| Features
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| Our baseline Versatile Warehouse™ system comes fully equipped with rich features to assure total customer satisfaction. Regardless of the set of application modules you have selected for your warehouse control requirements, your VWare™ system configuration can include any set of our robust features to help maximize both the efficiency and accuracy of your facility.
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Host Interface
"Use our Host Interface as a single gateway to all warehouse control communication"  The Versatile Warehouse™ provides a single, vastly configurable interface to Host systems supplying high-level warehouse management functions. In turn, it directly interfaces to all control devices utilized during order fulfillment operations within the automated warehouse. This design eliminates the requirement for the Host to interface to multiple application subsystems for inventory operations involving automated material handling equipment.
For less complex interface requirements, the Versatile Warehouse™ is easily configured to use a limited set of required download information, and likewise, limit the amount of information to be passed up to the Host. To accommodate a variety of messaging scenarios, even more flexibility has been provided by the incorporation of message layout format utilities so that the Host system can utilize pre-existing or standard interface libraries.
The VWare™ Host Interface has been designed to accommodate data transfer methods using either file-based or peer-to-peer messaging schemes. It may also be configured to allow a combination of both concurrently. Within the Windows NT/2000 run-time environment, data connections may be implemented across a variety of platforms using LANs or WANs.
In summary, interfacing to the Versatile Warehouse™ is made easy by:
- File-based Downloads and Uploads
- Peer-to-Peer Messaging
- Fully Configurable Message Formatting
- File/Data Integrity Checking & Rejection
- Automated and/or Manual Download Processing
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- On-line Configuration of Message Types and Format
- Host Data Format Translation
- Interface Data Archiving and Back-out
- FTP, TCP/IP, HLLAPI, and RS-232
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Subsystem Interface
"Rely on VWare™ to directly manage third-party order fulfillment subsystems"
Some facility configurations benefit from combining the power of Versatile Warehouse™ modules with the strengths of other "order fulfillment" applications within the same facility. For example, it may be desirable to integrate an enterprise level Unit Sorter or Pick-to-Light software application with other Versatile Warehouse modules (such as our Conveyor Control and Carousel Module).
The benefits of such a configuration are typically realized through a significant gain in system throughput, as well as reduced system integration cost achieved through simplified Host interface development efforts. This approach relieves the Host system of having to interface to more than one system, and allows subsystem synchronization efforts to be "off-loaded".
Some popular configurations of "subsystems" directed by the Versatile Warehouse include:
- Host-based RF or label-based zone picking
- Automated tilt-tray sortation systems
- Advanced Pick-to-Light applications for large-scale zone coverage
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- Highly customized conveyor management systems
- Voice Activated Picking Systems
- Combinations of any of the above
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| Device Control
"Leave all automated material handling equipment interfacing to us"
 The primary reason most warehouse management systems utilize third-party warehouse control system applications is "drive" automated material handling equipment. Each different type of equipment controller requires special business rules, and most manufacturers employ proprietary communication drivers to work with their equipment.
Our software modules eliminate the requirement for the third-party software applications typically used to interface to automated device controllers. The Versatile Warehouse™ uses the power of its object-oriented implementation to simplify the variances in business rules required by automated devices. A wide variety of Software drivers used in communication schemes with device controllers have already been integrated into the VWare™ family of Modules, and we are continually expanding our interface libraries.
Automated device controllers built into our software modules include:
- Automated carousels from all popular OEM's
- Pick-to-Light device controllers for both pick and put applications
- Automated conveyor systems used in pick & pass and parallel picking
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- Unit sortation systems used in high-speed order fulfillment operations
- Large-scale conveyor based sortation systems for shipping
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Inventory Control
"Maximize your accuracy while you increase
productivity"
 Successful inventory management is generally dependent on two specific facets of warehouse operations: accuracy and efficiency. Any system designed without these two primary goals will simply not enhance order management and control functions.
The Versatile Warehouse™ is designed to absolutely maximize both the accuracy and efficiency of all warehouse operations.
