# Choose your WMS operating model
URL: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/14700000000042-choose-your-wms-operating-model
Canonical: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/14700000000042-choose-your-wms-operating-model
Markdown: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/14700000000042-choose-your-wms-operating-model.md
Updated: 2026-07-20

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.starshipit.com/llms.txt).

> Decide how Starshipit WMS will work with Starshipit, your sales channels, warehouse locations, and clients.

Before configuring WMS, decide which system owns each part of your operation. This helps you choose the right setup guides and avoid duplicate processes.

## Choose how WMS fits your operation

| Operating model | Use it when | Start here |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **One warehouse** | You receive, store, pick and ship stock from one warehouse. | [Set up Starshipit WMS](/articles/14700000000002-set-up-starshipit-wms) |
| **WMS alongside Starshipit** | Your team needs to keep some shipping work in Starshipit while WMS manages selected warehouse workflows. | [Run WMS alongside Starshipit](/articles/14700000000004-running-wms-alongside-starshipit-hybrid-outbound-headless-mode) |
| **Multiple warehouses or brands** | Stock or fulfilment is handled by more than one WMS account or warehouse. | [Transfer stock between warehouses](/articles/14700000000040-inter-warehouse-transfers) |
| **3PL or shared warehouse** | You fulfil stock for several clients and need client-scoped access and inventory. | [Set up WMS for a 3PL](/articles/14700000000032-wms-for-3pls-suggested-setup-guide) |
| **Inventory sync to sales channels** | You need WMS stock levels sent to connected commerce platforms. | [Sync WMS inventory to your sales channels](/articles/14700000000018-commerce-inventory-sync) |

## Confirm the system of record

In a standard WMS setup, **Starshipit** manages orders, carrier services, shipping rules and labels. **WMS** manages warehouse locations, inventory, receiving, picking, packing and stock movements.

If another inventory or warehouse system remains in use, agree which system owns stock quantities, product changes and fulfilment status before you enable synchronisation. Do not allow two systems to write the same stock field without a clear ownership rule.

## Next steps

1. [Set up Starshipit WMS](/articles/14700000000002-set-up-starshipit-wms).
2. [Prepare your warehouse for WMS go-live](/articles/14700000000043-prepare-your-warehouse-for-wms-go-live).
3. Configure the locations, products, users and integrations needed for your chosen model.