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Material Handling Information - Solution Worksheets - Identify the Right WMS Features
   
Solution Worksheets
Identify the Right WMS Features
Instructions:

Click on the boxes corresponding to the features needed for your application, then click "submit." Based on your answers, Material Handling Info.com will automatically compile a list of the features you have checked. This WMS shopping list provides an easy way for you to compare available WMS packages against your operating requirements.

Inbound Scheduling Shipping
Receiving Reporting
Putaway Labor Management
Inventory Management Computer Platforms
Order Processing Operating Systems
Picking Databases
Automation Interfaces Number of Users
Staging and Consolidation Host Accounting System Interfaces
Manufacturing Support RF Terminals
Value Added Services  

Inbound Scheduling

Feature Description Needed If
Expected receipt Screen allows PO entry. PO quantity must be changed.
Appointment/dock door scheduling Screen shows appointments vs expected shipments. Small inbound staging area and/or truck turnaround creates yard congestion.
Labor scheduling Plans unloading effort by calculating average receipt and putaway time, then producing a recommended dock schedule. There are manpower time or area restrictions.
Time and effort estimates are needed for inbound unloading.
Inbound shipment visibility Screen shows what is on the shipping truck. Host accounting system supports expected goods inquiries.

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Receiving

Feature Description Needed If
PO verification Reconciles quantities/time of receipt. Host accounting system reconciles received POs.
PO overages Allows receipt of overages based on tolerance value and places all other items on hold pending disposition. Receiving over PO and items must be held until a decision is made for the disposition of overage items.
Repackaging Product must be sorted, re-stacked, or containerized before putaway. Product cannot be put away as received.
Multi-SKU containers Pallet/tote receives/tracks any number of different SKUs. Retrieval efficiency and accuracy are not compromised.
Receipt against Advanced Shipment Notice (ASN) Inventory received into system by scanning container, pallet, or carton bar code. Vendor sends EDI ASN.
Quality control assurance audits SKUs are received with a hold status and stored as unavailable until QC inspected and released for allocation. Incoming inventory is selectively inspected (by vendor, SKU, etc.) following receipt.
Returns processing Receives against the sales order or RMA instead of PO. Returns are handled (stored) differently than original receipts.
Serial number and lot tracking Inputs serial number and/or lot at receiving. Uniqueness must be recorded for later retrieval rules or history.
RF receipt allowed RF scanning for data entry. Operators on the floor receive inventory into the system.
Retain aging date Stores production or receipt date for retrieval. Product ages.
Assign product to owner Inventory is owned by a third party in a public warehouse. Product ownership must be tracked.

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Putaway

Feature Description Needed If
Cross docking Incoming inventory moves directly to the shipping dock to fill an active order. Move whole pallets or pick items/cartons from a pallet. Operation supports Just-in-Time deliveries.
Flow-through Inventory is received for a specific outbound order. Product is ordered for a specific customer, and order needs to be received at the warehouse prior to shipping the order to the end customer.
Zoning Restrict SKUs based on order activity or volume, bin size, secure area, etc. SKU characteristics require separation.
Random location assignments No need to alphabetize or restrict. Storage density must be maximized.
RF-directed putaway Mobile display tells operator where to pick up and deposit inventory based on bar code scans. Manual data entry is eliminated.
Inventory records must be updated immediately.
To forward pick replenishment Directs specific incoming SKUs to fill high-volume pick locations. Flow rack is used.
High volumes of SKUs are picked from one location.
To production line Selected SKUs go directly from receiving to the production lines. Assembly line needs replenished bins or product kits.
To conventional floor and rack storage in defined put sequence Assigns readily available locations for conventional rack and floor storage; putaway/picking sequence may be defined separately from the alphanumeric address. Putaway path must be efficient.
To deep lane (LIFO) rack or pallet stacking Putaway and retrieval from deep lane storage, preserving product age, and allowing substitution or shuffling. Stacking pallets or deep lane rack is used.
To temporary locations Putaway operator may deposit inventory into a temporary location and give the location a temporary name. There is inadequate floor or rack storage.
To AS/RS Putaway operator is directed to deliver inventory to a specific Automated Storage/Retrieval System (AS/RS) aisle where the load is subsequently picked up and stored. Aisle assignment is based on round robin or another algorithm. Mini load tote or unit load pallet AS/RS buffer is used.
To carousel Putaway operator is directed to deliver inventory to a specific carousel where the contents are subsequently placed into the directed carousel basket. Carousel assignment is based on round robin or another algorithm. Carousel is used.
To conveyor Container is scanned on a conveyor and directed automatically to its destination area where it is subsequently stored by an operator or automated equipment. Putaway conveyor is used.

