Wireless Network Requirements:
Strong Wi-fi signal and warehouse signal coverage are very important to a successful deployment and continued operation of the Wireless Warehouse system. The following items should be taken into account before proceeding with the the deployment of this functionality:
Coverage should be at least 5-10Mbps transfer rates from all points in the warehouse intended for Point-of-Use (POU) processes included in Wireless Warehouse.
Transfer rates below 10Mbps will result in unstable wireless terminal sessions or significant lag experienced during Wireless Warehouse transactions.
802.11n network or better would be preferable (If a cell phone has good wi-fi connectivity at all points within the warehouse, wireless terminals will function properly).
Mesh networks of multiple access points are very helpful. Wireless terminals need to be configured for a single SSID and the mesh network allows for more seamless transitioning between access points. If separate access points are used which are not mesh, then the terminal has to fully disconnect from one to fully connect to another. During that time, TBE is not available. StayLinked will help minimize the need to log back in after disconnecting/reconnecting, but it is not an optimal operational scenario.
Too many access points can also result in connectivity issues. When presented with multiple strong signals in a given service area, the wireless terminals may attempt to 'hop' from access point to access point even though it is not necessary.
If needed, a local IT company can be contracted to perform a site survey and determine optimal access point locations for maximum coverage.
Implementation Steps:
1. Create a warehouse location layout that depicts your current inventory locations and also maps the most efficient path for your warehouse traffic, inventory movements and picking processes. Make note of areas that are difficult to reach or have limited access.
2. Determine if existing location codes follow that path when sorted alphanumerically:
If No, it is recommended that a new location numbering scheme is developed prior to barcode labelling all warehouse locations. This will make picking tours easier to manage and will also allow for a physical count during the initial inventory put away phase. Any items remaining in the old inventory locations can be considered missing and written off.
If Yes, print barcode labels and install for all locations
3. Using Product Zone Maintenance, identify slow and non-moving inventory that should be moved up to the high shelves or out of the warehouse altogether. The newly calculated Zone assignments can also be used to put away existing inventory according to frequency of usage. This will allow for locating the most frequently sold products in the easiest to access areas of your warehouse. To put this concept into action, corresponding locations will need to be assigned for each zone and set up accordingly in TBE.
4. If not purchased already, Wireless terminals will be required to continue beyond this step. Note: Utilizing the wireless scanners for initial inventory put away is preferable for training purposes given the repetitive nature of the task
5. Label all inventory with barcoded license plate labels and scan into locations. As previously mentioned, if you have established a new location numbering scheme, this activity can serve as a baseline physical count.
6. With the guidance from Computer Insights, establish pick groups and allocation rules that best match your current order fulfillment and inventory management processes. In doing so, you will be choosing picking logic that will best utilize your new Wireless Warehouse processes and allow you to more efficiently process customer orders.
7. To begin picking, it is recommended that a limited number of orders are used to test the Wireless Warehouse settings and process flow before attempting a system-wide changeover to paperless processing. This will allow you to become familiar with the guided steps and concept of scanning with the wireless scanners without significantly disrupting daily operations.