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The radio frequency (RF) driver is a software module designed to allow the warehouse control system to communicate with the RF terminals and terminals. With the exception of receiving, all other functions of the warehouse interact with this software module through the RF terminal.

Receiving

          The receiving process uses one program to report to the computer everything received in a shipment. Because the computer tracks the needs for the received shipment, it keeps warehouse personnel from putting away inventory unnecessarily. It also produces barcodes for all items received, if the labels are not pre printed.

References are made to advance ship notices and purchase order files to verify what is being received with what was ordered. Once received, the system reports on what items are needed to fill customer sales orders and transfers to the other warehouses. The system then advises where to store the remaining items in the warehouse.

 Storing

Since a locator system is implemented, the computer advises where to store the items. The operator does have the option to override the suggested location. Using the pallet ID, location code and product code the computer and personnel interact to store the items received.

The primary goal of the locator system is to know what is on hand and where it is stored at all times. This leads to easy access and location of items for quick picking.

Picking

The picking system accepts two types of picks: will call sales order and transfer to another warehouse. In picking a will call sales order, the sales order is entered into the RF terminal. Either the computer sorts the pick by location and directs the operator to pick the items until either the pallet or the order is filled. Once filled, the operator is expected to put the pallet down in the will call shipping area and scan the location code.

When picking transfers, the RF terminal accepts the destination warehouse ID to determine all transfer items. The computer sorts these products by location for an efficient travel route. This process for transfers within a large warehouse can be grouped by zones, alleviating the need to cross an entire warehouse. Filled pallets are stored in the transfer area shipping area.

Shipping

Two types of shipping exist: will call and transfer. Will call pallets are usually packed into boxes for shipping. Pallets or boxes are processed through the freight manifest system (UPS Approved). This system produces a manifest for the common carrier or customer. A transfer is shipped by placing it's pallets on the truck destined for a specific warehouse. As pallets are loaded the destination ID is accepted from the RF terminal. The operator can load the pallets in any desired order. When the truck is filled, a manifest is produced showing all shipments leaving the warehouse as well as all receipts.

Counting

In cycle counting, the warehouse manager can specify the cycles per year and the count sessions per year. Whether by location or product, the cycle count process tracks the last one counted. When preparing to do the cycle count, the computer reports the next location or product range to be counted If the quantity count differs from the computers quantity, a recount is necessary. If a discrepancy still exists, an adjustment will be automatically made to the location quantity and a product count alert is passed to the warehouse supervisor. Financial adjustments are not made until the supervisor has completed the entire product count. Accuracy reports are generated for audit and management purposes. Counting inventory by location ensures the data integrity. Accurate computer data benefits all facets of the system, as well as knowing what is on hand and where it is stored.

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