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Inventory Management

Feature Description Needed If
Cycle count by location Direct cycle count for a range of storage locations. You plan to direct count one to "n" locations at a time.
Cycle count by SKU Direct cycle count for a specific SKU You plan to direct count one SKU at a time.
Cycle count by lot Direct cycle count for a specific SKU and lot or serial number. You plan to direct count by lot or serial number.
Cycle count by ABC value codes at proper intervals Direct cycle count for all SKUs of value A that have not been recounted for X days. Same for different values B and C. You plan to direct count by value of product.
RF-operator initiated cycle count An operator with a RF terminal can initiate a cycle count in a suspect location. Operators will decide where to count.
Inventory view restricted by owner Inventory is owned by a third party in a public warehouse; owner must log in to view inventory and order displays. Inventory is owned by a third party who needs real-time visibility.
Expired product quarantined and returned to vendor Makes perishable product unavailable for filling orders after its expiration date; can be picked for return to the vendor. Product expires.
Quarantine product or lot Makes a SKU or lot of a SKU unavailable for filling orders with a reason code. Product must be inspected.
Product is recalled.
Transaction history Tracks every inventory movement, quantity change or status change and each interface message with the host accounting system for subsequent inquiry.
Records data over extended periods for statistical analysis.		 You track or analyze operator, SKU, customer, order history.
Multiple organization support Tracks inventory owned or used by multiple departments or third parties in a public warehouse. Inventory is owned by third parties or used by multiple departments.
ADC confirmation of every material movement. Operator scans a bar code to confirm completion of each inventory move. Inventory must be accurately tracked at every step in the process.
Cube/discrete location capacity management Determines if locations are empty or full, or calculates a location's volume capacity to determine if adequate space is available for the next putaway.
Information displays help with warehouse capacity decisions.		 Like products replenish storage bins.
Serial number and lot tracking Retains a lot (batch) and serial number for a quantity of a SKU in the container. Product serial numbers or lot ID must be retained for picking criteria or history.
Space reservation Temporarily quarantines a storage location so that it is not used. Sprinkler interference or storage rack changes are expected.

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Order Processing

Feature Description Needed If
Batch orders from host Receives an entire day's orders in a download file from the host accounting system. Orders are processed on a daily basis from the host.
Real-time orders from host Receives orders as they are generated by the host accounting system. Orders are processed for picking as soon as they are received.
First In First Out (FIFO) Retrieves orders in the same sequence as inventory is received. Product age matters.
Order status Displays dynamic order status and allows the order to be activated/held, etc. Operators or customers monitor order completion, place orders on hold or cancel orders.
Priority retrieval Allows user to change order priority for improved product picking and delivery. There are will call or emergency orders.
Retrieval by ship date Activates orders and product delivery based on the specified ship date. Orders are ready early.
Host activates order Host can dynamically specify if the order is supposed to be allocated and picked immediately or held in the queue. Host accounting system regulates order processing.

