Answered: Netsuite Warehouse Management Interview Questions

Hi All, 

Adding some interview questions related to Warehouse Management in Netsuite. I will explain each question in coming days, feel free to send answers to us or explain under comment section with question number and Answer number. 

1. What is Netsuite Warehouse Management System (WMS)? Explain its purpose and how it integrates with other Netsuite modules?

Answer: NetSuite WMS is a module that helps businesses warehouse operations, including inventory management, order picking, packing, and shipping. It integrates seamlessly with other NetSuite modules like inventory management, order management, and financials, providing real-time visibility into warehouse activities.

2. What are the key features of Netsuite WMS? Discuss features like bin management, wave picking, cycle counting, and real time inventory tracking.

Answer: 

Key features include:  

• Bin and lot management  

• Real-time inventory tracking  

• Wave picking and zone picking  

• Mobile barcode scanning  

• Put away and picking strategies  

• Cycle counting and replenishment automation

3. How does Netsuite handle multi-location inventory? Explain how inventory is tracked across multiple warehouses and locations.

Answer: NetSuite allows you to manage inventory across multiple warehouses by assigning inventory to specific locations. Each location can have unique inventory levels, reorder points, and bin configurations. Transfer orders facilitate inventory movement between locations.

 

4. What are the benefits of using bins in Netsuite? Highlight how bins improve warehouse efficiency and inventory accuracy.

Answer: 

  Bins improve warehouse efficiency by:  

     Organising inventory into specific storage locations  

     Simplifying picking and put-away processes 

     Enhancing inventory accuracy and visibility

5. How do you setup a warehouse in Netsuite? Walk through the steps to configure a locations, bins and inventory preferences. 

Answer: 

Steps to set up a warehouse:  

    1. Go to Setup > Company > Locations > New.  

    2. Configure the location as a warehouse by enabling “Make Inventory Available.”  

    3. Enable bins for the location.  

    4. Set up bin records under Lists > Supply Chain > Bins > New.

6. What is the difference between a Bin and a Location in Netsuite? Explain how bins are sub locations within a warehouse and their role in Inventory Management. 

Answer:

Location: A warehouse or physical facility where inventory is stored.

Bin: A sub-location within a warehouse for organising inventory.

7. How does NetSuite WMS support wave picking and zone picking? Discuss the configuration and process for these picking strategies.

Answer: 

    Wave Picking: Combines multiple orders into a single picking task.  

    Zone Picking: Divides the warehouse into zones, assigning pickers to specific areas.  

    Both strategies can be configured using WMS rules and mobile devices.

8. What is the role of Advanced Bin/Numbered Inventory Management? Explain how it enhances tracking and warehouse efficiency.

Answer: It enables tracking inventory by bins, lot numbers, or serial numbers, providing detailed visibility and control over inventory movement.

9. How do you enable and configure the WMS module in NetSuite? Provide steps to enable the module and basic setup requirements.

Answer: 

    Steps:  

        1. Enable WMS under Setup > Company > Enable Features > Transactions > Advanced WMS.  

        2. Configure WMS settings under Setup > WMS > Setup Tasks.

10. How does NetSuite handle inventory transfers between warehouses? Explain the process of inventory transfer orders and fulfillment.

Answer: 

        Use Transfer Orders:  

                1. Create a transfer order under Transactions > Inventory > Transfer Orders > New.  

                2. Specify the source and destination locations.  

                3. Fulfill the transfer order from the source location and receive it at the destination.

11. What are the key steps in performing a cycle count in NetSuite? Discuss setting up cycle count plans and reconciling discrepancies

Answer: 

    Steps:

        1. Create a cycle count plan under Lists > Inventory > Cycle Count Plans.

        2. Generate a count task and assign it to a warehouse worker.

        3. Enter the count results and reconcile any discrepancies.

12. How does NetSuite support mobile barcode scanning? Explain how the WMS app and barcode scanning streamline warehouse operations.

