Posts Tagged ‘Warehouse’

Implementing a Warehouse Management System

IRLY Distributors, a Canadian co-operative of hardware and building suppliers based in Surrey, BC, implemented Latitude Warehouse Management System from PathGuide Technologies. Latitude WMS is a user-friendly, web-based system that includes hardware from Intermec, Inc. See how IRLY employees adapted to using a software & hardware solution from PathGuide and Intermec.
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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

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

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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Warehouse Management Systems and Barcode Scanners

Combining mobile computers and desktops along with assorted software modules plus secondary interfaces, a Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) manages a yard completely or a warehouse. These systems are capable of locating inventory, making allowances for management requirements as well as work out shipping after which get the receipt of inventory. The complexity of the warehouse being served will determine the complexity of the WMS required to run it. Smaller operations perhaps require no more than an inventory locator and a counting module along with a simple shipping-receiving interface. In some cases there is no need for a WMS. Proper operation of a fully functional WMS system depends upon the know-how of IT professionals, so installing a WMS makes sense only if there is a significant cost benefit associated with its ownership. An all-inclusive WMS solution offering complex modules is vital especially when it comes to extensive operations with the warehouse with several stockyards or even product-related problems like shelf-life concerns. Increased accuracy, productivity and significant cost reduction for a quick ROI are some of the benefits to be looked at while a WMS is implemented. Additionally, a WMS usually brings down inventory amounts and labor costs particularly if used in conjunction with related data collection. A WMS also provides the possibility of adding automation tools which help substantially better the output of your warehouse laborers. For instance, if you add voice picking to the WMS will substantially increase accuracy and reduce error rates close to zero which is the norm. Such facts are evident through the ROI observations made by the early users of the voice-picking. The other WMS add-on which produces an ROI within18 months, is RFID. It is the first area where one sees quick returns on investment in RFID is in the sphere of tracking assets. Every warehouse has assets like totes, pallets and carts used to move inventory. Using rigid tags (passive) for monitoring the assets, the costing for the RFID system could quickly be recovered quickly by bringing down the losses of such assets. At the case level, RFID could also be made use of with disposable RFID tags (passive) but achieving an ROI is tougher unless RFID equipment is incorporated into a system that is multimodal. A Multimodal computing (mobile) begins in a handheld computer, which can be used for multiple peripherals at the same time. These peripherals include RFID, GPS, Bluetooth technology, barcode scanners, database connectivity, Voice technology such as Vulcan Voice by CTG, and others. When joined with software applications multimodal input and output software, the end product can be an exceptionally powerful cost cutting system. For streamlining a warehouse, implement a multimodal WMS system or think of adding multimodal functionality to the existing WMS system being used. RFID equipment can be used for detecting a check-digit location, track a case, a pallet, carts, PC’s and totes. A voice component will help in guiding the worker. While a multimodal system may need a direct design and consulting, in the long run, such systems would cut on your plant time and resources by offering a multi-functioning tool and the correct tool for every operation.

LXE?s Rugged HX2 Arm-Wearable Computer Frees Hands for Improved Productivity; HX2 Computer Significantly Improves Performance in Warehouse Picking & Small Parcel Move Applications

LXE’s Rugged HX2 Arm-Wearable Computer Frees Hands for Improved Productivity; HX2 Computer Significantly Improves Performance in Warehouse Picking & Small Parcel Move Applications

Atlanta (PRWEB) October 16, 2006

LXE Inc., a leading manufacturer of rugged wireless computers that improve the performance of supply-chain execution applications, today introduced a new addition to its line of wearable, “hands-free” computers – the HX2 wearable computer. The HX2 computer is a small, light-weight data collection computer designed to be worn on an operator’s arm or waist so that both hands are free to more effectively and efficiently perform warehouse inventory moves, including piece picking to carts, containers or conveyers; case picking; parcel moves; and broken case activities.

