Posts Tagged ‘Dynamics’

Dynamics GP and Barcoding Technology Notes

Microsoft Dynamics GP or how it was known in earlier 2000th and 1990th Great Plains Dynamics and eEnterprise is mid-market Corporate ERP platform.  Great Plains is mostly Financial, ERP, MRP and HR software, while such applications as Microsoft RMS, Counterpoint should be dealing with Barcoding hardware (such as Barcode scanners, Barcode servers, etc.).  If you are looking for Add-ons to Dynamics GP, opening specific GP screens to barcoding, you may need to check with Dynamics GP ISV Partners community.  If you need Warehouse Management operations to be integrated with GP, most of the WMS software publishers handle Barcoding.  Let’s review the options and look at some examples:

1. Direct Barcode Scanner work with Dynamics GP user workstation.  This is only possible if you need only limited number of low volume barcode scanning and transactions upload to Dynamics GP.  In this scenario Barcode scanner is also very basic (in to 0 price range for new unit: Datalogic, Adesso, HP, Metrologic, Wasp, Unitech to give you few brands) .  You install Dynamics GP workstation on Notebook or another tiny Windows computer and provide wireless internet for your warehouse floor.  You attach scanner to the USB port and it becomes the same devise as your computer keyboard, but way more efficient due to barcoding technology.  One of your Dynamics GP users walks down to the warehouse, comes through its aisles and scans items, having relevant Great Plains windows open and prior to scanning she or he should place cursor into the field, where Barcode scanning should enter characters.  We expect to hear comments from the readers, that such process requires Dynamics GP user interface training and it probably requires computer mouse to be attached and this process is time consuming – we agree with you – you got what you paid for.  There might be some improvements to this logic, where you may try to apply Macro to automate transaction entry, or even order small Great Plains Dexterity customization, where it will allow you to have all the tabbing and defaults entered behind the scenes and your barcode scanner operator (with cheap version of USB barcode scanner) should be able to scan through all the items without the need to tab

2. Warehouse Management System, often abbreviated to WMS.  Here you typically expect such routines of the warehouse operations as Sales Order Fulfillment/Allocation (or sometimes Picking and Packing), Inventory Restocking (Merchandise Replenishment, Reordering) and Inventory transactions (Moving from one warehouse to another to fulfill the order, Cycle Count or Inventory Adjustments, usually associated with merchandise returns).  If this is what you need, we have to discourage you in the sense that WMS doesn’t allow shortcuts, described in the first paragraph.   You would either need Dynamics GP Warehouse Management extensions, feel free to call us for details: 1-866-528-0577,  or pick one of the external standalone WMS with integration options to Dynamics GP.  At this time of the human history Warehouse Management System software is not cheap and probably starts at k.  If you are very small warehouse related operation – you may try to offload WMS logic to custom application coded in MS Access, Dynamics GP Dexterity or Microsoft Visual Studio C#, VB.  WMS is typically needed in the businesses, engaged in Wholesale Trade

3. Dynamics GP Barcoding in Retail scenarios.  If you are in retail business, especially mid-size retail chain with presence in several states, you may consider to deploy tandem Microsoft RMS (for point of sale POS and Store Management and controlling the whole franchise from Microsoft RMS Headquarters), if you are Deli stores you may also consider another POS applications, such as Counterpoint.  Microsoft RMS has out-of-the-box integration of daily sales to Great Plains General Ledger plus Purchases.  Counterpoint has native integration of similar scope, where daily sales go to GP GL and Store replenishment or purchases to GP Vendor Invoices in AP module.  If you pick POS application – barcoding is pretty much covered in most if not in all Retail packages (plus such cool features as POS displays).  We also offer the integration between Dynamics GP and Microsoft RMS, where POS transactions are sent to SOP Invoice and customer payment is triggered as Customer deposit against SOP transaction (Credit Card, Check, Debit Card or Cash Payment, selling on account is also supported as in Clubs and Memberships).  We also help with Barcode Labels printing for RMS automated stores directly from Great Plains

4. Requesting Info?  Please, call us 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918 or email us help@albaspectrum.com  We are serving you USA, Canada nationwide and Internationally via web sessions and skype phone conferences.  Local service is available in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, California, Southwest Michigan (St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo, Holland, Saugatuck, Muskegon, South Haven, Grand Rapids), Chicago downtown and suburbs: Naperville, Downers Grove, Schaumburg, Glenn Ellyn, Aurora, as well in Houston area of Texas.  We also provide second opinion in the case of failed Dynamics GP implementation and support for older versions of Great Plains such as Great Plains Accounting for DOS, Windows and Mac (9.5, 9.2, and earlier), Dynamics GP 9.0, 8.0 and 7.5, Great Plains Dynamics and eEnterprise 7.5, 7.0, 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.0, 3.2. We also integrate Dynamics GP with your custom built ecommerce, and we support such shopping carts as Magento, ASP .Net Storefront and others

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Dynamics GP Barcoding Notes or How it Might be Implemented

