Implementation of the PRO version in Hermespol.

The implementation was preceded by a thorough analysis of the client's needs in terms of the warehouse system. It was agreed that the goods will be released from the warehouse on the FEFO (First Expire, First Out) basis, the goods with the oldest best-before date will leave the warehouse first. The number of batches that are sent to customers is also important. The system must accurately track batch numbers to accurately locate the defective delivery in the event of a complaint.

The customer's company also maintains a thorough packaging management, exact information on the quantity of pallets is required. Information on which supplier delivers what pallets, which recipient receives how many pallets should be tracked.

An important requirement for the implemented system was also the possibility of advanced reporting on warehouse occupancy (number of occupied pallet places) in the field of ordinary materials and hazardous materials.

Due to the need to eliminate errors during the release of goods, the system was required to run the so-called continuous inventory. When removing goods from a logistic unit, the warehouseman is obliged to enter the amount of goods remaining on the unit.

Weaver Software first prepared the network infrastructure at the client's facility. It consisted in installing four wireless access points (two for each hall) and connecting them to the client's existing network infrastructure. Two Motorola MC32 wireless data collectors and one TSC ME240 industrial label printer were ordered.

The next step of the implementation was the installation of the Weaver WMS PRO system on the client's server and the management applications on the warehouse computers and at the managerial staff (for reporting purposes). The existing material catalog was imported from the Symfonia system, which allowed to save a lot of time and eliminated the risk of mistakes during possible manual data entry. User accounts were created and system performance tests were performed.

The client's facility consists of two warehouse halls. Weaver Software employees covered storage spaces in each hall. Thanks to this, the warehouseman scans its code when putting the goods in the right place. This eliminates the risk of mistakes regarding the incorrect placement of goods in the warehouse. In addition, during the marking of the warehouse, receiving and issuing buffers were separated.

Most WMS systems available in Poland are equipped with outdated mobile applications based on Windows Mobile or Windows CE. Weaver WMS PRO is equipped with the latest mobile application operating on the Android family system. The application is very efficient and highly contrasting, which makes working on it a pleasure. The mobile version can be installed on almost any Android device, including a smartphone or tablet.

The goods receipt process starts in the Weaver WMS PRO management application by creating a GRN document (External Receipt). Receipt items receive the 'New' status, each item added in the management application is of the 'Advised' type, which means that it is planned. Unplanned items can be created by the warehouseman on the data collector (for example, when the supplier sends more items), such items are of the 'Ad-hoc' type.

The system enables operations on logistic units. Operations can be forced by the system (e.g. optimization of the place of storage of goods, shifts in relation to rotation indicators) and performed at the initiative of the warehouseman (e.g. when he notices the need to move goods due to internal conditions).

The basic information performed on logistic units is the preview of information about a given unit. After reading the unit code, information such as material name, quantity, place, packaging, owner, weight, possible blockage, information about the nature of the material (is it dangerous) is displayed. Similarly, you can read information about the batch of goods (these can also be edited), such as batch number, batch description, receipt date, production date, expiration date. Algorithms have been implemented in the system to calculate the expiration date depending on the type of assortment and the date of production.

By scanning the location code, you can view all units, along with basic information about them, located in a given storage location. There are also functions that enable moving, combining, separating and correcting logistic units.

In addition to the process of continuous stocktaking, which takes place in the system 24/7, during the execution of shipments, it is possible to plan and carry out traditional stocktaking. In the Weaver WMS PRO management application, using the inventory opening wizard, it is possible to select places and materials to which the inventory will apply. Once an inventory is scheduled, it displays on the data collectors. Warehouse employees carry out the inventory process by scanning the codes of logistic units, places and entering the actual quantity. When they finish their work, the inventory can be booked (make quantitative changes) and closed (moved to the archive).

The goods release process begins with adding a Goods Issue Note (External Release) in the Weaver WMS management application. The employee of the company enters the appropriate quantities and selects the recipient. It can also set a planned release date. The system continuously monitors the entered quantities in terms of availability and displays appropriate messages in the absence of goods in the warehouse. However, this is not an obstacle to adding a document, after all, the shipment can be scheduled for a later date, after the delivery of the goods.

After adding the document in the management application, the documents will be displayed to the warehouse worker on the data collector. When selecting a document, the warehouseman will see a list of document items. The list shows the material (its code and name), the planned quantity and the quantity issued so far. Before starting the goods release process, you can select the packaging to be issued (e.g. a euro pallet), then the system will include them in the release document and create packing lists for individual packaging.

When issuing goods, the system suggests places of material collection and logistic units with the oldest best-before date (according to the FEFO mechanism selected by Hermespol). If a mistake occurs, the operation can be undone. In addition, after collecting the goods from the unit, the system will ask you to enter the quantity of goods remaining in the given storage unit (continuous stocktaking).

It is also possible to perform an optimized release (for one or more shipping documents at the same time). The system will then optimize the goods collection route so that the appropriate goods are collected in the most effective way.