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Using our expertise gained from the private WMS market and
with the input of our many customers, our premier RF Pathways
WMS is fully capable of simultaneously managing multiple warehouses
for multiple clients. Our solution runs using wireless RF
terminals or can be paper based, whichever you feel is best.
The full complement of warehouse management processes - receiving,
storage, pick, pack and shipping are all standard. With the
emergence of the 3PL and 4PL markets, we have added the functionality
of variable billing modules that allow separate clients to
have a range of task driven charges. As an example, based
on each customer's contract, charges can be calculated for
volume usage, pallet foot print occupancy, basic units of
measure handled, environment (freezer vs. ambient), guaranteed
space utilization and ad hoc storage.
Operator RF processes can have task driven accessorial charging
methods applied for the quantity:
Whatever the process needed, we can capture it and report
it.
- All transactional charges can be captured via the
RF terminals or entered manually into the desktop billing
module.
- Reporting can be set to run, on a per client basis,
weekly, monthly or on demand.
- The interface can be configured to a variety of
hosts and/or accounting systems so that charges go directly
to a customers account.
- Invoicing can be produced in Summary or Detail
format and can include accruals.
Flexible and cost effective. Let us demonstrate how RF Pathways
will give you greater inventory accuracy and make you and
your customers more profitable by saving you time and money.
The Magic of Wireless:
Validation at the Point of Operation
The RF in RF Pathways WMS is an acronym for Radio Frequency.
RF Pathways uses a combination of state-of-the-art
11mbps radio frequency scanning terminals and PC workstations
to maintain a constant and real-time validation of data. This
"always-on" structure enforces the business rules
critical to your success and will transform your operation.
Wireless access points using omni-directional antennae are
mounted in the ceiling and hard-wired to your existing network
creating an extension of your TCP/IP backbone. Using intelligent
serial bridging software in the access point and RF terminals,
a wireless communication protocol transmits secure packets
of data between the access point and the RF terminal. The
result is that the warehouse operator can scan and key-enter
data in real-time to the RF Server software from anywhere
in the warehouse. Furthermore, the RF Server can send validated
data, such as location, quantity and date code information
back to the terminal screen of the operator where the work
is being performed.
This is the one of the fundamental benefits of the RF
Pathways radio frequency system: validation through system
logic and accurate information sent to the location where
the work is being performed in real-time. Warehouse personnel
no longer have to write down numbers in handwritten form.
Data clerks are not longer required to copy data sheets into
the host system which can create incorrect data by miss-reading
or keyboard errors. Warehouse staff will not have to walk
long distances with a spreadsheet in hand, or jump on a reach
truck with a cell-phone while another operator reads locations
and product information. Thousands of labour dollars are lost
every month by needlessly operating a warehouse in this manner.
Large time savings are the result when an operator merely
has to key enter a SKU to look up a slot location, or is directed
right to the correct location with the correct quantity and
date to perform a replenishment.
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What is the potential overall impact of warehouse automation?
The average inventory accuracy using a RF Pathways system
with stock-locating and slot validation is 99.8%. The average
pay back for a complete system is under 12-months based on
dollar labour savings from efficiencies introduced using the
RF Pathways
system!
Click on the image below
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RF Pathways Server:
Empowering Your Warehouse and ERP
The RF Pathways Server is a middleware application
that sits on your LAN and provides all the functions for the
RF Pathways warehouse management system. Having a separate
WMS server can very advantageous because it allows for system
redundancy should your host system ever go off-line. The RF
Servers will keep on running. Orders may be entered and product
can still be shipped. Because picking lists, packing lists
and BOL's are printed a detailed paper trail is available
to reconstruct transactions for the ERP host. But typically
if an interface exists, file transfers that are halted are
simply accumulated in the RF Server and re-sent when the ERP
comes back on-line. Another advantage to a middleware server
is that if your host does not have the specific warehouse
functionality required (and most ERP's do not) you can leverage
the existing value of your ERP without a costly upgrade to
newer versions. RF Pathways easily connects via ODBC,
flat file transfer or certified interface to your host ERP.