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Picking

Feature Description Needed If
Full pallet picking If SKU is designated for full pallet delivery only, quantity can be over picked to the next full pallet. Otherwise, pick quantity is a mix of full pallets, cartons, and pieces to fill the quantity requested. Customer wants only full pallets of a SKU.
Full carton picking If SKU is designated for full carton deliveries only, quantity can be over picked to the next full carton. Otherwise, pick quantity is a mix of full pallets, cartons and pieces to fill the quantity requested. Customer wants only full carton of SKU.
Inner pack picking If SKU is designated for inner pack deliveries only, quantity can be over picked to the next inner pack. Otherwise, pick quantity is a mix of full pallets, cartons and pieces to fill the quantity requested. Customer wants only inner packs of SKU.
Piece picking If SKU is designated for piece picking, pick quantity is an efficient mix of full pallets, cartons, and pieces to fill the quantity requested. Picking individual pieces.
Produce weight picking When a quantity is ordered, individual items (i.e., a head of lettuce) have no common weight; pick is judged by the picker. Picking produce.
Wave (batch) picking Several customers’ orders are grouped together and the total for each SKU is picked from a single location in a single instruction. The quantities must be separated for packaging by customer later at some point downstream. Picking large volumes.
Sortation system separates items into individual customer orders prior to shipping.
Order grouping Order may be assigned to the same worker or group for picking. One worker or group responsible for an order.
Fast pick area replenishment Automatically generates a replenishment order when inventory in forward picking bins (i.e., flow racks) dips to a predetermined minimum quantity. Forward picking bins are used.
Flow rack is used.
RF-directed picking RF handheld or vehicle-mounted terminals direct workers to each pick location, display items and quantity to pick. Often equipped with bar code scanners to confirm pick and update inventory in real time. Using paperless picking with forklifts or picking carts.
Paper picking Workers pick items from a printed list, noting completed picks and any quantity changes on the list. When the pick list is completed, it is passed along to key entry operators who update the computer’s database. Much less efficient than RF-directed or pick-to-light picking. Picking low volumes.
RF-directed or pick-to-light picking impractical.
Kit component picking Retrieves the appropriate quantities of component pieces when a multi-part SKU is ordered. The assembly may be confirmed following component delivery. Bill of materials is used.
Replenishing component assembly or ingredient mixing areas.
Multiple operator pick management Assigns multiple order pickers via RF terminals to pick in their respective areas at the same time. Using several order pickers.
Pick sequence path setup Defines the most efficient picking paths for rapid order picking. Location numbering differs from the desired pick sequence.
Single/multiple order picking per operator Workers are assigned to pick only one order at a time or pick multiple orders during a single pass through the area. Workers pick more than one order at a time.
Automatic cycle count during pick Requires the worker to blind count the remaining inventory if, after picking, the remaining quantity in the pick-from location is smaller than the minimum for that SKU. Preventing out-of-stock situations.
Pick quantity adjustment during pick Under picks are caused by quantity shortages or by quality problems. The RF or pick-to-light user is allowed to adjust the pick. Dynamic systems then try to allocate the shortage from another location. Reallocating inventory when shortages are found.
Avoiding mismatches with host accounting system.
Restricted picking areas Picking areas are restricted for equipment specialty, security, efficiency, etc., with workers only allowed to pick in specific locations. There is a high reach and normal forklift mix.
Workers are picking high-value items or those requiring high security (i.e., electronics, pharmaceuticals).
Preferred picking warehouse based on selected shipping dock. Locates the product in the warehouse closest to the assigned shipping dock. Picking from multiple warehouses.
Pick labeling Labels pick-to cartons for the customer. Usually done after the picks are staged for shipping if order consolidation is required. Labeling the shipping carton.
FIFO product allocation Products are picked in the order received/manufactured or in expiration date sequence. Picking perishable or expiration dated products.
Best-fit product allocation Allocates products from a location that has adequate quantity to fill the order. Tends to leave small quantities scattered throughout the warehouse until smaller picks and longer picking times remove the fragments. Can lead to poor use of space. High- and low-volume picking periods are interspersed.

