|
||
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summary: Automated warehouse distribution center increases throughput, order tracking, and inventory accuracy. Challenge: Two different database technologies; A 3-dimensional, MultiValue file system (UniVerse from IBM) hosts the WMS (warehouse management system); A 2-dimensional robotic carousel system picks orders, hosted on Microsoft SQL Server. Traditionally, communication between these disparate software technologies is difficult at best. ODBC proved not fast enough for the goal to fulfill an order data transfer within 60-seconds. Solution: ONware from ONgroup exceeds the goal by 88% and saves 70% in estimated project costs. With a mission to be the premier distributor of electronic components in Wisconsin, customer service is key and order fulfillment paramount. “Our warehouse manager, Al Needham, comes from a background of automated warehouse management. Al’s solutions …automate the warehouse…”, describes Travis Albrecht, Business Systems Engineer. The ‘.com bust’, left many excellent Carousel systems available on the market—at highly discounted prices. Werner evaluated six systems, chose two finalists, and contacted references. They found the most cost effective system hosted on Microsoft Windows with an SQL Server database. With their WMS running on MultiValue technology and the robotics on Relational, the disparate data structures made this project difficult. “The quote we received from our vendor to modify our warehouse management system to communicate with the carousel system was cost prohibitive. Our evaluation of batch processing and communicating via ODBC proved too slow. The consultant who brought us the robotic system did some research on the web and introduced us to ONgroup.” details Albrecht. Werner turned to ONware™ from ONgroup to facilitate the communication between the disparate technology platforms. ONware reads orders from the UniVerse file system and writes the request to the SQL Server database real-time. ONgroup provides the software and services to achieve Werner’s goals. With ONware from ONgroup, Werner exceeded the 60-second order data transfer goal by 88%; the accuracy of order picking will help us achieve our goal of 99.92%, and the solution saved Werner 70% in project costs.
The warehouse fulfills orders for customers who come in to the customer service counter as well as by phone and the internet. With the new Carousel system in place, Werner hopes to increase internet sales by 13 %. |
|
Trademarks Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation and/or its affiliates. ONware is a trademark of ONgroup. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. |
|