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Configure and Initialize
Your System with the WMS Console
In this powerful module, bar codes and their associated part
numbers, user access, reports, inventory and location are
all configured to give your warehouse the correct information
on an on-going basis. The power is yours to create new data
and update this data either manually or automatically via
an interface to your host on a daily basis. A "must have"
for managers whose mandate it is to keep their parts accurate
and operation efficient, over 20 standard and critical reports
are available on a daily basis. For instance, you can view
pick orders that are either key-entered or imported from your
host ERP system in real-time and make important labour scheduling
decisions. You can view picking details to help you determine
what is being picked, how much and when - which allows you
to carefully manage your customer's order and shipping schedule
based on real-time on picking activity. This power at your
fingertips extends to receiving dock information and managing
expected receipts to assist your allocation and JIT requirements.
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Expected Receipts
Module: Controlling Your Inbound Shipments
RF Pathways WMS intuitively understands that there
are many types of inbound shipments each having a different
impact on your receiving operation. Receivers on the dock
can receive via a PC on the dock or use a RF terminal; scanning
item by item and then performing put away in a "one-step"
process. Or, the receiver can leave the product in a dock
location, quarantine, sort by condition (good, damaged, refurbished)
and/or put away the product at the later date. The key factor
is that all inventories are completely visible from the moment
they arrive on the dock and subject to all the validation
and business rules that you have configured in the system.
Header information for all receipts include names, dates and
carriers and may be manually entered or transferred from your
ERP host. The detail information includes SKU, condition and
quantity. Supplier information is also stored in the RF
Pathways system. Once a receipt is complete, the receipts
are posted. All receipts whether pending, incomplete or complete
can be viewed or printed in report format. Accurate and detailed
information on the shipping dock are a cost cutting mechanism
and assist in increasing control of your inbound shipments.
With scanning and validation of each line item your are improving
your supplier accuracy and increasing the accuracy of your
account payables on a daily basis.
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Pick Order Module:
Enter and Track Your Orders
One of the mainstay benefits of a wireless system is its ability
to use bar coding and real-time tracking to ensure accuracy
of product picking. But first orders must be either keyed
in, or imported from your host ERP system. Either way, the
RF Pathways system allows for orders to pick via "paperless"
or "paper-assisted" pick. With the RF Pathways
Pick Order Entry you can call up an order for an existing
client or create a record for a new client and set up a new
order. Creating a pick order lets you specify important data
such as the order type, SKU condition and comments for the
picker to read on the RF terminal. Throughout the day the
Pick Order process can be viewed from this module. All of
the Shipment history is viewed from this module.
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Order Management Console:
Real Time Order Management
The Order Management Console provides important information
at your fingertips. All pick orders can be viewed to a set
priority and consolidated if required. Picking lists can be
printed from this module to create a "paper-assisted"
pick if required. Orders may be consolidated, placed on hold
or cancelled from this module as well. An indispensable management
tool, the Order Management Console increase the operational
visibility of what is happening on the shop floor and lets
you make time and money saving decisions on-the-fly. Important
information at your fingertips!
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Packing Station Module:
Ship with Accuracy and Confidence
The Packing Station Module is where all pick orders are transitioned
from incomplete to complete and then shipped. The packing
station module is powerful because it permits the user to
view picking shorts in real-time. From the packing station
one can see if any receipts are expected, key information
that can assist the scheduling of pick orders and shipments.
View current orders, print packing slip and bill(s) of lading,
print case labels, view the status of the order, close the
order and view order history are all functions this module.
The module also provides a detail view of container contents
and the associated license number for a tote or pallet, for
instance. The containers of an order can be combined to save
pallets or separated to accommodate your customer's requirements.
Shipping carrier appointment information can be saved for
each shipment and comments can be viewed on the picker's RF
terminal in order to assist in packing or placing orders correctly
on the dock. Packing lists can be modified and key-entered
into this module. Other features include automatic weigh calculation,
the number of cases shipped, pallets shipped, carrier entry,
way bill entry, trailer number entry, and account number entry.