Normally Barcode scanning for Microsoft Dynamics GP is implemented either in Dexterity Programmed POS, Warehouse Management Add-Ons, or it is outsourced to external Retail Systems (good example would be Microsoft RMS or Counterpoint), external WMS, Manufacturing or Supply Chain Management System.  We will try to describe both approaches from the technology perspective and where you may need to pay attention, while seeing demos and selecting the right solution for your organization.  If you think that existing Barcode enabling products do not do the job, or your Barcoding needs are so simple – you may decide to do custom programming in Microsoft Dexterity or even in Microsoft Visual Studio SDK for GP, or even feed Barcode scanned data into Dynamics GP with such integration oriented Software Development Kit as eConnect.  Let’s review the options:

1. Dynamics GP Barcoding add-ons.  Let’s assume that you need to turn your Dynamics GP user workstation into Point of Sale Cash Register and from all of your retail outlets you have reliable internet connection (or they are on the same LAN).  There are add-ons, enabling Sales Transaction Entry for Barcoding and other POS devices, such as Cherry Keyboard, Credit Card processing machine, Customer POS monitor.  Plus Retail business logic often requires you to have such features as items on sale (from date one to date two), manufacturer coupons.  If this is your situation, we recommend you to review Dynamics GP ISV POS add-ons, one of them would be probably Compass POS.  These third party modules are typically coded in Great Plains Dexterity and pretty simple in installation and day-to-day support in-house or by your local Great Plains consultant.  In our example we are talking about Retail store POS  automation, but if you need something in different area of Dynamics GP business logic, for example scanning in your manufacturing facility or in the warehouses – there should be similar Dynamics GP ISV barcode scanning extensions as well, opening Distribution or Manufacturing Bill of Materials, Inventory Control, Purchase Order Processing and other modules for Barcoding

2. Outsourcing Barcoding to external stand alone and integrated POS, Manufacturing, Warehouse Management Systems.  Here you are probably looking at the universal solution for your needs, such as for example POS, WMS, where you handle all or most of our barcode scanning needs.  And then on the scheduled base or on demand you do integration to Dynamics GP.  For Retail automation we recommend you to look at such systems, as Microsoft Retail Management System.  If you are using historically such system, as Counterpoint POS, you can integrate daily sales as General Ledger transaction or Store purchases to GP Accounts Payable.  MS RMS gives you more options in integrations, for example you may move your RMS POS transactions into Dynamics GP SOP Invoices with customer deposits (credit/debit card, check or cash payments), merchandise moves synchronization, inventory replenishment integration directly in Great Plains Purchase Order Processing module

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3. Barcoding custom programming.  This option should be considered in our opinion in two situations.  First one would be if existing Dynamics GP ISV add-ons or external applications do not have required functionality; and the second one is when you need something really simple in Barcode scanning integration and it is cheaper to take custom programming route.  Theoretically you may install Dynamics GP workstation in the Warehouse and have warehouse worker to be trained in Great Plains User Interface.  For example user can open Inventory Transfer transaction screen, fill in all required fields and finally tab to inventory item filed in the scrolling window and then just scan the item barcode label (this would speed up worker performance, comparing to the case, when barcode label should be keyed in manually via computer keyboard – by the way in this scenario you may use really budget oriented USB barcode scanner).  Unfortunately in most of the cases at least in our experience customers wanted to upload the whole batch of documents or at least the whole document (without clicking tab or mouse buttons all the way through getting to the required fields)

4. Barcoding programming in GP Dexterity, eConnect, Microsoft Visual Studio libraries for GP.  If you are large organization with very strong IT department, you may have in-house expertise to do Microsoft Visual Studio C# or VB.Net programming.  eConnect SDK has libraries, that could be included into MS Visual Studio project and the functionality is reasonably open to learn for C# or VB programmer (these two languages have majority of the code samples, this is why we recommend these programming languages).  If you need active interaction with Barcoding in your Dynamics GP user interface, then the recommended tool is Great Plains Dexterity.  Microsoft Visual Studio libraries for GP are also a good tool, however some Dexterity modification and programming might be needs (especially when you customization needs new tables creation).  Now about Dexterity – it is not open tool, and we do not recommend to train your IT programmers in Dexterity.  It requires years of experience, following initial Great Plains Dexterity programing training.  We recommend you to locate Dynamics GP Technology Partner with profound Dex programming expertise (and with proven references in implementing Dexterity custom programming in POS, WMS or your specific industry)

5. Barcode Scanner Selection recommendations.  Please, do not rush into purchasing something by cheap price.  For example USB barcode scanner might be priced below hundred dollars.  However, if you need barcoding solution to be enabled on the warehouse floor, USB is typically not enough, as you need wireless/RFID compliant scanners. There might be some trade offs in considering Barcode scanner with text mode support only versus the one with full graphical interface (MS Windows Mobile)

6. Integration Manager as budget oriented alternative in Barcode scanning integration.  Let’s assume that you are saving your barcode scanned transactions to text file or to ODBC compliant database (MS Access, Excel, Lotus, Oracle, IBM DBII, Linux/MySQL).  And the second condition that Barcoding transactions could wait and do not require real time integration.  If these conditions are met, you can consider Dynamics GP Integration Manager as the tool of choice

7. To request further support, please call us 1-866-528-0577, help@albaspectrum.com We need to discuss your cards in order to recommend you the best solutions, which is not contingent to our preferences.  We serve you USA/Canada nationwide via remote support (web sessions and phone/skype conferences).  Local service is available in Western Michigan, Chicagoland, Southern California (LA, Orange County, San Diego), Houston area of the state of Texas

