Implementation strategies for warehouse management systems in cold storage: Evidence from phased and big-bang approaches

Background: Warehouse management system (WMS) implementation in cold storage environments presents technical, organisational and human challenges that are amplified by perishability, seasonality, traceability requirements and operational disruption risks. Empirical evidence comparing implementation methodologies in this context remains limited. Objectives: This study compared phased rollout and big-bang WMS implementation methodologies in the Western Cape fruit export sector, focusing on implementation challenges, critical success factors (CSF), post-implementation benefits and long-term support and sustainability. Method: A quantitative survey was administered to 40 respondents directly involved in WMS implementation in cold storage operations in the Western Cape fruit export sector. Respondents were drawn from two companies employing different implementation methodologies: phased rollout (n = 20) and big bang (n = 20). Data were analysed using Cronbach’s alpha, independent-samples t-test, effect sizes (Cohen’s d) and principal component analysis. Results: Phased rollout respondents reported significantly stronger outcomes than big-bang respondents for all CSF and post-implementation benefits, with large effect sizes across all 16 items (Cohen’s d ≥ 0.83). The largest differences were observed for quality of vendor support (d = 2.47), data visibility improvement (d = 2.37), customer service improvement (d = 2.23) and traceability improvement (d = 2.14). Conclusion: Long-term support structures and system utilisation were more developed in the phased rollout organisation, with higher reported levels of internal support, super-user networks, continuous training and use of planned system functionality. Contribution: The study provides sector-specific empirical evidence on WMS implementation in South African cold storage and identifies vendor support, comprehensive testing, training and resource allocation as important differentiators for implementation governance and planning.