WMS: Opening Dynamics GP Distribution Modules to Barcode Scanning

Jul 5
07:51

2010

Andrew Karasev

Andrew Karasev

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There might be two approaches to Warehouse Management System selection and implementation. First approach is to pick special software application and then decide on how to integrate it with your Corporate ERP system.

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And second approach is when you look at the features,WMS: Opening Dynamics GP Distribution Modules to Barcode Scanning Articles available in your ERP and open them for Barcoding.  If you are reading these lines we expect that your ERP application is Microsoft Dynamics GP, formerly known as Great Plains Dynamics.  GP has so-called Distribution set of modules, including Sales Order Processing, Purchase Order Processing, Inventory Control, Bill of Materials, where such Warehouse Management System features, as Sales Order Fulfillment, Merchandise Restocking, Inventory Quantity adjustments and transfers are already available, however you need WMS enabler:
1. Barcoding and Dynamics GP screens.  Technically Barcode scanner is similar to keyboard.  If you have tiny laptop or netbook computer with barcode scanner attached, if you open Dynamics GP form, such as Sales Transaction Entry, pull the order to be allocated, place the cursor on the item line and enter quantity – when popup screen opens, where it suggest you to select lot number – now you can scan the lot number which you decide to allocate – barcode scanner will do the job for you.  Similar approach will work with restocking and inventory transactions.  Likely the reaction from your side will be – wait a minute – we cannot expect our Warehouse workers to know all the Dynamics GP screens and they cannot combine laptop keyboard with barcode scanning.  You are right – WMS works in real time or in batch mode and it prepares the document in the memory of your scanner and then transmits it to Dynamics GP automatically
2. WMS extension to Great Plains.  The system, described in the last sentence of the previous paragraph works directly with GP transactions, master records (inventory item, customer) and it doesn’t require you to purchase additional standalone external Warehouse Management application – all the WMS logic is done directly in Great Plains Dynamics – you just need WMS extension
3. Warehouse Management System implementation.  Each Retail, Wholesale, Logistics, Distribution, Light Manufacturing business is unique and it has its own procedures and requirements.  If you think that in your case you need some custom logic to classical WMS – this is normal and your Dynamics GP WMS partner or ISV should go ahead and help you with modifications
4. Need more info?  Please, call us 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918 or email us help@albaspectrum.com  Local support is available in Chicago, IL, Benton Harbor, MI, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, CA, Houston, TX.  Warehouse Management System is something where you expect your Dynamics GP Technology partner to be dedicated, this is why we thing that you should not be necessary attached to your local Dynamics GP Resellers network – we support our WMS module USA, Canada nationwide and internationally.  Alba Spectrum is one of the leaders in Barcoding, Supply Chain Management, Consignment, eCommerce