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Video Rating: 4 / 5

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Barcode Scanning in Microsoft Dynamics GP

First barcode scanners were connected directly to the computer, and were in fact the same device by its functionality as computer keyboard, just getting advantage of instant barcode label entering versus human type in the characters on the keyboard.  Modern scanners, used on the warehouse floor typically have operating system and LCD screen, and the scanning is happening either in batch mode (where you scan multiple documents and then upload them as the batch to your computer), or in real time mode, when scanner has the logic to scan multiple lines and then when the whole document is ready – it is uploaded to the Server.  Obviously such an intelligent scanner gives you great advantages, but it also requires special software to prepare scanned transaction to be integrated with your Corporate ERP application, in our case Dynamics GP (historically it was known as Great Plains Dynamics and some customers still refer it by that name).  Let’s review the options to open Great Plains for Barcoding:

1. Direct Barcoding.  If you have really basic USB barcode scanner (Addesso NuScan, Metrologic Voyager, HP, and other brands), typically connected to POS (Point Of Sale) computers – you can try to deploy such a scanner in the following situation.  Imagine, you have Netbook or another type of tiny laptop computer, you attach USB barcode scanner to it and go to do warehouse management routines.  Let’s assume that you have something like EDI or B2B ecommerce uploaded Sales Order, where the allocation is manual and you do it in the warehouse.  If you pull out this order on your netbook screen (assuming you are connected to the Dynamics GP server via wireless connection) – now you highlight the SOP line and you are ready to scan your item with barcode scanner for allocation.  If you are running your own small business and if you do allocation, inventory replenishment couple of times per week or every day with really low number of transactions, this method might work (especially when you are very familiar with Dynamics GP functionality)

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2. Barcoding in Retail.  If you have small or mid-size retail store or chain of stores, we recommend you to deploy professional POS and Retail software, such as Microsoft RMS (Retail Management System), Counterpoint or another brand.  This approach will resolve the issue at POS and Barcode scanning will be automated.  Then POS transactions as well as Purchasing documents (created via barcode scanning in MS RMS or Counterpoint) could be integrated into Dynamics GP General Ledger (daily sales) or AP (Purchase Receipts)

3. Barcoding in Wholesale.  If you are in Wholesale business, you might need full featured Warehouse Management System.  Typical WMS functionality includes three components: Sales Order Fulfillment, Purchase Receipt and Inventory Adjustment/Transfer.  If you are exploring WMS option to pick and implement, there are two directions, in our opinion.  First one is Dynamics GP WMS extensions, exposing Distribution module to barcoding (WMS client application runs directly on the barcode scanner and WMS server talks to Dynamics GP server via ODBC connection).  The second direction would be to select external Warehouse Management System, which has connectors or integration package to upload transactions to Dynamics GP

4. Barcoding in Bill of Materials or full featured manufacturing.  Here you have lesser number of packaged Barcoding add-ons for Dynamics GP and we recommend you to work with your Microsoft Dynamics GP Reseller to see what could be done.  We are more than happy to open one or several Great Plains Manufacturing or BOM screens for barcoding via Dexterity custom programming

5. To request further help, please call us 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918, in Michigan 1-269-605-0330 or email us help@albaspectrum.com  If you are large wholesaler or distributor, you may expect that some level of WMS or SCM customized business logic should be programmed to automate your unique business processes.  We are available to serve you USA, Canada nationwide, and internationally.  Local service in Chicago, Southern California, Western Michigan, Houston, TX

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Dynamics GP and Barcoding Technology or How Forms Could Be Enabled for Barcode Scanning

Modern Corporate ERP system is typically not something standalone, it is integrated with your manufacturing facility, warehouse, ecommerce, EDI, it is part of your Supply Chain Management, or you name it.  Barcode scanners are driving force for modern distribution, wholesale and retail oriented enterprise.  In this small publication we would like to review how such ERP and MRP system as Great Plains Dynamics GP could be enabled for barcoding:

1. The simplest way to introduce barcode scanning for Microsoft Dynamics GP or any other Corporate ERP application is to attach something like USB compliant scanner directly to your computer, where you run ERP client application.  Typically all the documents, such as POS transactions, Inventory Counts, Purchase Receipts, that you need for Barcode automation should be available in most of leading Corporate ERP application brands.  Let’s assume that you need to expose Sales Transaction Entry in Dynamics GP, open it in user interface, enter document type, number, customer ID, etc., and move on to entering items.  Here, position your cursor on Item ID field and now instead of entering alphanumeric code for the item number, just scan it with your barcode scanner.  The code should show up in the field, as USB compliant barcode scanner works similar to computer keyboard, but obviously a way faster.  If you are happy with this approach and you can train your POS cashiers to work with Dynamics GP SOP Transaction Entry screen (or your warehouse workers to carry small netbook on wireless connection with USB barcode scanner connected) – great and happy with barcoding.  However the rest of the auditorium will tell us – wait a minute, we need to process thousand barcode label scans per hours on the warehouse floor or in our Point of Sale cash registers and what you are suggesting is not acceptable and will not provide required performance.  We agree with you, this was just a probing paragraph, where we are talking about one of the options, and probably not the one implemented in the majority of cases.  Look, typical Corporate ERP application is not something created specifically for Barcoding and Warehouse Management automation, it is rather targeted to be Accounting, Financial Reporting, Sales, Purchasing, Inventory Control, Human Resources/Payroll and Manufacturing.  This is why we recommend you as the first approach try to cover barcoding in external systems with integration to Great Plains Dynamics: POS, Warehouse Management System, Supply Chain Management