The RF Pathways Packing Station console binds together
the inventory information and shipping details in real-time
that allows fast and accurate shipping of your product.
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Billing Module: Custom
Billing Statements Automatically
One of the greatest time and money saving features of the
RF Pathways WMS is its ability to produce billing statements
by tracking and charging for tasks performed in the warehouse.
Since the RF Pathways system is 3PL (Third Party Logistics)
ready, it has a level of complexity built-in that is at first
not obvious.
A simple distribution center may have product input from
manufacturing at one end and multiple customers to ship to
at the other. In a 3PL operation multiple products are received,
against individually negotiated contracts, each with their
own distinct pricing level for each task. Then these multiple
products are shipped to multiple customers and locations.
This is typically a major headache for logistics operations
that do not have a billing system tied to their inventory
control software. The RF Pathways Billing Module keeps
track of each code and associates a unit price for that task
and can print out a billing statement at the touch of a button.
This eliminates many painstaking hours of manual work calculating
units handled and shipped by the 3PL provider. Often times
the client disputes the bills and additional countless hours
of reconciliation and proof are required to substantiate the
statement.
The RF Pathways Billing Module saves you this time
and produces the correct documentation by interfacing with
the appropriate modules, collecting the transaction data and
performing an accurate calculation of chargeable entries.
Three tables and a task manager are set up for the specific
client and every billable entry is tracked. A general worktable
for codes or unique identifiers particular to that task can
be created. A second table associates codes to customers and
modified prices can be retained on a task-by-task basis for
that customer. A billing detail module allows the user to
gather up standard or custom routines and create templates
or new billing statements on the fly. A final separate module
calculates space-usage by referencing location function details
for every location that you choose to define. Reports can
be printed or exported in electronic file format.
An optional interface can also be supplied to interface the
RF Pathways Billing Module to your ERP or financial
package. With this kind of billing logic in place, 3PL operations
can focus on "growing the business" instead of wasting
valuable hours gathering vague or lost billing details for
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The Radio Frequency Functionality:
RF Pathways WMS uses hand held and vehicle mounted
bar code terminals to assist the user to perform a variety
of tasks, chiefly the scanning of barcodes at slot locations
and on cases or pallets. The idea of validation is critical
to the integrity of the system. If the task event is valid,
i.e. you scan the correct slot location, the user is instructed
to continue and the system is updated. If the task event is
not valid, a correction is demanded before the system will
allow any further progress. All aspects of the system must
work together correctly. The scanner must have the correct
range, the bar codes must have the correct size for the speed
and distance of the scanning, and the part numbers embedded
in the bar codes must be accurate and meaningful to the entire
system being automated. Automation Associates, Inc. are professionals
in making sure that all factors from hardware to data structure
to temperature and lighting are acceptable. Here are a few
standard RF Pathways RF terminal features and benefits:
Receive/Putaway
Prompts the user for a client warehouse, reference (PO, STO,
RMA, MFG) number and location for an Expected Receipt. The
product can be received to a dock location or put away to
a warehouse location. A list of identical product locations
is shown on the terminal and the user can request a list of
open locations. Validates and tracks each different category
of receipt as soon as it arrives on the receiving dock.
Consolidated Pick
Prompts the user for Consolidated Pick Order. The standard
picking practices are performed by product locations. The
product picked is associated to a Tote (can be case, pallet,
etc) number to act as a temporary mobile location. Picking
for multiple customers can be performed quickly and easily.
Cycle Count
Prompts the operator to perform Cycle Counts input into RF
Pathways WMS module. Cycle Counts can be By Client Warehouse,
By Client Location, By SKU and Empty Locations. Zero in on
problem locations, SKUs and inventory discrepancies. Use cycle
count to maintain high inventory accuracy and end the expense
and interruption of inventory counting.