Inventory accuracy improves customer service, allows MRP functions to be more effective, and
promotes all warehouse operations to run smoothly. These key inventory control features promote system wide accuracy:
- Barcode identification and confirmation
- Tailored pick and putaway labels for inventory tracking
- Light Directed picking, putaway, and counting
- Weigh Scale Integration for picks, putaways, and counts
- Dynamic allocation for all picks and putaways
- Pre-Allocation analysis by line and order
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- Line quantity allocation across unlimited UOM's per Item
- Unlimited UOM management and tracking by Item
- Define Lot Commingling rules by Item
- Batch, Lot, Vendor, and Receipt Timestamp tracking
- Cycle Counting on demand by Item Category
- Cycle Count by Item or Location
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Total control of your inventory is our goal. Our inventory management features can be configured to provide as much control as you like - from simple, to advanced:
- Zone pick sequences by Item and/or Facility
- Unlimited zone Pick Fence definitions by Item
- Fixed, Random, or both types of Locations by Item
- Location Classification putaway sequencing by Item
- Track hundreds of thousands of Item definitions
- Unlimited number of inventory locations per Item
- Utilize hundreds of thousands of storage locations
- Set up Min/Max Levels per Item by Zone
- Dynamic Slotting Management by velocity and volume
- Automated Replenishment engine by user-defined criteria
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- Replenish between user defined ranges of UOM's
- Zone Replenishment sequencing by Item or Facility
- Random Location limits by Zone and Item
- Automatic inventory balancing across storage devices
- Transact picks and putaways through pending counts
- Allow Case or Repack preferences by line item
- Define Expiration and/or Aging periods by Item
- Name, Description and UPC assignment by Item
- Configure part and location groups by criteria panel
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| Order Selection
"Enjoy the flexibility of manual or fully automated order selection"  One of the more challenging goals for a flexible warehouse control system is providing a wide array of methods for selecting and processing orders. The Versatile Warehouse™ aims to please the most diverse environments and demanding conditions.
Orders may be released automatically at the time of creation (download), or manually selected by wave, batch, pallet, truck code or order number. All active orders may be processed by FIFO order, priority code, or date-stamp.
In summary, you can take advantage of several order selection methods:
- Automatic or Manual order release
- Automated selection based on dynamic conditions
- Use Pre-Allocation Analysis to select Orders
- Pick by FIFO, Priority Rank, or Due Date
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- Specify Single Line Order combining rules
- Place orders or order subsets on Hold
- Hot pick or putaway direct from inventory location
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| Work Batching
"Batch the way you want… in every type of zone you have"  Workstation output can be significantly increased by the incorporation of a batch picking scheme where multiple orders may be picked simultaneously across storage zone locations by each operator. While batch setup and processing in automated device storage zones (such as Carousels) is usually "paperless", bulk or shelving areas can be easily serviced by printed work lists and/or sequenced labels.
Order batching may be performed manually or automatically at any type of workstation. Depending on system design considerations, batches may be static (e.g., pick cart), dynamic (using intelligent conveyor control), or continuous using specially designed workstations.
Batch configuration settings within the Versatile Warehouse™ offer workstation operators a wide variety of methods to efficiently generate work batches:
- Combine line items by location, wave and/or priority
- Generate batches for Parallel Picking or Pick-and-Pass
- Combine picks and replenishments in same batch
- Share order start queues between multiple stations
- Automatically build batches from conveyor queues
- Select from dynamic conveyor queues and new starts
- Manually insert high priority orders into batch setup
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- Batch across multiple storage media in a single zone
- Combine Single Line Orders into single batch positions
- Continuously batch with automated storage devices
- Adjust batch size and at any time
- Validation batch components using scan-checks
- Batch by Container, Work Request, or Receipt
- Print Batch Work Lists sequenced by location
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| Exception Handling
"Efficiently view and resolve both work order and system exceptions"
 Completing orders as originally requested is essential to customer satisfaction. The Versatile Warehouse™ provides several methods to assist operators to accomplish this goal. Depending on the batch processing method in use, shortages can be noted at the time of encounter, or upon batch completion if servicing using printed work lists.
Order containers can be manually directed, or automatically routed to remote exception handling for a variety of reasons. Upon arrival, the Exception Manager is used to view the specific problem(s), determination the best course of action, and perform several types of corrective actions.