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2. Barcoding in external systems: POS, WMS, SCM.  Let’s assume that you would like to implement barcoding for your POS terminals in the retail stores, integrated with Dynamics GP.  There are special POS systems, with reasonable functionality to cover such Retail outlet routines as POS, Store Purchases, Merchandise Cycle Count, Items On Sale Campaigns, Special Pricing for on account customers, Credit Card Processing with advanced support for Barcoding technology.  In our opinion it is better to implement something like Microsoft RMS (Retail Management System), or Counterpoint (POS application coming from Radiant) where you possible barcoding needs are already addressed and with reliable interface to Microsoft Dynamics GP.  We think that Microsoft RMS has more advanced integration options, you can either choose to implement standard integration, supported by Microsoft Business Solutions, or pick more advanced one with integration on the Sales Order Processing document level, coming from Alba Spectrum

3. Enabling direct Dynamics GP Forms for Barcoding.  If you already have read paragraph #1 and you need something smarter, let’s speculate about modern barcode scanners.  These devises have their own operating system (Windows Mobile for example) and processor.  They are a way more advanced, comparing to cheaper devises, like USB scanners.  And that advancement and complexity leads to the requirement to program special interface.  Let’s try to think this way – barcode scanner with its own processor and OS is capable to scan the whole document (where you may have hundreds or items on the packing slip manifest), prior to uploading it to Dynamics GP in the form of let’s say Purchase Receipt document.  Or, even more powerful barcoding scenario, where you read the whole batch of documents (maybe your suppliers are delivering their trucks to your warehouse in specified hour and would like to scan the whole batch without interruption and then upload in to Dynamics GP Purchase Receipts).  This example should give you an idea.  In order to enable specific Dynamics GP transaction for barcode scanner integration, you need to either do it via external system (see paragraph #2) or be ready to program custom interface.  Custom Barcoding related programming should be done in Great Plains Dexterity (nowadays referred as Microsoft Dexterity).  If you think that the volume of barcoding originated transactions is reasonably low, the other approach to consider is Microsoft Dynamics GP Integration Manager, capable to integrate POS and other Barcode originated transactions, exported into text file (CSV, Tab or custom character delimited) or even via ODBC

4. Barcoding in Warehouse Management System and Dynamics GP.  We’ve already published several publications in 2010 (we are writing these lines in October), where we are comparing external standalone WMS platform with Dynamics GP Warehouse Management Extensions.  Both systems have pluses and minuses, but both of them support barcoding technology

5. Dynamics GP and Supply Chain Management. SCM is the concept which includes such subsets, as Warehouse Management System.  Plus it might include such requirements as just in time delivery (optimized truck routing), conveyer belt in picking and packing, some optimizations in manufacturing (Dynamics GP Manufacturing suite is handling discrete manufacturing business processes)

6. International Environment and how to implement Dynamics GP with Barcoding for Multinational Corporation.  Here you need to understand two concepts, first is Corporate ERP localization (compliance to local country business legislation), and the second one is being translated to local language.  Language compliance should probably be reviewed first, Dynamics GP Dexterity doesn’t support Unicode characters (2 bytes, comparing to ASCII 1 byte), meaning that such languages as Chinese, Japanese, Korean are not really supported (with some exception, take a look at NJ Star offering).  Now Corporate ERP localization.  Dynamics GP is localized in USA, Canada and most of the Spanish speaking Latin America, plus it is available in UK, Australia, New Zealand, Oceania, Africa (English Speaking)

7. Barcoding Technology and older Great Plains versions.  The general recommendation is to upgrade your Great Plains or Microsoft Dynamics GP to the current version 2010 (or currently supported version 10.0 or 9.0).  However you may have complications, where you are no longer on Microsoft Business Solutions Annual Maintenance Contract

8. To request further support, please call us 1-866-528-0577, help@albaspectrum.com We need to discuss your cards in order to recommend you the best solutions, which is not contingent to our preferences.  We serve you USA/Canada nationwide via remote support (web sessions and phone/skype conferences).  Local service is available in Western Michigan, Chicagoland, Southern California (LA, Orange County, San Diego), Houston area of the state of Texas

Warehouse Extension for Dynamics GP: Barcoding, Allocation, Replenishment

There might be several approaches to build so-called Warehouse Management System and integrate it with your Corporate ERP application, such as Dynamics GP.  First approach is to implement brand name standalone WMS and then establish integration in the form of connectors to send scanned documents to your ERP Sales, Purchasing and Inventory modules.  Typically such brand name products have connectors to numerous mid-market and high end ERP and Accounting packages, including Great Plains.  Second approach is to implement something that extends existing functionality in GP to enable barcoding in Sales, Inventory and Purchasing directly.  We would like to compare the two and give you additional details on the second option, where direct enabling is recommended:

1. External WMS versus GP extensions.  External system might have hidden cost, as it typically produces the logic, already available in Great Plains: Order Allocation in Sales Order Processing document, Restocking in POP Purchase Receipt, Inventory Transfers and Counts in Inventory control.  When you purchased parallel functionality in WMS and GP – there is the question about paying for software licenses twice.  Second point to think about is where do you want to keep primary record for such document as Fulfilled Order – in your Corporate ERP or Warehouse System?  And it might be a bit personal opinion level question, but we heard some complaints from the customers who tried implement standalone WMS with integration to SOP, POP and Inventory and they got the feeling down the road, that connectors are not really ready for going into production (some custom programming, and testing was required, and this fact triggered additional unexpected initially budget).  There are certain pluses in external application, such as high number of implemented cases, compatibility with major Barcode Scanners and RFID readers.  High volume of installations typically means that you are not exposed to software bugs and known issues are already reported by other customers and resolved.  WMS extensions are preserving your investments into GP licenses, plus they are naturally integrated.  But due to the fact, that extensions have to be native to only one Corporate ERP platform Dynamics GP – the number of installations is lower.  Let’s now take a look at Warehouse Management logic and how it is implemented in Extensions

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2. Allocation or Fulfillment.  Such SOP documents as Order or Invoice could have either automatic item line allocation or manual.  When you plan to scan Barcode label on the warehouse floor, you typically expect that Sales Order is already created, items are entered, but they are waiting for being fulfilled.  This is why you select manual allocation for SOP type.  You scan the label or RFID tag and send the information about the scanned merchandise to the SOP Order Line to be allocated (this process could include such important features as lot or serial numbers, warehouse ID, bins, if substitute items were taken, user category, etc.)

3. Restocking often also referred as Replenishment.  There are powerful methods in GP to reorder items based on their existing quantities, ABC codes, economy order size and other mathematically accurate calculations, defined in Purchasing Configurator.  If you created Purchase Order either manually or via Configurator (or in Manufacturing Suite of modules), then Purchase Receipts could be done in WMS extensions.  When you receive items by barcode scanning you transmit to GP Item number, quantity, in which warehouse it is going, serial and lot number, and additional features

4. Merchandise move from one Warehouse to Another, Stock Count.  These processes should be done in inventory transactions by enabling them for Barcoding

5. Budget, Version Upgrade Considerations.  Warehouse Management software licenses and implementation hours costs could be comparable to Great Plains modules owned pricelist.  With this observation we strongly recommend you to be on the current version of GP.  As we are writing these lines in May 2011 current version is 2010, also referred as 11.0 (in Microsoft Dexterity).  The price for you to upgrade to 2010 or maybe version 10.0 is a fraction of Price List, but the hidden cost to find programmer or consultants who are still familiar and comfortable to customize or code integration to the older version is a risk factor.  Historically Great Plains came to us through the following versions: 9.0, 8.0, 7.5, 7.0, 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.0, 3.2 – all these versions could be updated to the current release of 2010/11.0
6. Possible customization requirements.  Each business has unique features, allowing it to compete on the market.  Uniqueness might be associated with modification requirements.  In the case of direct WMS extensions, customizing your accounting application is not a problem and you can deploy such tools, as Microsoft Dexterity, Modifier with VBA, Extender, eConnect, SQL Stored Procedures and scripts

7. Implementation and Support options.  Specialized modules are typically implemented with Nationwide and even International travel and short term local implementation phase with following remote support via web sessions and phone conferences.  As we analyze customers geography – it is scattered proportionally across the business metros in USA, Canada and internationally.  There is cluster of customers in Latin America, Arabic peninsula

Dynamics GP Enabling Barcoding Devices

Barcode scanners and RFID readers in integration to GP should be considered in the context of business routine, where you plan label scanning automation. Typical barcode scanning scenarios are turning Great Plains workstation into Point of Sale terminal, and Warehouse Management. There might be unique requirements, for example Fixed Assets selection for depreciation, transfer or retirements where you would like to open several FA forms for scanning. We’ll try to describe the scenarios and popular solutions in reasonable details below:

1. User workstation deployment in retail outlet. Technically Sales Order Processing could be turned into POS terminal. If you sell items and services to them where salesperson spends some time helping customer to compose the order with main item, components and optional part, warranty, then it is OK for the cashier/consultant to open SOP Invoice form and key in selected items either manually or position the cursor on ItemID field and then scan the tag with USB Scanner. If you need SOP Form to look friendly to scanning without the need to combine label reading with keyboard clicks there are several Add-ons programmed in Microsoft Dexterity that do the job. We typically recommend take a look at Compass POS extension for Great Plains. If you are thinking about complete retail solution with comprehensive store management module – you should probably review the integration direction. Such popular retail packages as Microsoft RMS or Counterpoint from Radiant Software have integration options. MS RMS comes with out-of-the-box integration working on GL and AP modules level. Alba Spectrum has solution which imports shopping carts into Sales or Receivable Invoices, plus it supports Purchase Receipt in POP and Inventory movement and adjustment synchronization