Answer: NetSuite WMS provides a mobile app that supports barcode scanning for tasks like receiving, picking, and inventory counting. This reduces errors and speeds up processes.

13. What are the common challenges in warehouse management, and how does NetSuite address them? Provide examples such as stock discrepancies, inefficient picking, and how NetSuite resolves them.

Answer: 

    Challenges: Stock discrepancies, inefficient picking, and poor visibility.

    Solutions: Real-time inventory updates, WMS rules for efficient picking, and dashboards for visibility.

14. How does NetSuite handle expiration tracking for inventory? Discuss the use of lot and serial numbers for tracking expiration dates.

Answer: Expiration tracking is managed using lot numbers and serial numbers. You can set expiration dates and use reports to identify items nearing expiration.

15. What is the role of WMS rules in NetSuite? Explain how put away and picking rules are configured and applied.

Answer: WMS rules define how inventory is put away, picked, and replenished. For example, you can create rules for zone picking or prioritize specific bins for putaway.

16. How does NetSuite WMS integrate with shipping carriers? Discuss the use of SuiteApps like ShipCentral or third-party integrations.

Answer: NetSuite integrates with shipping carriers through SuiteApps like ShipCentral or third-party integrations. These apps provide real-time shipping rates, label generation, and tracking.

17. How do you troubleshoot inventory discrepancies in NetSuite? Provide steps to identify and resolve discrepancies using reports and audits.

Answer: 

    Steps:  

        1. Run inventory reports to identify discrepancies.  

        2. Check transaction history for errors.  

        3. Perform a physical count and adjust inventory if necessary.

18. What is the difference between Standard WMS and Advanced WMS in NetSuite? Highlight the additional functionalities available in Advanced WMS.

Answer: 

    Standard WMS: Basic features like bin management and simple picking.  

    Advanced WMS: Includes advanced features like wave picking, putaway rules, and mobile scanning.

19. How can you customize NetSuite WMS workflows? Discuss using SuiteFlow or SuiteScript to create or modify warehouse workflows.

Answer: Use SuiteFlow or SuiteScript to create custom workflows for warehouse tasks like custom picking sequences or approval processes.

20. How do you optimize warehouse efficiency using NetSuite dashboards and reports? Explain the use of KPIs, saved searches, and custom reports for monitoring performance.

Answer: Create dashboards with KPIs like order fulfillment rate, inventory turnover, and picking accuracy. Use saved searches to track real-time inventory levels and worker productivity.

Some Scenario-Based Questions

21. Describe how you would implement NetSuite WMS for a company with multiple warehouses. Detail the steps for setup, configuration, and training.

Answer: 

    Steps:  

        1. Configure locations and enable bins.  

        2. Set up WMS rules for each warehouse. 

        3. Train staff on using the WMS app.  

        4. Test workflows and optimize processes.

22. How would you handle a situation where a warehouse worker reports a stockout in NetSuite? Explain the process to verify, adjust inventory, and investigate root causes.

Answer: Verify inventory levels, check pending orders, and investigate discrepancies. If needed, adjust inventory or create a purchase order.

23. What steps would you take to automate replenishment in NetSuite? Discuss setting up reorder points, preferred stock levels, and alerts.

Answer: Set reorder points and preferred stock levels for items. Enable Inventory Replenishment to automate purchase order creation.

24. How would you handle integrating a third-party logistics provider with NetSuite WMS? Describe the use of APIs, connectors, or SuiteApps for integration.

Answer: Use APIs or SuiteApps to exchange data like inventory updates, shipping statuses, and order tracking.

25. What steps would you take to improve order fulfillment speed in a warehouse using NetSuite?Discuss optimization strategies like wave picking, bin setup, and real-time tracking.

Answer: Implement wave picking, optimize bin locations, and train staff on using barcode scanners for faster processing.

Thanks 

Netsuite Guru