Options available to Exception station operators include:
- Clear exceptions and send order carrier back for further processing
- Replace damaged order container
- Query the system for additional inventory locations
- Adjust line item quantities performed or requested
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- Release the order container as is for packing/shipping
- Cancel the line items from the order
- Manually consolidate the line items with the order
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| Barcode Integration
"Implement a wide-ranging increase in system accuracy using barcodes"
 Smooth running warehouse control systems demand barcoded items for quick and accurate identification and tracking. All Versatile Warehouse™ programs have been designed to incorporate this technology.
From efficient label generation for all warehouse and stockroom processes, to data field entry into each application screen, we can accommodate your barcode requirements.
Some of the benefits of barcode integration include:
- Increase inventory accuracy by several orders of magnitude
- Save valuable time in data entry for all types of operations
- Verify storage locations, stock items, orders, containers, etc.
- Include barcodes on reports, tickets and work lists
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- Integrate simple and cost efficient wedge readers with ease
- Use our standard library of barcoded label formats
- Design barcode labels and reports to your specifications
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| Label Printing
"Automatically generate custom tailored labels and tickets with any process "
 Select from a library of standard label formats, or allow us to design them to your specifications. Labels and/or tickets can be generated at the start or completion of any process related to order fulfillment, replenishment, counting, packing, consolidation or shipping.
Let the power of our highly configurable family of applications work for you - the way you want.
Highlights of our label printing capabilities include:
- Standard library of label formats
- Have labels designed to your specifications
- Design your own labels using Codesoft® label designer
- Choose any label printer from an exhaustive list of manufacturers
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- Mix and match different label printers across zones
- High performance printing using OLE interface
- No code modifications required for most custom specifications
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| User Accounts
"Ensure each system user accesses only what they need"
 Versatile Warehouse™ user accounts are essential to presenting only the information needed by each system user. A variety of information can be tracked for each user to limit which programs they may access, what system areas they authorized to work, which types of work requests they have been qualified to process. In addition, VWare™ programs utilized at operator workstations automatically adjust their navigation techniques based on user attributes.
All application program access levels can be individually tailored to meet the operational needs of the facility. For workgroup environments, users can be combined into customer-defined groups for productivity reporting and security allocation.
A summary of benefits offered by User Accounts:
- Limit secure information to those users requiring access
- Simplify each users view to programs and features they can use
- Control which users are allowed to process specific work types
- Permit only qualified users to work in selective zones
- Group users into logical teams for productivity reporting and security
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| Work Statistics
"Review real-time reports on workstation operator, and zone productivity"
 Evaluating system performance is easy with automated statistics for individual workstation operators, and zones. Work Statistics are automatically tracked for each user by type of operation (picks, stores, replenishments, cycle counts, etc.). A variety of statistical measurements are tracked over time periods determined by the system supervisor.
User Statistics are tallied during segments of time where the system is waiting on the operator to perform their duties. Zone Statistics are also maintained to provide accurate performance data for the amount of work requests that are processed within each zone - regardless of the (set of) workstation operators.
Work Statistics maintained across all types of inventory transactions include:
- User statistics for performance monitoring of each workstation operator
- Zone statistics for evaluation of zone work loads
- Performance statistics are maintained for each type of work
- Summary Statistics span all Users and/or Zones
- Supervisors determine statistical time frames
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| Report Generation
"Our flexible reporting methods give you the information you demand "
 We have dedicated a full service program to serving your reporting needs. Our user friendly report management system extends its capabilities through the integration of enterprise level third-party report generation packages. Any of our reports can be viewed on-line, printed, saved to file, or e-mailed to the recipients of your choice.
While our Report Manager program allows access to numerous "canned" reports, you can enjoy the advantages of ad-hoc report generation using the advanced features of our valued added packages. In addition to standard hard-copy reports, you can also reprint operational labels and tickets at any time.
Our entire family of applications incorporate report generation capabilities. Based on your business rules, we configure systems to automatically generate labels, tickets, and/or hard-copy reports upon customer-specific events occurring during any phase of work order completion.
- Reporting options available throughout VWare™ applications include:
- View reports on-line, print, save to file or e-mail to associates
- Access numerous "canned" reports specific to your application
- Print and reprint barcoded labels using Codesoft Enterprise
- Automatically print labels, tickets and hard-copy reports by system event
- Generate ad-hoc reports using Crystal Reports
- Have us design new reports or labels for you, or create your own
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