2. Warehouse Management Solution. Comparing to POS WMS is leaning toward specialized software with integration to Purchase Order Processing, Inventory Control and Sales Order Processing modules. It might be impractical to reinvent the bike and customize Great Plains forms to enable them for scanning in such Warehouse operations as Order Fulfillment, Inventory Restocking, Cycle Count and Adjustment. Dynamics GP is mid-market Corporate ERP application and WMS solutions are coming in two flavors. The first one is self-sufficient external Warehouse Management application with integration connectors to Great Plains. This option typically has high price tag and provides rich business logic where you may need only the fraction. At the same time it might provide barcode friendly functionality similar to what you already paid for in Great Plains (where barcoding is not out of the box). And the second flavor is about various solutions coded in Dexterity or working directly with GP tables and SQL database. These systems might have lower price ticket, however their functionality might be pretty basic and the number of installations is lower. We also discovered that each distribution and supply chain management customer is different and certain level of custom business logic is required in their warehouse solution. Integrated WMS solutions, working directly with Great Plains tables are usually more friendly to be customized directly by original software development company

3. Fixed Assets and Barcoding, plus other unique scenarios. FA scanning in large scale is typically seen in large companies, where they have to provide their franchisees with complete set of fixed assets needed for the store to function. Classical example might be something like jewelry and diamonds chain, food franchise where you are providing stands or cooking machines, which could not be expensed immediately according to GAAP. We recommend you to call you GP reseller and check with them if there is existing add-on to do the job. If not and you feel that this custom logic is absolutely required, you should probably shop for the programming in Dexterity, maybe eConnect or SQL Stored Procedures. There are other requests from the customers to enable barcoding in various GP forms. Every screen where you have edit fields could be customized and opened for scanning. Each case deserves special discussion

Deploying Dynamics GP in Warehouse: SCM, Barcode highlights

Numerous companies with Microsoft Dynamics GP or formerly known as Great Plains Dynamics are moving in their decision making to automate their Warehouse and Supply Chain Management operations on their chosen Corporate ERP platform.  We would like to give you introduction paper, where various options are discussed.  Warehouse Management System, Logistics and SCM are not easy to come through the decision making, pick the right Dynamics GP ISV and undergo the implementation phase.  Please, be prepared to do your homework.  However if you are proactive, you can see numerous WMS demos, pick the consulting partner and do all the way to switching your Warehouse Management System into production.  Let’s begin with the WMS selection paragraph:

1. Warehouse Management System software development firms are trying to pursue two strategies.  First one would be to launch self-sufficient WMS with the options to connect or integrate it to major ERP, MRP or Accounting platforms, where GP is definitely on the list of the candidates.  This approach might be compared to the “luxury” way of having things done.  External WMS typically has large number of installations in the USA, Canada or internationally, but its integration method may require you to spend extra money on the WMS integration implementation and custom tuning.  Plus, you may feel that you are sort of suggested to pay for the same functionality (that you already have in Great Plains Distribution set of modules: Sales Order Processing, Purchase Order Processing, Inventory Control, Bill of Materials).  External WMS has rich business logic, it supports the majority of Barcode scanning and label printer brands (Symbol, Zebra, HP, Motorola, etc.), plus it is pioneering with RFID technologies – all these things are voting for the approach.  Let’s now hear the opponents

2. Warehouse Management Extensions for GP.  These products, or better say extensions are based on Great Plains native technologies, such as Dexterity, eConnect, direct SQL scripting.  With extensions you have opposite dilemma, as they are only available for GP and have to match their market presence to the number of Microsoft Dynamics GP installations.  WMS extensions do not require you to pay twice for similar business processes and procedures (to be available as part of the implementation scenario).  Please, read our publications on Microsoft Dexterity, eConnect, Alba Spectrum Order Connector technology.  Let’s now move on to Barcode scanners, RFID technologies

3. Barcode scanners, coming from such vendors as Symbol, Motorola, Metrologic, Wasp, Datalogic, Intermec, Barcode Generator, Systemid, POS Guys and other providers.  It may sound like a big dilemma…  It is not easy to pick the scanner which will serve you for the years to come.  We recommend you to talk to WMS consulting firm first.  If you plan to have large number of scanners with moderate budget, you can consider text mode compliant, where Alba Spectrum WMS extensions should be compatible.  If you plan to deploy RFID tags and readers, this requires consultation

4. Supply Chain Management.  This topic is very diversified.  For example, we are happy to offer delivery trucks optimization route and timing, coded in Great Plains Dexterity.  In Dexterity we can open for you virtually any form for Barcode or RFID scanning and reading
5. For additional information, please feel free to call us 1-866-528-0577 or 1-630-961-5918 (this number works for international customers) or email us help@albaspectrum.com  We serve you USA/Canada nationwide via remote support (web sessions and phone/Skype conferences).  Local service is available in Western Michigan, Chicagoland, Southern California (LA, Orange County, San Diego), Houston area of the state of Texas

Warehouse Automation Module for Dynamics GP: Barcoding, RFID with Some International Aspects

Corporate ERP systems typically do not support Barcoding in its typical scenarios, including scanned batch of documents upload.  Instead you would have to do your homework in selecting Warehouse Management System module to handle barcoding operations on the warehouse floor and uploading it to GP Distributions modules: Sales Order Processing, Inventory Control, Purchase Order Processing, Bill or Materials.  WMS is pretty popular among mid-size or smaller retailers and distributors, this is why we believe the topic deserves USA nationwide and even International consideration:

1. Why do I need WMS, as far as I know Great Plains already has Inventory transaction, Sales Order Processing and Purchase Order processing documents functionality?  Technically you may try to install GP user application on tiny computer, attach generic USB barcode scanner and use this pair in the warehouse.  However, if you expect high volume of scans, it might be impractical, as the worker has to complete the document by tabbing, entering required edit fields, drop down lists and only click on the scan button, when only one of few fields are in focus.  You also have to have permanent wireless connection for the Netbook.  In some scenarios, this method might be feasible, especially when you are scanning only few items and they are high price ticket ones, and when your warehouse worker is trained to use client interface (and probably does scanning once per day during maybe twenty minutes or so).  For the rest of us, we need WMS client to be installed directly on the Scanner computer with very simple interface, where you do mostly scanning and simple decision making, such as “I just scanned the receipt header, now I am switching to scanning document items, etc.”

