Forklift Component of WMS:
We achieve many of the benefits of our WMS because of its underlying technology. The touch-screen, computer mounted on the forklift is so simple to use that operator training typically tales only several hours. The functions available on the forklift computer are shown in the main menu screenshot.
The system is virtually foolproof. For example, touching the Unload portion of the menu only proceeds if this operator has been assigned a receiving job.
Also, the Cycle Count function is limited to those operators who are allowed access.
The Forklift computer system achieves control principally because of its emphasis on barcode scanning. An operator, whether receiving, moving, picking or cycle counting, is simply not likely to make errors. He can't pick from the wrong location. He can't receive an item not on your purchase order or not known to your core system without intervention by the WMS administrator.
A major contributor to productivity is the full-screen nature of the computer. Multiple receiving or shipping jobs can be assigned to the same operator. If one job is delayed, he can switch to another, assuming it's been assigned. He can switch receiving jobs, for example, by simply touching one of three tabs that display on the computer (see screenshot).
Because pick lines, as well as pick, move and cycle count lines, are displayed in a grid format, an experienced operator can adapt very quickly to using the computer. For example, a puller can look ahead in the grid as he travels to the next pick location. On the way, he can pick an item that is further down in the grid for additional productivity gains.
Warehouse Office Component of WMS:
As is true for all DMS design, principal goals are control and productivity. An example should help make this clear. Look at the Pick Schedule screenshot. You will see that one administrator can manage all picking jobs from a single screen in the office component of the WMS. All currently scheduled jobs display in the upper left tree. New jobs are scheduled by selecting an operator then clicking on a job (top left pane).
The administrator can also follow progress of jobs. This information can be used to schedule further work, for example, if she sees that a job is nearing completion.
The administrator can exercise functions like splitting a route between operators. This includes reassigning a job that has already been assigned. For example, if an operator becomes unable to complete picking for a job, she can re-assign the partially complete job to two pickers, ensuring that delivery is not delayed.
DMS also provides an optional solution to imaging, which is simple and effective at reasonable cost. Delivery tickets produced in WMS Shipping are signed by your customer on delivery. On return, delivery tickets are scanned into the system where they can become a valuable resource in resolving delivery questions.
Relational Database:
The system is built on a robust relational database. This allows extraordinary access to data. Questions like "What 'A' velocity product do I have stored on the top level of warehouse racks?" become quite easy to answer. Because relational databases are so standardized, it is easy to plug in report writers to extend access to data.
Data Interface:
Our WMS is designed to interface to your current system, extending its power. To do this we use tools-based interfacing. If possible, we will update your legacy system data in near real-time, otherwise in batch mode as frequently as you choose (thus achieving the same near real-time currency of data). For example, if the inventory data created in receiving is sent to your legacy system in batch mode, then we advise that the interface be run after every receive job.
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