Hot Replenishment
Designed to analyze the primary pick face and orders to guaranty
enough quantity of product is replenished for picking. Prompts
the user to replenish primary pick face locations. The RF
Pathways system replenishes minimum set quantities for each
slot location. The RF Pathways system analyzes pick orders
for the next day and sets quantities as well as replenishing
minimum quantities. Directs your alternate shift or labour
force to keep your locations full and your pickers active.
Keep your shift moving and productive.
Inquiry
Designed to initialize the warehouse and to update inventory
by location right from the RF terminal. Prompts the user for
a location. If the location is in use with product, inventory
adjustments can be made. If the location is not in use, a
prompt appears to create a new location and then inventory
can be added for a specific client. An excellent real-time
management tool for supervisors in the warehouse.
Pick
Designed to pick orders using the RF Terminal. Prompts the
operator for the pick order number. If a specific pick order
is required for picking, the order number can be scanned or
key entered to start the process. If this field is left blank
and the enter key is pressed, the next pick order in the priority
queue is displayed. The display will then show the order details
and prompt for bulk or primary pick. The operator can decide
how to proceed because displayed are the total pallets and
case quantity of the order. A large full pallet order would
mean that a picker would select bulk, for instance. Once either
is selected the terminal displays the product, the location
and the first SKU to be picked. Typically the products are
sorted by lowest to highest pick location (RF Pathways can
be custom configured to handle other pick aisle requirements).
The operator then scans the location, the SKU and or LOT number
if needed and enters the quantity. A tote (license plate)
number is then scanned or key entered. Once this is completed,
the screen will then display the next item in the pick list.
Once all products are picked to a tote, the screen will display
a pick complete message and then display the original pick
screen. Fast and accurate the standard picking module allows
for maximum information on the terminal and picker flexibility.
Advanced picking offers multiple pickers, kitting, zone, batch
or wave pick combinations and simultaneous case and pallet
picking.
Spot Check
Designed to spot check inventory by location. The user is
prompted to enter a reference number. The operator is then
prompted to enter a location. A SKU prompt is then shown for
the operator to enter. The quantity is entered, and the screen
prompts for the operator to continue to repeat the process.
Use the discrepency report as a hard-copy management tool
for checking and follow-up
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Features at a Glance
Listed below are short list of just some of the RF Pathways
features. For more information, call Automation Associates
Inc and speak with one of our senior sales specialists on
how RF Pathways can work for you.
Standard
Client, Customer Ship To
Customer Bill To
Carrier, Location Zone
Reason Codes
Valid UOM
Container Size
Slot Type
Slot Function
View/Edit SKU
Add New SKU
View/Edit Locations
Add New Locations
Edit Users
Quarantine
Transaction Logs
Standard Reports
Activity Reports (multiple selection)
Unpicked Items
Open Order Summary
Empty Bulk Locations
Purchase Order Entry (Standard, Web-based) Expected Receipts
Return Material Authorisations
Stock Transfer Orders
Manufacturing Orders
Active Receipts
Expected PO Receipts
PO Receipt Variance
PO Print Out
All Receipt History
Batch Pick
Wave Pick
Zone Pick
Combination Pick
Multiple User Per Order Picking
Simultaneous Pallet and Case Picking
LIFO / FIFO Control
Lot Tracking
Serial Number Tracking
Pallet License Plate
Tote Scanning
Advanced Options
Billing Module
Billing Details Report
Billing Summary by Control Number,
Billing Summary by Code
Location Details
Location by Product Category
Billable SKU Stackability
SAP Certified Interface
MM-MOB 4.0
Mobile Data Recording in Warehouse Logistics
For RF Pathways Link
Sage Accpac Interface
Sage Accpac for DOS
Sage Accpac for Windows
Labour Tracking
Labour Plus System
Carousel Interface
Standard and Advanced Kitting
Remote PDA Order Entry
Web-based Order Entry
Web-Based Reporting
Load-Planning Load-Building
Cube-Based Warehouse Analysis
Contact
Automation Associates, Inc
905-565-6560
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