In This Blog I would like to present a scenario in warehouse management where RFID technology can be used in a very cost effective and efficient manner.The scenario is as follows :
Quality assurance samples are required to be taken from an Handling unit in a warehouse. Such samples should be goods issued with a specific reference on it previously specified from the Quality department.Once the sample has been taken from the pallet and goods issued, the pallet has to be moved back to a storage bin into the warehouse.
The above scenario is automated by the creation of a Z module pool Transaction in SAP which is executed with a RF Gun used by the warehouse supervisor.This Z Transaction is then configured in the RF Menu transaction LM01
Process Flow :
Prerequisite
The Quality department issues a form with the following information bar-coded:
- the pallet/SU number - bar-coded
- the reference for the goods issue - bar-coded
Transaction Steps
1. The user scans the Storage unit(SU) from the Quality form.
a. The system validates the SU scanned as available for a sample to be taken - if the SU is not validated an error message is written and the transaction ends.
2. The reference number from the Quality form is scanned. This reference number will be entered as header text from when the goods issue is posted.
3. The user is asked to go to the location where the pallet is located and scan the bin.
4. The user is required to confirm that the SU required is physically in the bin (this is a visual inspection). If the response is No then this is written to the error log and the transaction ends.
5. The user scans then SU number from the pallet label.
a. The pallet is validated that the SU entered from the Quality form is the same as scanned
6. The user manually enters the quantity to pick as a sample
7. The user is asked to confirm the quantity entered
a. If the answer confirms the quantity a validation is done to ensure that the quantity entered is not greater than that on the pallet. If validation is OK the goods movement is completed using the reference value scanned at step 2.
b. If the answer is no, the same validation is done on whether the quantity is higher than that on the pallet
c. The user has the option to re-enter the quantity.
d. If the user does not wish to re-enter then the transaction is ended and written to error log.
8. The pallet is then relocated into the warehouse. The user has the option of putting the pallet back to:
a. Its original location
b. To a new bin
9. If the user decides to put the pallet back to its original location a screen is displayed advising that the transaction is complete and the user is asked if they wish to pick another sample.
10. If the user decides to put the pallet into a different location, the user is required to scan the new bin.
11. Once the user has put it into the same bin or the user has confirmed the bin, height and position (in case needed) and all where correct then the user receives confirmation of:
a. Having put the pallet back to the warehouse
b. Having goods issued the sample
Benefits of RF Warehousing :
RF warehousing offers increased accuracy, leading to lower stock levels having to be maintained – offering a commercial advantage.
By using barcodes on the originating document from Quality the use of Radio Frequency will validate that the sample has been taken from the correct Storage Unit (Handling Unit) leading to correct stock figures.
The use of RF will also reduce the time taken to complete the transaction as the goods issue will be actioned by the Storeman at the time of taking the sample. Negating the need for the transaction to be completed after the event by the office staff.
