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Do you really need a Warehouse Management System?
Many ecommerce businesses start looking for warehouse software when order volumes increase. One of the first names they’ll come across is Picqer, a dedicated Warehouse Management System (WMS). Another option is Order Picking App, which takes a fundamentally different approach.
The biggest difference is simple:
- Picqer is a standalone Warehouse Management System.
- Order Picking App is not.
Instead of replacing your existing system, Order Picking App extends your ecommerce platform with professional warehouse tools. Your webshop remains the single source of truth for products, inventory and orders.
For many online retailers, that means less complexity, lower implementation effort and no need to manage a second inventory database.
Two different philosophies
Order Picking App assumes your ecommerce platform already manages:
- Products
- Inventory
- Orders
- Customers
Instead of introducing another system, OPA adds warehouse functionality such as:
- Barcode scanning
- Guided picking
- Batch picking
- Packing workflows
- Warehouse performance insights
- Narrowcasting dashboards
Everything happens on top of your existing ecommerce platform. That means employees continue working with the system they already know.
Picqer takes a more traditional WMS approach.
Orders are synchronized from your webshop into Picqer, where warehouse operations take place. Inventory is managed within Picqer, making it the operational hub for fulfilment. For businesses with multiple sales channels, more advanced warehouse processes or larger logistics operations, this provides greater control and functionality.
Which approach is better?
Neither is inherently better—it depends on your business.
If your webshop already provides everything you need for inventory and order management, adding a full WMS may introduce unnecessary complexity. On the other hand, if your business has outgrown the capabilities of your ecommerce platform, a dedicated WMS can offer additional control and advanced warehouse features.
Complexity
This is where Order Picking App shines.
With Picqer you introduce another business-critical application into your software landscape.
That means:
- another system to learn
- another inventory database
- integrations between your webshop and WMS
- synchronization between systems
Order Picking App avoids this by working directly with your existing ecommerce platform.
For many ecommerce businesses, this means:
- fewer systems
- less training
- fewer synchronization issues
- faster implementation
- Lower cost
Winner: Order Picking App
Implementation
Order Picking App
Because there is no separate WMS to configure, implementation is typically straightforward.
The focus is on:
- connecting the webshop
- configuring warehouse workflows
- training warehouse staff
Most customers can start using the software within minutes.
Picqer
Implementing Picqer usually involves:
- warehouse configuration
- inventory setup
- process configuration
- synchronization with ecommerce platforms
- user training
The implementation project is naturally more extensive because Picqer becomes part of the operational backbone.
Winner
For simplicity: Order Picking App
For extensive warehouse management: Picqer
Customer Support
This is one area where the approaches differ noticeably.
Picqer offers excellent documentation, a mature knowledge base and ok support.
Order Picking App focuses on personal guidance, with direct contact during onboarding and ongoing support. Rather than relying primarily on documentation, customers work closely with the team to optimise their warehouse processes.
There is no universal winner here—it depends on whether you prefer self-service resources or a more hands-on partnership.
Pricing comparison
Pricing is one of the biggest differences between Order Picking App and Picqer, but it’s important to compare more than just the monthly subscription.
Picqer is a standalone Warehouse Management System with transparent public pricing. Plans start at €379 per month and increase based on your monthly order volume. Every customer uses Picqer as an additional business system alongside their ecommerce platform.
Order Picking App follows a different model. Instead of adding a dedicated WMS, it extends your existing ecommerce platform with professional warehouse tools. Pricing is tailored to your business, warehouse size and required functionality, so you only pay for the features you actually need.
Looking beyond the monthly subscription
When evaluating warehouse software, consider the total cost of ownership.
| Cost factor | Order Picking App | Picqer |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly subscription | from €14,95/month | From €379/month* |
| Additional WMS required | No | Yes |
| Implementation effort | Typically lower | Typically higher |
| Staff training | Free onboarding and training | More extensive |
| Ongoing system management | One primary system (own Webshop) | Webshop + WMS |
*Public pricing at the time of writing.
For many ecommerce businesses, the real savings come from reducing complexity rather than simply choosing the lowest monthly fee. Because Order Picking App works directly with your existing webshop, there is no additional warehouse management system to maintain, synchronize or train users on.
However, if your business requires advanced warehouse administration, purchasing, supplier management or complex logistics processes, the investment in a dedicated WMS such as Picqer may be justified.
Verdict on pricing
If you’re looking for a complete Warehouse Management System with transparent pricing, Picqer offers a clear subscription model.
If your goal is to improve warehouse efficiency without introducing another business-critical system, Order Picking App can often provide a lower total cost of ownership through simpler implementation, reduced training and fewer systems to manage.
Which solution should you choose?
Choose Order Picking App if:
- You already manage inventory successfully in Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento or another ecommerce platform.
- You don’t want to introduce another business-critical system.
- You mainly need better picking, packing and shipping processes.
- You value personal onboarding and support.
- You want to be operational quickly.
Choose Picqer if:
- You need a dedicated Warehouse Management System.
- You require advanced purchasing, supplier and warehouse administration.
- You operate multiple warehouses or complex logistics workflows.
- You want your warehouse operations to be managed independently from your webshop.
Final Verdict
Order Picking App and Picqer solve similar warehouse challenges, but they do so in fundamentally different ways.
Picqer is a comprehensive Warehouse Management System designed for businesses that need advanced warehouse control and are prepared to manage a dedicated WMS.
Order Picking App is designed for ecommerce businesses that are satisfied with their webshop as the central system for products, orders and inventory, but need professional tools to make warehouse operations faster, more accurate and easier to manage.
The choice isn’t simply between two software platforms—it’s between adding a full WMS or enhancing the systems you already use. For many growing ecommerce businesses, avoiding unnecessary complexity can be just as valuable as adding new functionality.