2. How the technology works?   It is not really a rocket science.  WMS client application talks to the Server, which is on the permanent network connection and it talks via ODBC to GP SQL Server.  Scanned documents could be categorized as Inventory Transfer or Adjustment, Sales Order Allocation, Purchase Receipt

3. How about RFID.  Here, the technology is based on RFID tags and readers, but the translation to the documents in your ERP application is very similar to what you can see in Barcoding.  There might be various reasons, why you would prefer RFID tag reading versus more traditional barcode label scanning.  It might be more secured, which is important for the Government contractors, military suppliers to give you couple examples

4. Barcode Scanners supported.  Our module requires the scanner which is at least text mode compliant.  We do believe that GP is a good fit for mid-market and smaller mid-market customers, engaged in wholesale, retail, distribution, supply chain management businesses.  In such environment you might not have a luxury budget for barcoding or RFID equipment

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5. Competition.  There are two flavors of the Warehouse Management System for Great Plains.  First one would be the extension modules, working directly out of the ERP SQL database and creating transactions there in the real time, our module is one of them.  And the second flavor is external self-sufficient Warehouse Management application, which could be integrated via connectors and integration modules.  The second approach is typically more expensive, but it gives you more luxury in the covered functionality

6. Custom Business Logic.  When you are in the distribution industry, you may require some portion of custom logic, comparing to what generic Corporate ERP typically offers.  In the case of Dynamics GP first you would need to research the ISV add-ons market, maybe the product is already available to be integrated.  Often, however, you are in the situation, when you have to translate the alternative logic directly to your barcode scanning routines.  Our WMS extensions are ready for being modified and in fact the majority of the SCM customers have additional coding needs

7. Availability internationally.  Here we have to say the following.  Corporate ERP localization typically has two aspects: local language support and compliance to the targeted country regulations.  As warehouse operations are sort of internal routines, they are immune from the imposed local legislation.  We support our add-ons in English and Spanish.  In general, if you have your Corporate ERP implemented on the GP platform – we can help you with Warehouse automation.  In some cases we are receiving the calls from our potential customers: we have Great Plains as ERP in the USA, we are opening the subsidiary in China, Brazil, Russia, Taiwan.  Could you help us with this expansion and Distribution automation?  The answer really depends.  If your targeted country is small enough and the personnel over there is comfortable to English user interface – you can probably force GP implementation.  But for such regional powers, where Great Plains is not localized as Russia, China, Brazil, India – we really recommend you to check with your local CPA firm if they could support you on that accounting platform.  We understand that you would like something coming directly from brand name Corporate ERP providers – check our Microsoft Dynamics AX (Supply Chain Management, Process Manufacturing), SAP Business One (smaller Production facility)

8. Special Consideration for China.  Please note, that Great Plains Dexterity doesn’t support Unicode based alphabets, where you are using hieroglyphs, such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese.  This fact introduces additional complication in the considering GP to be implemented in China or South East Asia.  We recommend you to look at Axapta Dynamics AX or SAP Business One

9. Brazil.  Our company was hired by Microsoft Business Solutions in Sao Paulo to localize GP for Brazil to support Brazilian Portuguese user interface and Brazilian business legislation.  This was back in 2004.  We still have the version 7.5 partially localized.  But, in the course of the next several years, MBS changed its mind in favor of Navision Dynamics NAV, and then Axapta AX.  What we could recommend you at the time of 2011, as we are writing these lines in February 2011.  Consider first Axapta and if it is too expensive and difficult to implement, review SAP B1, and then local packages, such as Microsiga

10. Arabic World.  Here we see the tendency to deploy English in Warehouse operations, and Great Plains is available for the majority of the countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, Jordan, OAE.  Arabic alphabet is ASCII compliant and you should be good to pick this ERP application for your overseas subsidiary

11. Russian Federation.  GP is not localized in RF, we see strong positions of such local ERP system as 1CAccounting (1S Bukhgalteria).  In Russia you should be aware about such principles as Federal Government approved GL chart of accounts (maybe similar to what you have in France, old fashioned manufacturing oriented).  GP is no longer localized, where our company participated in the localization initiative in the late 1990th, but then Great Plains Software was acquisitioned by Microsoft and the Microsoft acquired Navision Software, Denmark based corporation with such Corporate ERP products as Navision and Axapta.  Currently February 2011 we recommend Dynamics AX or NAV for the customers in RF

12. South, Central America and Mexico.  Here we were working hard with other VARs and consulting partners to synchronize the application with local legislations, such as Honduras Payroll taxes.  In our opinion Great Plains has green light for the whole Spanish speaking Latin America