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Automation Interfaces

Feature Description Needed If
Pick-to-light Pick-to-light equipment displays the pick quantity at the pick from location. Confirmation and quantity adjustment/cycle count buttons are linked to the host. Picking high volumes from flow racks.
AS/RS end-of-aisle picking Directs the AS/RS to retrieve a tote or pallet containing the SKU and deliver it to an end-of-aisle picking station. Terminal at the picking station displays the pick quantity. Remaining inventory in the tote or on the pallet is returned to storage in the AS/RS. Picking from a mini load or unit load AS/RS.
Carousel picking Directs the carousel to rotate the basket containing the SKU to the picking station. Terminal at the picking station or light tree on the carousel displays the pick instructions. The worker picks the SKU and confirms the pick. Picking from a carousel.
A-frame picking Directs order retrieval where all ordered SKUs are sent to a central conveyor and boxed. Also directs SKU replenishment. Picking from an A-frame storage system.
Custom picking The equipment interface code can be adapted to communicate with and/or control equipment. Using special-purpose equipment.
Normal interfaces must be changed.
Packaged WMS Automated equipment interfaces with the WMS are standard and implemented without change. Equipment side of WMS interface can be adapted.
Conveyor Containers are scanned on a conveyor and automatically directed to their destination area; containers are scanned at their destination to confirm arrival and await further WMS action. Conveyor tracking.
Sorter Containers are scanned as they enter the sorter and are automatically sorted to the destination chute. Any type of automated sorter such as sliding shoe, cross belt, or tilt tray is used.
Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV) Directs AGV pickup and deposit, tracks material en route, and handles AGV error reporting and resolution. AGVs are used to transport items.

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Staging and Consolidation

Feature Description Needed If
RF-directed delivery to staging location for order consolidation RF terminal directs workers to deposit picked items in the proper staging area. RF terminals are used.
Consolidate by order Directs workers to combine a customer order into a single shipping package. Order should be consolidated for shipping.
Container ID is visible at the shipping dock.
Consolidate by carton/pallet User selects a container and decides to move pieces into the container to/from another container. Partially filled cartons at the shipping dock.
Separate (break down load) User moves pieces out of a container into multiple packages for shipping convenience. Overfilled cartons at the shipping dock.
Put-to-light consolidation Put-to-light directs shipper to place scanned product picked from multiple locations into corresponding lighted consolidation bin. Heavy shipping volume (especially from AS/RS) requires rapid customer sorting.

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Manufacturing Support

Feature Description Needed If
Create work orders Create multi-line work orders via screen and host interface. Using manufacturing work orders.
Bill of materials A list of materials and their quantities (kit) allocated for assembly in a given quantity. Using RF terminals.
Regularly counting component levels.
RF direct to assembly area Replenishes assembly line with needed product by directing RF move. Screen is used to count assemblies.
Assembled parent auto-adjusts components Components are automatically removed from inventory totals when an assembly is declared complete. Leftover pieces are tossed or re-received into inventory.
Declare scrap Unusable portions (e.g., cheese cutting) may be removed from inventory after producing finished goods. Leftover pieces are put away for re-use later.
Tempering (time hold) After product is assembled (mixed, etc.), it is placed into the correct environment to await tempering. Product is tempered.
Back flushing Counts new assemblies when an assembly is complete, causing the inventory to be adjusted and replenishment components sent. Newly created inventory should not be received against a production order.
Component putaway After producing finished goods and declaring scrap, the remainder is directed to putaway via RF terminals. PLC counts new assemblies.
Auto-receive parent part Automatically adds an assembled part to the inventory when the assembly is complete.  
Auto-delete when inventory arrives at line Components (such as ingredients for a mixture) are automatically consumed (into the mixing operation). Components no longer need to be tracked once delivered to the production line.

