Home](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk) - About - [Why LPC](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/why-lpc) - [Clients & Business Sectors](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/clients-and-business-sectors) - 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[Warehouse Productivity Consultants](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/warehouse-productivity) - [Warehouse Modelling & Simulation](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/modelling-and-simulation) - Project Implementation - [Equipment Procurement](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/equipment) - [Equipment Procurement](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/procurement) - [Project Management Support](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/project-management) - Automation & Robotics - [Warehouse Automation & Robotics](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/automation-and-robotics) - [Is Warehouse Automation For You?](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/warehouse-automation-for-you) - Resources - [Case Studies](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/case-studies) - [Downloads](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/downloads) - [Blogs](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog) - [Storage Systems](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/equipment) [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2191642/interactive-199423175003.png)](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJiAJWoYpGkoQqT2VjDBNbLEPQet27JjdgvSNVTWsMy0oFC5as02%2FBW6%2BlHwpDJVK5aVW1PPI68SyvLmraOr0kW7gSih9QKLWdVcdbaPOVAccMQVX7ISfW1CUxW9RMuTx1e3g%2BrAtHzisG00XIPhcCdIFctLKwRR9NzRrOpCc9ROI8UEWxVs%2BnC1LysMXE%3D&webInteractiveContentId=199423175003&portalId=2191642) [01285 704470](tel:01285704470) [jtindley@lpcinternational.com](mailto:jtindley@lpcinternational.com) [Warehouse Management System](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/topic/warehouse-management-system)[Warehouse Productivity](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/topic/warehouse-productivity) # How Long Does The Average Warehouse Management System Last? by [Jason Tindley](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/author/jason-tindley) 2 min read 10 Jun 2020, 08:51:11 ![How Long Does The Average Warehouse Management System Last-1](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/How%20Long%20Does%20The%20Average%20Warehouse%20Management%20System%20Last-1.jpg?width=641&name=How%20Long%20Does%20The%20Average%20Warehouse%20Management%20System%20Last-1.jpg) When you're assessing the cost implications and potential benefits of purchasing, or leasing, a new Warehouse Management System (WMS), you'll need to consider its likely lifespan. So, when will your new WMS need to be replaced, and how can you find one that will stand the test of time? [![Download My Warehouse Management System Guide!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2191642/55cc55cb-0e0b-4114-a334-12342153053d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2191642/55cc55cb-0e0b-4114-a334-12342153053d) ## Factors Affecting A WMS's Lifespan A new [warehouse management](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/warehouse-automation-benefits) system represents a significant investment, particularly for a small or medium-sized company. Therefore, when you purchase one, you'll want to make sure that it will last. As a rough guide, you can expect a WMS's lifespan to be between eight and ten years. However, some systems will probably need to be replaced earlier than that: It will also depend on how your operation develops or changes. ## Legacy Systems These are systems if still on the market are outdated and superceded by more modern technology and versions. While they're often [cheaper than their newer counterparts](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/warehouse-automation-roi), they're unlikely to last as long. That's because you won't receive updates for them, with the result that they quickly become obsolete, if not already as new technologies emerge. ## Bespoke Systems Opting for a WMS that's been designed to suit [your company's unique needs](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/picking-efficiency-is-your-warehouse-management-falling-short) can help you ensure your warehouse is functioning optimally. However, it will be more expensive to obtain upgrades for 'one-off' systems and maintenance support is likely to be more costly, as it requires working with a software developer on an ongoing basis. ## Systems Without User Configuration Options If your chosen WMS doesn't have user configuration capabilities, you won't be able to make changes to it as your business profiles change. That means that you may eventually have to pay the vendors to make code-level alterations or replace your system earlier than you'd like. ## How To Find a WMS That Will Last To ensure that your WMS lasts as long as possible, so that you can make the most of your money, look for one which: - Is capable of supporting new platforms; - Can be adapted to suit the latest warehouse management and operational trends; - Is scalable and easy to upgrade;  - Ideally Is user configurable, so you can make changes to it when required; and - Match your support package so if you need them you get periodic upgrades which improve the performance of the software. ## Open-Source Or Proprietary? It's also worth considering whether an [open-source WMS](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/dangers-of-cherry-picking-with-warehouse-automation) is more appropriate for your business than a proprietary system. An open-source WMS features software created by a range of companies and individuals, which is shared with users free of charge. If your business employs developers, they'll be able to use that software to customise your system, which could increase its longevity. However, you won't have the support that you'd get when you procure a proprietary system, and some software creators may fail to provide the updates you require. ## Find Out More If you're looking for a new WMS, [download our handy Warehouse Management System Guide](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/warehouse-management-system-guide). It's packed with information to help you pick a system that meets your needs. [![Warehouse Management System Guide CTA ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2191642/d75137c3-befc-4da4-b883-318d39eef55d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2191642/d75137c3-befc-4da4-b883-318d39eef55d)Image source: [Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/photos/hourglass-time-hours-clock-620397/)   Share this [Share on X](https://x.com/intent/post?url=https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/average-warehouse-management-system-durability&text=Understanding+Warehouse+Management+System+Durability) [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/average-warehouse-management-system-durability&t=Understanding+Warehouse+Management+System+Durability) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/average-warehouse-management-system-durability&t=Understanding+Warehouse+Management+System+Durability) Previous story [← Exploring The Business Case for Warehouse Automation](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/warehouse-automation-benefits) Next story [Why It’s Important That You And Your Logistics Consultancy Share A Vision →](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/why-sharing-a-vision-with-logistics-consultancy-is-important) ## You May Also Like These Related Stories [5 Essential Features To Look For In a WMS Platform](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/5-essential-features-to-look-for-in-a-wms-platform) ![5 Essential Features To Look For In a WMS Platform](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hubfs/5%20Essential%20Features%20To%20Look%20For%20In%20a%20WMS%20Platform.jpg) [Warehouse Management System](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/topic/warehouse-management-system) ### 5 Essential Features To Look For In a WMS Platform 21 Jul 2021, 13:46:00 2 min read [How To Choose The Best 3PL: 6 Questions To Ask](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-3pl) ![](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hubfs/3PL.jpg) [Warehouse Management System](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/topic/warehouse-management-system) ### How To Choose The Best 3PL: 6 Questions To Ask 10 Feb 2022, 12:00:00 3 min read [9 Ways To Improve Sustainability & Cut Energy Costs In Your Warehouse](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/improve-sustainability-cut-energy-costs-in-your-warehouse) ![](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/hubfs/Cut-Energy-Costs-In-Your-Warehouse.jpg) [Tips](https://www.lpcinternational.co.uk/blog/topic/tips) ### 9 Ways To Improve Sustainability & Cut Energy Costs In Your Warehouse 17 Feb 2022, 10:02:00 4 min read ### Get Email Notifications ### **Logistics Planning Consultants** VAT Number: 667-0474-17 Company Number: 03184658 [Join us on Slack](https://www.facebook.com/LPC-International-1598261453798554) [Browse our GitHub projects](https://www.linkedin.com/company/logistics-planning-consultants-international) [Browse our GitHub projects](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuWye1wWnhhl3hxTqXYxyQw) About - 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