Deploying Dynamics GP in Warehouse: SCM, Barcode highlights

Jan 3
09:01

2011

Andrew Karasev

Andrew Karasev

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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.

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We would like to give you introduction paper,Deploying Dynamics GP in Warehouse: SCM, Barcode highlights Articles 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