Warehouse Management System Implementation and Inventory Accuracy in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Distribution Companies in Kano, North West Nigeria

This study examines the impact of warehouse management system (WMS) implementation on inventory accuracy in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) distribution companies in Kano, North West Nigeria. Kano is a major FMCG distribution hub serving northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries, with distribution warehouses handling high-volume, diverse product ranges under time pressure. Inventory inaccuracies, arising from misplacement, shrinkage, and manual recording errors, result in stock discrepancies, incorrect order fulfilment, and financial losses. WMS implementation, encompassing barcode scanning, real-time location tracking, automated replenishment triggers, and integrated reporting, has been shown in recent literature to substantially reduce inventory accuracy errors. Using a descriptive comparative design, data were collected from 65 warehouse supervisors, inventory controllers, and IT managers across 12 FMCG distribution firms in Kano, comparing pre- and post-WMS implementation performance metrics. Inventory accuracy is measured through cycle count error rates, physical-to-system inventory variance percentage, and order pick accuracy. Descriptive statistics and paired sample analysis are employed. The study draws on recent WMS adoption and warehouse management literature from FMCG distribution contexts. Findings are expected to demonstrate statistically significant improvements in inventory accuracy following WMS implementation, with greater benefits in high-SKU environments. Recommendations address distribution firm management, WMS vendors, and logistics consultants on phased WMS deployment strategies appropriate for FMCG distribution in northern Nigeria. Keywords: warehouse management system, inventory accuracy, FMCG distribution, Kano, supply chain technology.