For a wearable computer to be embraced by the market it has to be both comfortable and easy to use. The unit’s innovative arm bands that secure both the unit and its battery keeps the wearable computer in the ready position at all times by preventing the unit from rotating around the operator’s arm – a common complaint among existing wearable users. The adaptable arm bands can be worn close to the elbow or near the wrist – whatever is the operator’s preference.

The compact HX2 wearable computer has an extraordinarily bright and crisp color display for easy viewing in any lighting conditions and from any angle – no longer is there a need for the wearable computer to be “front and center” to be read. And the large, backlit keys have been carefully designed for use in high-speed picking environments. The keys are fully mappable, so customers can customize them for specific applications.

Beyond all that, this computer is tough. It has to be to survive the tough work environments in which it will be used. The HX2 wearable computer’s magnesium alloy front and impact-resistant screen are designed to keep the unit in service and out of the repair shop. The HX2 wearable computer’s ring scanners (laser and imager) are built as tough as the main computer.

Both the HX2 computer and its ring scanner accessories were designed with safety in mind. The entire HX2 wearable computer system features breakaway connections at multiple points and a low-profile, smooth design to resist snagging on common warehouse fixtures and equipment.

“With the HX2 wearable computer along with the HX1 dedicated voice computer and the MX7 multimodal scanning/voice handheld computer, LXE will have one of the industry’s most complete suite of data collection solutions for picking,” says Jim Childress, LXE’s president and general manager. “With LXE, customers can now choose the perfect picking technology for their specific applications.”

The HX2 wearable computer is driven by the latest Windows® CE 5.0 operating system and an Intel® XScale® processor. It features an 802.11 radio with Bluetooth, so customers are prepared for the real-time business opportunities of today and tomorrow.

“We’ve integrated the feedback from dozens of current wearable customers into the design of the HX2 wearable computer,” says Patrick Drolet, LXE’s senior product manager for wearable computing. “We are developing a unit that not only significantly improves upon these existing wearable terminals, but does so in a manner that won’t disrupt operators who are comfortable with the operation of their existing terminals.”

The HX2 wearable computer also includes LXE’s ToughTalkTM technology. ToughTalk technology is LXE’s specialized combination of LXE’s trademark ruggedized system design, advanced audio circuitry and noise canceling techniques, which enable the HX2 wearable computer to support today’s industrial-grade voice recognition applications. With the HX2 computer, customers can run both their voice logistics applications and their traditional barcode scanning applications on the same unit.

The rugged HX2 wearable computer will be available early 2007. More information on the HX2, including high resolution photography can be found at http://www.lxe.com.

About LXE Inc.

LXE Inc. improves supply chain performance by applying over 36 years’ experience developing wireless products and solutions. From rugged mobile computers, advanced auto-ID technologies, and secure wireless network infrastructure, to our award-winning customer support – LXE’s easy-to-use products are as reliable as the people who install and support them.

Based in Norcross, Georgia, LXE also offers a full range of turnkey services, including radio integration, project and installation management, network design, technical support, and repair services. LXE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EMS Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELMG), and has offices worldwide. For more information, visit our Web site at http://www.lxe.com.

For more information, please contact:

Mark Dessommes

Public Relations

LXE Inc.

1-770-729-6643

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Dynamics GP in the Warehouse: Barcoding Routines

Microsoft Dynamics GP is mid-market Corporate ERP system with reasonable flexibility and openness to such business routines as Supply Chain Management, Distribution, Logistics.  There are Dynamics GP ISV add-ons, available to enable WMS barcoding routines.  Generic Corporate ERP applications do not support barcode scanning (and RFID tags reading) out of the box – you need special software to enable Great Plains forms, such as SOP Transaction Entry (Order Allocation or Fulfillment), POP Purchase Receipt (Inventory Restocking/Replenishment) and Inventory Transaction/Transfer for barcode laser scanning.  Here, in Alba Spectrum we provide consulting services on WMS and Barcoding modules selection for Microsoft Dynamics GP, we also respect older versions of Great Plains Dynamics and help you to pick the best option for your legacy ERP application.  In some cases, there is no need to pick expensive graphical barcode scanner, you may decide to automate your warehouse with text mode compatible barcoding device.  Please, review the following highlights, regarding the Warehouse Management automation and barcoding:

1. WMS Architecture.  This dilemma may not sound as important in the beginning of the Warehouse Management research.  However, down the road, especially when you hit the implementation phase, there might be some surprises.  For example, external WMS may require integration implementation (via various connectors or integration interfaces).  We recommend you to consider two platforms –External WMS (standalone and self-sufficient) and Warehouse Management Extensions (working directly in the Dynamics GP database with Great Plains forms and transactions)

2. Barcode Scanning directly in Great Plains Dynamics.  This approach requires higher cost of warehouse worker GP user training and equipping them with something like light weight netbook computers with USB attached barcode scanners.  You should review the SOP, POP, Inventory transactions with your workers and decide if tabbing through the Dynamics GP forms is feasible options.  Out of the box Dynamics GP doesn’t support such barcode scanning (and RFID tags reading) features as batch mode documents scanning and upload, the whole document scanning (with multiple inventory item lines) and uploading it at once

3. Beyond the WMS functionality.  Warehouse Management System is substantial part of the Supply Chain Management theory.  Each Distribution oriented business is unique and might require additional SCM routines, such as Merchandise Delivery Route and Time optimization, consignment automation (in Dynamics GP Inventory control module with the conjunction with General Ledger, as Consignment should not be shown on your assets balance)

4. Going web friendly.  Internet customer self-service seems to be a required feature for modern Corporate MRP system.  In Dynamics GP you can connect your custom ecommerce web site with such popular shopping carts as Magento, ASP.Net Storefront.  It is also typically not a big deal to enable UPS, FedEx, USPS item delivery tracking

waspbarcode.co.uk – WaspNest is a value-packed suite that includes a barcode scanner, barcode labeling software and basic inventory / asset tracking software.

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interlinkONE: Barcode Scanning Functionality for Warehouse Operations and Inventory Management

Visit us at interlinkONE.com for more information! interlinkONE provides web-based software that allows companies to manage their warehouse, receive inventory, fulfill and ship orders, and a lot more. In this video, we demonstrate how companies can use barcode scanners to update their inventory counts directly from the warehouse floor.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

CitiXsys Unveils New RF Enabled Warehouse Management and Inventory Management Solutions

CitiXsys Unveils New RF Enabled Warehouse Management and Inventory Management Solutions

New York (PRWEB) November 14, 2008

CitiXsys, a leading provider of software solutions for the Retail and Wholesale Distribution Supply Chain, today announced that the Warehouse Management and Inventory Pro solutions will now support the latest Radio Frequency (RF) technology. Featuring best-in-class performance and usability, these solutions can be implemented across a variety of industries including manufacturing facilities, warehouse and supply chain industries.

CitiXsys Warehouse Management (WM) solution is a complete scalable and flexible Warehousing solution which can be integrated on real time with SAP ERP system. The Warehouse Management solution helps manage and track the movement of inventory from receiving to shipping and dramatically cut warehouse costs by eliminating paper work and costly shipping errors. The Inventory Pro solution is an efficient Inventory Management solution designed specifically for companies managing light transactional volumes. The Inventory Pro solution is for businesses that do not need the sophistication of an advanced warehouse management and distribution system but need the efficiency of managing inventory with features like Bin Location, Unit of Measure and Available to Promise.    

The Warehouse Management solution can be a source of significant competitive advantage to any distributor as it encompasses the day-to-day transactions that run a warehouse with fully integrated data collection technologies, such as bar code scanning, bar code printing, and wireless mobile data collection. The WM solution is implemented with automatic data collection in the form of radio-frequency (RF) portable terminals with bar code scanners. The solution can be accessed from a RF hand-held device and supports multiple RF Hardware Platforms including Symbol Technologies and Zebra.

