Thomax, founded by Thomas Jackson, evolved from warehouse inefficiencies into a provider of modern WMS solutions.
The logistics and supply chain sector are one of the most critical yet challenging industries in the modern world. As businesses worldwide strive for efficiency, speed, and accuracy, warehouse management has become a key battleground.
Enter Thomax – a company born out of necessity but fuelled by innovation. Under the leadership of its Founder and Managing Director, Thomas Jackson, Thomax is a specialist in warehouse management systems (WMS).
An unexpected journey
Thomas’ entry into the world of logistics wasn’t conventional. Originally studying electronics engineering, he never anticipated a career in warehousing.
“I fell into running a warehouse,” he says. “No one wakes up and says, ‘I’m going into supply chain.’ We all fall into it one way or another.”
In the mid-2000s, Thomas found himself managing a warehouse supplying Australian retailers such as Woolworths, Coles, and Bunnings. The operation was mired in inefficiencies, with outdated paper-based systems, carbon copy invoices, and a general lack of visibility.
“If a customer called asking where their order was, the best answer we had was to hope it showed up before they asked again,” he says.
To combat these inefficiencies, Thomas began writing scripts to automate processes, initially just to make his own job easier. What started as a few simple scripts soon evolved into a fully-fledged WMS.
“I built a crude EDI script that reduced keying errors and saved us hours. Over time, I realised we needed a proper system – not just a patched-together solution.”
When the company agreed to invest in a WMS, Thomas scoured the market for a solution. But what he found was either too restrictive or required customisation.
“None of the off-the-shelf solutions fit our business model,” he says. “So, I decided to keep building.”
That decision would lay the foundation for Thomax.
Scaling Thomax from a single warehouse
The first breakthrough moment came when other companies started taking notice of the system Thomas had built.
“People would see what we had and ask if they could buy a licence,” he says.
This organic demand pushed him to transform his in-house solution into a scalable product. Fast forward to today, and Thomax has a global footprint, with offices in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
“We work with everyone from small businesses in a tin shed to multinational corporations,” says Thomas.
The company’s client roster includes names like JD Sports, Toys R Us, Starbucks, and Burger King. Even Australia Post used Thomax’s WMS for its now-discontinued third-party logistics (3PL) operation.
“We knew we were onto something when major brands started knocking on our door,” Thomas says. “It validated what we had built.”
A WMS built for today
One of the biggest differentiators for Thomax is that it was “born in the 21st century”. Many legacy WMS platforms are built on decades-old architecture, which can hinder flexibility and innovation.
“The world of supply chain has changed drastically – even in just the last five years,” says Thomas. “Yet many WMS platforms still operate on 30- or 40-year-old cores.”
Thomax’s modern, cloud-based infrastructure allows businesses to adapt to the changing logistics landscape. From high-volume e-commerce fulfilment to complex cross-docking operations, the system is designed to handle diverse workflows with minimal friction.
“Warehousing isn’t just about shipping pallets anymore. It’s about split-case picking, each picking, kitting, and integrating seamlessly with carriers,” says Thomas.
Integration is another area where Thomax shines.
“If you’re processing thousands of e-commerce shipments a day, you need automated label printing that just works,” says Thomas. “The difference between a half-second delay and instant processing can be massive in a high-volume operation.”
One case study illustrates this well. A client transitioning from a legacy WMS to Thomax decided to run a parallel test, processing 100 orders in each system. The old system took four and a half hours. Thomax completed the same workload in 45 minutes.
“It wasn’t one big change – it was a series of small efficiencies adding up,” Thomas explained.
Navigating the challenges of global expansion
With offices spanning multiple continents, Thomax has faced the typical hurdles of international expansion. Regional specialisations, differing compliance requirements, and varying market needs all require careful navigation.
“It’s things like different tax regulations, carrier integrations, and even terminology. What Australians call a ‘consignment note,’ Americans call a ‘shipment,’” Thomas explains.
Yet, the challenges have also brought opportunities. By having a presence in multiple time zones, Thomax can offer 24/7 customer support.
“A client calling at 2 AM in Australia might get connected to our team in Toronto – but they’ll still receive the same seamless service,” says Thomas.
Automation and AI
Looking ahead, Thomax is placing emphasis on automation, robotics, and AI-driven optimisation.
“We’ve always been at the forefront of robotics in warehousing,” Thomas says. “But we’re also focused on seemingly simple things – like making label printing as fast as possible – because those efficiencies add up.”
While he remains tight-lipped about upcoming projects, Thomas hints at groundbreaking innovations on the horizon.
“We’re working on something that’s the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. But I can’t say more just yet,” he teases.
One thing is clear: Thomax has no intention of becoming complacent.
“The problem with legacy WMS providers is that they build a product and then just sell it for decades with minimal updates. We’re the opposite – we evolve every single day.”
A vision for the next decade
Thomas envisions Thomax continuing to push boundaries in warehouse management.
“We want our customers to be ahead
of the curve, not just reacting to change,” he says.
That means continuous investment in new technologies and maintaining a customer-centric approach. As for broader industry trends, Thomas highlights three key shifts: rising customer expectations, the end of ‘just-in-case’ inventory models, and the growing importance of automation.
“Staff shortages are the number one issue in warehousing today. That’s driving businesses to invest in automation and AI-driven decision-making,” he says.
Ultimately, Thomax isn’t just another WMS provider – it’s a company built on solving real-world logistics problems. From a makeshift script in an Australian warehouse to a global force in warehouse management, the company’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and staying ahead of the curve.