13. Canada.  Here GP is available in English and French Canadian versions up to the current version 2010/11.0

14. Poland and Eastern Europe.  There were substantial efforts from GPS back in the late 1990th, prior to its acquisition by Microsoft to expand in Western, Southern and Eastern Europe.  Our company was one of the engines to popularize Dynamics in Russia and Czech Republic.  But, when Microsoft acquired Navision Software, the European Corporate ERP market was driven by Navision, and Great Plains was pulled out of the scenes.  In Poland we have some cluster of customers, typically on the version 7.5 with the user interface in Polish

Microsoft Dynamics GP Barcoding ? Alba Spectrum

Microsoft Dynamics GP Barcoding – Alba Spectrum

Naperville, IL (PRWEB) March 31, 2006

Alba Spectrum Group announces its free Microsoft Great Plains, former Great Plains Software Dynamics/eEnterprise barcoding solution advising and consulting. As our experience indicates barcode modules and extensions for Great Plains are a bit confusing and multiple options exist on the market. Barcoding is hardware as well as Great Plains Dexterity software development & customization oriented.

    Warehouse Management. Alba Spectrum Group announces its Great Plains Fast Shipping module for Microsoft Great Plains – Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0

    SOP Module Extensions. According to Alba Spectrum spokesman Luis Leung – we have multiple out-of-the-box and ready-for-tailoring SCM solutions, developed in Dexterity, SQL Stored Procedures, VBA/Modifier and eConnect to fit end client supply chain management and inventory control needs

    Scanner and Hardware analysis. It is always good idea to preserve legacy company investment into barcode scanners and software. In some cases it is advisable to do hardware revision and upgrade, in our opinion – specialist help is the must

    eCommerce. eConnect software development is current trend for Microsoft Great Plains 9.0 (new Project Green name is Microsoft Dynamics and Great Plains is now Microsoft Dynamics GP as well as Microsoft Navision is Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Axapta is Microsoft Dynamics AX)

About Alba Spectrum Technologies. Alba Spectrum Technologies is joint venture of several IT and business consulting companies, now operating as single business entity. We have local presence in the USA, Latin America & Brazil, Germany, Russia, South East Asia and Oceania. We believe in the coexistence of Java (J2EE, EJB, Linux, Unix) and Microsoft (.Net, C#, VB) platforms and systems and specialize in several product lines and cross platform integration, customization, heterogeneous report design, plus we provide ERP systems comparison and reviews, not being committed to just on MRP platform. We also stake on XML cross-platform data interchange to be advanced in the coming decade.

Alba Spectrum Technologies websites: http://www.albaspectrum.com http://www.greatplains.com.mx http://www.enterlogix.com.br


help@albaspectrum.com Europe: +44 20 8123 2580, +45 36 96 55 20, Canada: 866-528-0577, USA 1-630-961-5918, Mexico: 52-55-535-04027, Brazil: 55-11-3444-4949 skype: albaspectrum

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Warehouse Management System for Dynamics GP Barcode Scanners Text vs. Graphical Interface

If you are investing in the Warehouse Management System for your Corporate ERP application, such as Microsoft Dynamics GP, the functionality and the price for barcode scanners might be something to question.  We recommend you to consider two options.  First one would be upscale Barcode scanner with Windows CE and graphical user interface versus the scanner, which only has text mode screen (like you would have in old-good-days DOS operating system or Unix).  However, do not rush to purchase the one without graphical interface, until you get the barcode scanner compatibility list from your prospected WMS reseller.  In this publication we will review scanner requirements for Alba Spectrum WMS for Microsoft Dynamics GP Great Plains:

1. Text Mode Barcode Scanner.  WMS client, running directly on the barcode scanner is compatible with text mode scanners.  To be reasonably in price/reliability median, we recommend you to consider Symbol PDT 3000 Portable Data Terminal Series, or scanner with compatible features and processing power.  From the scanner info sheet: “Symbol Technologies’ PDT 3000 Portable Data Terminals answer the need for hand-held data terminals that are high on features and performance, but low in price. Designed for efficient, economical data collection, the PDT 3000 Series packs the power of a 16-bit, DOS-based PC into a small, lightweight data terminal that goes anywhere to get the job done. Feature for feature, dollar for dollar, no other terminal surpasses the PDT 3000 Series for overall value. Its durable ergonomic design, standard DOS operating system, and flexible options put the PDT 3000 in a class by itself…”  This scanner cost is around 0.  Well of course there is drawback and for this scanner it is text only user interface, whoever we do believe that Warehouse Management Worker barcode scanning training cost and learning curve period would be comparable to the option to do that with the scanner with graphical user interface (and Windows CE operating system).  The savings could be significant if you plan to deploy WMS for hundreds of warehouses

2. Scanners with Graphical user interface.  Here we also recommend you to look at Symbol line of products.  You should expect the cost to begin with 0 and up.  Graphical Interface is definitely more intuitive (however on the tiny barcode scanner LCD screen it might be too difficult to gain, due to the small screen size and very repetitive style of scanning procedures)

3. How to request WMS presentation?  Please, call us 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918 or email us help@albaspectrum.com  We serve you USA, Canada nationwide and internationally via web sessions and visit onsite for Warehouse Management System deployment and user training.  Local service is available in Western Michigan (Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, St. Joseph areas), Houston, TX, Southern California

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