RF integration with WM solution provide users the option to use RF and manage their warehouse in a much more efficient way as it saves time, eliminates the use of paper and increases the accuracy in performing day to day warehouse activities. Paperless techniques are more flexible than batch, paper systems and when coupled with bar code scanning offers more accuracy. There are currently 10 modules (Receiving, Inventory, Order Fulfillment, Put Away, Intra Warehouse Movement, Cycle Count, Build Pallet, Replenishment and Shipping) which are integrated with RF. Also, users will now not have to buy separate SAP licenses for their warehouses but install only CitiXsys WM solution licenses.

The RF enabled Inventory Pro (IP), an Inventory Management solution from CitiXsys, facilitates the use of multiple Unit of Measures (UoM) assigned to the items, which in turn updates the stock accordingly. The user can do the receiving, put away, picking and intra warehouse bin movement by scanning the alternate Unit of Measure (UoM) of the items ensuring that the corresponding stock gets updated. The RF user can receive items into inventory by purchase order, pick sales orders, move items from bin to bin, and ship confirm an order. RF works on barcodes and barcodes are generated using Zebra Programming language 2. Barcodes are printed by using zebra printers and various formats are available for printing item labels, UoM labels, bin location labels and shipment labels.

“These RF enabled solutions will enable managers and supervisors to capture WMS Operations, inventory and other information, run most Windows CE desktop applications and send transaction information to the ERP with the touch of a button”, says David Eubanks, Head – Product Definition Group at CitiXsys.

Once activated, the RF handheld Inventory Pro can be used to process and record the movement of items across the warehouse using various procedures of scanning item and bin barcodes. The RF user can scan the bar codes in the labels of item code, its alternate UoM codes, serial & batch numbers and bin codes; provided the barcodes are unique in nature for RF to read.

The main USP of the RF enabled Inventory Pro is now users can collect data out of the network, store the information on their wireless device and upload the data to the system at a later time when they return back to their office. This RF enabled IP product takes the power of your SAP ERP system out of the warehouse and into the field with or without network connectivity.

“There has been an overwhelming demand for the RF enabled WMS and IP solutions from our sales channel and our Partners. Very recently, we have implemented the RF supported Inventory Pro solution for our client Magdalene in the UK. The increasing interest and support of CitiXsys’ products continue to demonstrate our leadership in providing customers the broadest range of high performing Wholesale and Distribution solutions in the Supply Chain domain,” says Duncan Wyeth, Vice President of Global Field Operations at CitiXsys.

About CitiXsys            

CitiXsys is a leading provider of software products in the Retail and Wholesale Distribution Supply Chain domain. CitiXsys provides a series of cross industry and industry-specific software solutions to help businesses meet their changing needs. The organization’s success is reflected in delivering solutions that offer security, reliability, availability and performance. CitiXsys also provides implementation, integration and customization services to its partners and customers worldwide.

CitiXsys’ clients include globally recognized companies like Swarovski Optik, Greiche & Scaff, Britannia, Wellborn Cabinet, Inc., Biotique, Colio Wines, Reeves, Margaret Howell, Respronics, Walrus Brands, Nestle Australia Ltd, Boss & Co, Alcan and many more.

CitiXsys is the recipient of the SAP Pinnacle Award 2008, a global recognition given by SAP to its most valued partners. CitiXsys received this award in the SME Global Innovation Partner category. In 2007, CitiXsys was awarded the ISV Partner Sales Excellence Award for Revenue and in 2006 the ISV Solution Partner Quality Excellence Award by SAP America, Inc., a subsidiary of SAP AG. The company has its corporate headquarters in New York City and offices in the U.S, Canada, U.K, Australia and India. For more information please visit: http://www.citixsys.com .

All product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. SAP® and other SAP® products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP® AG in Germany and in several other countries globally. Data contained in this document serve informational purposes only. Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “should” and “will” and similar expressions as they relate to CitiXsys are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. CitiXsys undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations.

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