IRLY Distributors, a Canadian-based co-op group of independent hardware and building materials retailers, had been using a paper-based system that relied on the company’s employee tenure, which was, on average, around 20 years. The knowledge that long-term employees possessed was quintessential to the company and the efficiency of the warehouse. As new employees began to join IRLY, it was evident that a full Warehouse Management System (WMS) was needed to track all of the warehouse materials and provide a more efficient, reliable way to run the warehouse.

IRLY implemented Intermec CK3 mobile computers and Intermec PM4i printers, paired with WMS software, and was able to see an instant increase in efficiency, accuracy and productivity.

Check out the video below to see IRLY’s success in action:

Learn more about Intermec and their products here.

Psion Teklogix recently announced that version 3.0 of its Mobile Integration Suite (MIS) has been re-certified by SAP for integration with SAP applications.
The Psion Teklogix MIS is an enterprise middleware that enables full integration with SAP ERP applications and offers the ability to enable voice picking solutions. The Suite consists of three components: TekRF, TekConsol, TekConsoleSC, and TekSpeech.

TekRF
A middleware solution that connects Psion Teklogix devices to SAP.

TekConsole
Similar to TekConsole, but connects synchronously via SAP BAPI.

TekConsoleSC
An alternative to SAPConsole that can also be used for radio devices.

TekSpeech
A software solution to use speech devices.

Suresh Babu, Director of IT at Great Lakes Cheese Co. uses Psion Teklogix and SAP to ensure an efficient warehouse, stating, “Software from both Psion Teklogix and SAP are critical technology tools for our business.”

Learn more about what SAP and Psion Teklogix can do for you business.

In today’s chaotic world of business, companies need a reliable way to manage their inventory that has been taken and returned throughout their locations. Without proper tracking, business can experience missing inventory, in addition to inaccurate inventory counts.

Using a check-in/check-out inventory control application, in conjunction with the proper hardware, allows organizations to gain more visibility into their inventory. In order to implement this, organizations will typically upload their information into the inventory software application and use tamper-proof barcode labels for each item that will be checked in and or out. When an item is taken from the inventory, a record is automatically created.

Typically, check-in/check-out solutions are used in applications such as offices, hospitals, repair shops, schools, emergency services and military units and are becoming more and more popular. In fact, the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), recently named Check-in/Check-out Inventory solutions their Solution of the Month for February 2010.

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Installing a warehouse management system (WMS) that fulfills everyone’s needs can be difficult—sometimes what the company needs may not be what the workers prefer, and vice versa. Now, more and more warehouses and distributing centers are adopting voice-enabled WMS, allowing workers to enjoy hands-free order picking, replenishment and shipping, while still marinating accuracy.

One voice-enabled WMS is from Psion Teklogix, whom offers end-to-end Speech Solutions that can be tailored to fit special needs. Their Speech Solutions include wearable speech terminals, headsets, software and professional service that enable voice instructions throughout the warehouse in real-time.

Using a voice-enabled WMS allows for convenient, hands-free working, in addition to:

• Improved accuracy
• Increased productivity
• Faster picking
• Real-time feedback
• Enhanced worker conditions

For more information about Psion Teklogix and their solutions, learn more here.

Implementing a WMS (Warehouse Management System) in conjunction with an automated data collection system increases accuracy, reduces labor and reduces cycle time, so it’s important to choose one that you can rely on.

In conjunction with a WMS, it is common for companies to use an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning System) in order to better manage all of the information, functions and shared data within the company.

Sometimes, it’s possible to find a solution that integrates a WMS and ERP. One such solution is from PhyleTec, which combines a WMS and ERP in order to help distributors and manufacturers better manage their warehouse. PhyleTec is easy to use and works well with RFID-based scanning devices, ensuring that every time inventory moves, data is updated in real time in order to keep everyone informed.

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