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Value Added Services

Feature Description Needed If
UPC tagging Adds Universal Product Code (UPC) bar code to each piece. Customer requires UPC label.
Shipping container marking Pallet or carton is bar code labeled with a unique numbered tag for tracking and shipment history purposes. Customer requires a shipment history or Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN).
Customer-specific labeling SKUs are picked and labeled with customer specifics such as price and category Customer is willing to pay for pre-labeled product.
Advanced shipping notice incoming Allows inventory receipt by scanning the container's bar code. Vendor sends EDI ASN. Host may or may not relay ASN.
Advanced shipping notice outgoing Send ASN to each eligible customer. Customer can receive ASN.
Purchase order incoming Message includes PO, SKU quantities expected, etc. Host accounting system reconciles received POs.
Purchase (sales) order outgoing Confirm SKU quantity shipped; inventory updates associated with orders are uploaded to the host at shipping time to keep accounting totals in sync. Using host account system interface.
Other EDI transactions Other EDI messages are exchanged as needed by the customer or to augment WMS information. (i.e., confirm shipment status indicates time of arrival for trailer scheduling). Customer requires EDI VAN.
Special packaging Packaging materials, etc. are governed by customer-specific requirements or SKU; usually displayable on the shipping label.
Customer has specific packaging requirements.
International shipping documents International shipping documents conform to language, weight, and currency conversion standards agreed to by receiving country and company; include customs information. Shipping to international customers.
Print shipping manifest Shipping manifest lists all item quantities by customer for each order going on the trailer. Host accounting system does not print shipping documents.
Electronic manifest needed.
Bill of lading The bill of lading declares the weight and any hazardous cargo going to the destination address. Customer requires bill of lading.
Packing list Packing list shows all item quantities, serial numbers, and lot numbers in a shipping package. Customer requires packing list.

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Shipping

Feature Description Needed If
Pallet trailer load optimization Evenly balances the trailer load front-to-back and side-to-side with the heavier pallets over the wheels and no overweight violations. Other loading requirements may be necessary for hazardous or special materials Trailer pallet loading.
 		 Pallet sequencing Pallets or cartons are loaded onto the trailer in reverse sequence based on customers and the sequence of deliveries; orders must be picked to a staging area for trailer loading, or else the orders must be picked in sequence for loading directly onto the trailer. This function is accompanied by an assign trucking routes screen, which associates the named route and sequence of assigned customers. Shipping heavy-volume deliveries to regular customers.
Using regular delivery routes.
No ship dock staging available.
Freight rating Selects the least expensive carrier based on customer address, the amount of product to be shipped, and urgency. May link pass data to/from a shipping system such as Aristo, Tan Data, etc. Using package mailing system.
Traffic routing Selects the travel route and sequence for deliveries based on customer address Using third-party shippers such as UPS, FedEx, Airborne, contract carrier, etc.
Traffic scheduling Assigns dock doors for optimal loading based on customer address and delivery requirements. Making local deliveries (e.g., furniture, appliances, etc.).
Assign shipping lane Screen allows user to assign a dock door to an order; subsequent picks are delivered to the specified lane. Scheduling trailers to docks based on needed customer shipment time.
Ship an entire trailer ASAP All product staged at the designated shipping area can be transferred to the trailer as one transaction; inventory is decremented accordingly. Destination dock number is not known when order is activated.
RF confirm one pallet/carton at a time Scans pallet ID when it is loaded onto the trailer; inventory is decremented accordingly. Multi-order product is staged prior to shipping.
Product is occasionally missing between picking and delivery (shrinkage).
RF confirm one order shipped at a time All of the inventory staged for shipping, corresponding to a single order can be shipped with a single transaction. Order is staged prior to shipping.
History of inventory shipped Retains data on all pallets or packages shipped and the associate's order, item, and quantity information for possible customer inquiry. Customers inquire about orders or box contents.

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Reporting

Feature Description Needed If
All database tables Allows printing of all usual inventory /order data from the database tables. Information mining.
Standard pre-formatted reports Standard report formats capture the most used information. Reporting on multiple system activities.
Selection criteria Allows variable selection criteria; includes standard default selection fields commonly used to shorten the report. Generating short, restricted-data reports.
Sort options Allows variable sort criteria; includes standard default fields commonly used to sort by. Sorting or searching data to generate reports.
Reprint frequency options Allows reports to run automatically hourly, daily, weekly, etc. Capturing changing information or statistics.
SQL queries constructed by user Uses standard SQL queries from a client to access the database and return standard results; similar to any relational database query function. Generating ad-hoc reports.
Spreadsheet-ready report data Exports report data as text file for spreadsheets; can be transferred to another computer via FTP. Analyzing report data in spreadsheets.

