SmartDC Features

SmartDC is modular and companies can deploy one or more modules in a phase wise approach depending on the business processes they would like to enable with RFID. SmartDC modules include:

• SmartDC Receiving - In today's complex supply chain, shipments are received either manually using barcode or paper. DC managers are continuously challenged to: 
  • Reduce the time to reconcile goods receipts with shipment notices
  • Reduce inaccurate inventory recording 
  • Reduce receiving times and optimize DC resources 
  • Reduce claims disputes 

  The SmartDC Receiving application module enables the receiving processes for finished goods and raw materials with RFID.

• SmartDC Put-away  - Operators are frequently moving raw material and finished goods between shelves, cages and designated storage areas. While today's supply chain management systems manage pick prioritization, shelf allocation, including first in/first out (FIFO), first expired/first out (FEFO), or last in/last out (LILO), it falls short of accurately maintaining inventory and location records in real time. This results in: 
  • Inaccurate stock and location information in WMS 
  • Error prone and time consuming cycle count 
  • Shrinkage due to manual miscalculations 
  • Operator errors during Put-away and material movement 

  These problems are further amplified when errors in Put-away ripple through other processes of the supply chain. The SmartDC Put-away Application Module provides near real time visibility of inventory levels and location by tracking tagged items, cases and pallets. Companies can achieve accurate cycle counts, automate pick-pack-ship operations, reduce shrinkage, and ensure more accurate order fulfillment.

• SmartDC Inventory - Physical cycle counts is a necessity not only to meet regulatory compliance but also to ensure that out-of-stock or excess inventory situations do not arise which impact company's bottom-line. Companies perform cycle count periodically either through a manual paper based process or through the use of the barcode. Both the approaches has its limitations resulting in error prone and time consuming cycle counting process. Companies that carry multiple SKUs in large quantity face a huge challenge, because the inventory report becomes obsolete by the time the cycle count is completed leading inventory discrepancies. SmartDC Inventory Application accelerates the cycle counting process and improves accuracy by verifying the quantity in hand, its location and reconciling them with the system of records in real time.
• SmartDC Assembly/Kitting - Many products are manufactured by going through a series of sub-assemblies as they pass from one station to the other until it comes together as a finished product. Work-In-Process (WIP) is the hardest type of inventory for many companies to control. Limitations with barcode, existing systems and processes lead to: 
  • High WIP inventory buffers between operations 
  • Poor visibility into quality and yield 
  • Poor responsiveness to changes in production schedule 
  • Mismatch between demand and manufacturing 

  The SmartDC Assembly/Kitting enables enterprises to use RFID for tracking Work-In-Process inventory during manufacturing, kitting or assembly processes. It provides complete visibility within the supply chain to ensure continuous assembly line production.

• SmartDC Shipping - The recent focus of large retailers like Wal-Mart, Target, BestBuy and the Department of Defense on mandating RFID for all shipments - and its adoption by the supplier community - reflects a growing consensus that adopting RFID has a proven ROI for both suppliers and retailers. DC managers acknowledge that throughout the supply chain, order fulfillment and dock management offer many opportunities to improve the product and information flow. Due to the limitations of barcode and today's supply chain systems, visibility of DC resources, orders and products are limited. This results in: 
  • Lower accuracy - imperfect orders lead to increased claims and returns
  • Reduced throughput - frequent audits and shipment verification locks DC resources and space 
  • High labor costs - shipment verification prior to shipping is manual and time consuming 
  • Delayed proof of delivery - requires accurate data collection of shipment for each order 

  The SmartDC Shipping gives you the ability to make the entire shipping process transparent. You can track the flow of goods by order, measure the service levels and maintain a constant overview of shipments until they are loaded into the truck.

• Dashboard and Reports - SmartDC's role-based dashboards and reporting portal provide real-time business intelligence across all RFID enabled processes of the warehouse. The dashboard offers instant snapshots of your designated key performance indicators (KPIs), and provides real-time trends and on-demand reports that can be accessed from anywhere through a browser. With direct drill-down capability, you can move from a summary level directly to greater detail, providing real-time information to proactively manage for better results. SmartDC reporting tool transforms operational data into actionable information and delivers over 20+ out-of-the-box reports.

Screenshots

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