Introduction

The Access 1000 WMS is intended to augment existing systems by providing for real-time control of warehouse operations. As such it is necessary for the system to integrate with existing applications for order processing, including both buying and selling orders, and with shipping information systems such as United Parcel Service or Federal Express.

It may also be necessary to integrate the system with manufacturing systems, especially when moving raw materials from the warehouse to manufacturing and when receiving finished goods.

The Access 1000 architecture concurrently supports multiple interfaces to enterprise systems. The detailed specifications for interface protocols required for actual enterprise applications are defined and documented as part of the Requirements Definition (see Services).

For more information on the physical connections between systems, see Interconnect to Enterprise Computers

For an explanation of the way Access 1000 application functionality fits with Enterprise applications functionality, see Enterprise Software

Event-Driven Interface

For busy warehouses with higher transaction volumes, we recommend a dedicated Gateway computer to automatically manage communications with the business computer as events occur. Using the protocol agreed to in the detailed specification, the business system and Access 1000 both send and receive information regarding orders, changes to orders, receivings, shipments and inventory adjustments.

The event-driven interface is automatic. No manual intervention is necessary to import or export information between systems.

The event-driven interface is accomplished with direct communication between the Gateway program in Access 1000 and a gateway program in the business system application. No intermediate file activity is required. This architecture permits the event-driven interface to be supported via Telnet or RS-232 interface using either direct connection or telephone lines.

On-Demand Interface

Access 1000 supports an on-demand interface to business system applications when the need for communication between systems is sufficiently intermittent that the requirement for initiating communications manually is not burdensome.

The on-demand interface is initiated within Access 1000 by menu selection at an Administrative PC. When initiated, the system either interrogates the business system application directly or examines a network folder for changes to transaction files.

Shipping System Interface

Access 1000 supports shipping systems' interfaces by examining a defined network folder for changes to files exported by the shipping systems. The shipping system determines the frequency with which it exports shipping data. Access 1000 extracts shipment information, including tracking numbers and cost, and forwards it to the business system.

Transaction Definitions

If a business system provides an interface definition, either through direct communication or file export, it will be evaluated during the Requirements Definition (see Services). If it provides data content sufficiently complete for Access 1000, we will adapt our interface software accordingly, so that no additional effort is required at the business system level.

If the business system does not provide an acceptable interface definition, then a business system interface program will be required. Access 1000's native transaction definition is as follows:

Transactions received from the Business System

• 51 record: purchase order line item, new or changed
• 52 record: sales order header, new or changed
• 53 record: sales order detail line item, new or changed
• 54 record: sales order invoicing notice
• 59 record: new or changed product definition for inventory
• 60 record: sales order cancellation
• 63 record: cycle count product list

Transactions sent to the Business System

• 01 record: inventory received against PO (and otherwise with reason code), line item detail
• 02 record: sales order shipping information, including cost
• 03 record: inventory transferred out of the warehouse, when not resulting from a sales order shipment, with reason code
• 04 record: inventory transferred out of the warehouse as a result of a sales order shipment
• 05 record: physical inventory detail line item
• 06 record: inventory adjustment as a result of a cycle count
• 07 record: report of packing slip printed
• 08 record: report of carrier pickup at end of day.
• 11 record: report of package tracking number from the transportation system.