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Labor Management

Feature Description Needed If
Time and attendance Employees punch or scan in and out; tracks employee attendance and provides hours to the accounting system. Tracking worker time and attendance is not performed by accounting software.
Individual performance measurement Tracks the number of receipts, putaways, picks, ships, cycle counts, etc. by user. Tracking worker productivity for performance evaluation or incentive pay.
Team performance measurement Tracks the number of combined receipts, putaways, picks, ships, cycle counts, etc. by pre-defined user groups. Tracking team productivity for performance evaluation or team incentives.
Device performance measurement Tracks the number of receipts, putaways, picks, ships, cycle counts, etc. by terminal or device. Balancing the number of workers by area based on workload.
Individual performance history measurement by time interval Shows individual worker productivity trends by tracking the number of receipts, putaways, picks, ships, cycle counts, etc. at a specified time interval. Adapting to work trends.

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Computer Platforms

Feature Description Needed If
PC compatible Can run either UNIX (Linux, Solaris, etc.) or Windows NT.
Advantages include lower hardware costs and increasingly powerful models.
Disadvantages include lack of support from some manufacturers, lack of automatic failover software, and incompatibility with some software or devices.		 Running Windows NT operation system.
Backup computer configured to ensure reliability.
IBM RS6000 IBM RS6000 runs AIX UNIX platform; AS400 runs OS400 operating system.
Supports automatic failover (for systems with multiple nodes) and shared disk systems.		 Using AS400-based (or other IBM) host accounting system.
IBM AS400
HP9000 Hewlett-Packard machines run HPUX UNIX operating system.
Supports automatic failover (for systems with multiple nodes) and shared disk systems.		 Using HP-based host accounting system.
SUN Spacstation Sun machines run Solaris UNIX operating system.
Spacstations use a different Solaris than the X86 Ultrix stations.		 Using Sun-based host accounting system.
Other Other platforms can be used.  

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Operating Systems

Feature Description Needed If
Windows NT/2000 Multi-tasking, single-user operating systems that run on PC-compatible platforms.
Expansion demands control be distributed among several clients where the database is usually on one server.
NT still has performance and stability issues.		 Running PC-based systems without extreme performance needs.
UNIX (Solaris, AIX, HPUX, Linux, etc.) Multi-tasking, multi-user operating system that runs on many vendors’ platforms.
Reputation for stability and functionality, with performance improving.		  
OS400 Multi-tasking, multi-user operating system for IBM's AS400.
Supports software written in RPG and more recently in C, Java and others.
Noted for exceptional stability and performance.		  
Other PICK operating system, MVS, others.  

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Databases

Feature Description Needed If
DB2 OS400 database.
Integrated into the operating system kernel, making it very fast.		 Using AS400 platform.
Oracle Most widely used relational database outside of IBM’s DB2 for the AS400.
Multi-threaded for speed.
Can run on a multiple-processor server.
Significant product cost and tuning required.		 Host database is Oracle.
SQL Microsoft relational database.  
Sybase Sybase relational database.  
Informix Informix relational database.  
OO Object-oriented database.
Not yet widely used.		  
Other Network-structure databases include CTree (Faircom’s ISAM btree database).
PC-based databases include Microsoft Access, ClipperShip, FoxPro, Paradox and others. 		 

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Number of Users

Feature Description Needed If
Number of RF users Unlimited. Estimating number of workers needed.
Number of full screen Unlimited.
Number of PC users Unlimited.
Number of report printers Unlimited. Estimating the number of report and label printers needed.
Number of bar code label printers Unlimited.

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