MINI WEB BASED WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IMPROVES DC PROFITABILITY BY ENABLING UNUSED SPACE TO BE SOLD TO 3rd PARTIES
25/04/2012 IDC Ltd
IDC's scaleable, wireless and web based warehouse management system is enabling operators of large distribution centres to become more efficient and profitable - especially during the current downturn - by allowing them to sell space they are not currently using to third parties.Easy to implement, IDC's low cost warehouse management system overcomes the major problem faced by owners and operators of large DC: namely, that their WMS systems are fixed, inflexible, and have with no interfaces to provide third-party users with remote visibility/access to their stock. The fixed systems only provide spread sheets that require manual compilation and communication via mediums such as email.
By contrast, IDC's system is infinitely flexible and scaleable - and also offers the key user cost saving benefit of options to lease or buy. Moreover, if the third party user requires additional bar code reading facilities, to book stock in and out of a warehouse, then IDC can support this requirement either with their in house hand held terminal the ZB111 or traditional windows mobile devices.
Requiring only a PC for its implementation, IDC's mini WMS solution comprises a hand held terminal, a wireless gateway, a hosted server, and all software. The system is configurable to cater for simple web- based applications, up to multi- functional site wide logistics operations.
The mini WMS solution is complemented by wide applications experience of providing warehouse and inventory-stores management solutions in the retail, medical and manufacturing sectors. Where required, IDC provides feasibility studies to identify ROI, pilot project proof of concept, and full system roll out with ongoing support.
"There is a growing trend for owners of large warehouses to become more efficient particularly in the downturn," said IDC MD Kevin Buckley. "The selling of unused space in DC makes economic sense, and is fundamental to achieving this objective.
The practice is set to become a trend, and promises to be around for some time to come. As evidence of this, we have already been asked to provide a mini web based warehouse management system to an existing client, to allow that company to sell space in one of its main DC's to third party users. This is the first system of its type, but we have also had enquiries from other major names in the retail sector that are looking to profit from space they are not currently using."
"For as little as £5,000 per annum we can supply all types and sizes of organisations with maximum visibility of their operations in real time," said Mr Buckley. "Moreover, with our leasing facility we can ensure that, as organisations grow, or their requirements change, we can evolve the inventory-stores management system in line with the new requirements, quickly, and without disruption to ongoing operations."
IDC's ZigBee Product Range for Warehousing Logistics & Inventory Systems
IDC's ZB family of ZigBee modules includes Ethernet and serial gateways, routers, micro controller and handheld devices, providing a comprehensive single source for complete wireless solutions. These range from simple cable elimination to large scale, site- wide telemetry systems in a distributed control system architecture. All of the modules offer a unique 64 bit MAC identifier, embedded intelligence, battery management and extremely low power consumption.
To support the development and integration of the product range, IDC have developed client server applications, which include the ZB Server for web services integration, "over the air" programming, data logging, and OPC connectivity for SCADA integration.
For further information, please contact Peter Hadley:
IDC Ltd, Keynes House, Chester Park, Alfreton Road, Derby,DE21 4AS, UK Tel: +44 (0)1332 604030 Fax: +44 (0) 1332 604031 Email: sales@idc.gb.com Web: www.zig-bee.co.uk
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