subject: Wms For Dynamics Gp Extending Pop, Sop And Inventory Control Modules [print this page] We recommend natural way of using existing Microsoft Dynamics GP ERP functionality in Warehouse Management System and just extend Great Plains for Barcoding integration. Second approach would be implementing standalone WMS and then connect it to Dynamics GP via various integration technologies, such as eConnect, Integration Manager or connectors coming from WMS supporting partner. In this second approach in our opinion you might be exposed to paying second time for the same business logic, which is already available to you in Dynamics GP directly, especially in Purchase Order Processing (Inventory Replenishment), Sales Order Processing (Order Fulfillment, or Allocation) and Inventory Control (Cycle Count). Also, if WMS is external - most of the WMS related reporting should be done there, and you might be limited in using existing Distribution reporting in Dynamics GP (and you already paid for GP reporting):
1.Barcode Scanners and their integration with Dynamics GP. WMS has client application, which is running on the Scanner screen and allows Warehouse workers to do floor assignments: Merchandise arrivals, Sales Order fulfillment (picking and packing or small assembly, if required), Inventory Physical Count (typically monthly or quarterly). SCM user application sends data directly to Dynamics GP tables: SOP10100, SOP10200 for example in the case of Order Allocation (fulfillment). It is possible to use system in Batch mode, where we need to provide you with WMS extension for batch mode integration. One of the reasons to use direct data feeding into Great Plains SQL database is simple - eConnect SDK may not be necessary compatible with Barcode scanner operating system
2.WMS and Dynamics GP versions. WMS module is compatible with current version 11 and version 10 (most of the recent installs of Great Plains) as well as with reasonable range of legacy Great Plains Dynamics versions: 9.0, 8.0, 7.5. However, as Warehouse Management System is typically comparable in the software licenses cost and consulting budget with Dynamics GP Corporate ERP application itself, we recommend you do not take the route of implementing WMS for outdated Great Plains version
3.WMS automation for large, mid-size and small eCommerce retailers and wholesalers. We also recommend you to consider popular ecommerce shopping carts integration to Dynamics GP (see separate publications for ecommerce module specifications). We plan to demo ecommerce shopping cart integration to Dynamics GP Sales Order (or Invoice) with separate allocation process, where line fulfillment is done in our Warehouse Management module. This demo will be given on Convergence 2010 in Atlanta, April 2010 or you can simply request it through our office
4.Elements of Supply Chain Management. SCM is broader term and we have several features available, one of them is Consignment automation, Truck routing optimization. In Logistics and Supply Chain Management it might be difficult to be happy with out-of-shelf product, you may expect reasonable custom programming or modification via settings and tools
5.How to get additional information? Call us 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918 or email us help@albaspectrum.com Local service is available in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, California, Houston and Atlanta (SAP Business One). We are very comfortable to do USA and Canada nationwide WMS for Dynamics GP implementations with initial visits onsite for installation and user training (possible data conversion, when required) with following web sessions support from one of our Technical Support Call Centers
6.WMS implementation in international environment. Today in the globalization epoch, large number of companies go internationally, including companies with Microsoft Dynamics GP as their Corporate ERP application in the Headquarters in USA or Canada. Warehouse Management System typically keeps reasonable distance from such ERP localization issues as Taxation, Government Reporting. However WMS is often required to support local language. Historically Great Plains Dexterity is ASCII table compliant, and it has hard time to break through ASCII 2 bytes character restriction and support Unicode characters (hieroglyphs for example). Having said that we are ready to support Dynamics GP in English, Spanish (Latin America, not in Spain itself), Arabic. It might be too complex to push Dynamics GP implementation in China, Korea, Japan, Russia, Brazil, where it is not localized and has issues with hieroglyph based alphabet (such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean). In the countries, where Dynamics GP is not localized we recommend you to review SAP Business One - it is available in Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and for most of the continental Europe. In any case we encourage you to check with us on Warehouse Management System for your country, as we are positioning our company as global market expert, our consultants speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Chinese and we have Software Development and Product Support Call Centers in Manila, Philippines, Moscow, Russia and Sao Paulo, Brazil
