As an IT service provider, we are responsible for system administration at a logistics company that is set to expand. Currently, most processes there are handled more or less “manually” using packing lists and the like. To meet the growing demands, the company is seeking suitable warehouse management software.
The requirements profile in detail:
1. Mapping of all warehouse processes
The warehouse management software must be able to map all of the logistics partner’s warehouse management processes.
In particular, this includes B2C e-commerce-related processes such as shipping with package tracking and returns handling.
2. Multiple virtual warehouses
The warehouse management software must support multiple virtual warehouses
to separate and manage inventory separately (e.g., B2B, B2C, and marketing warehouses).
3. Interfaces to various programs (initially Saga, Magento)
The product manufacturer uses its own software solutions for ERP (Saga) and e-commerce (Magento 2.0).
The warehouse management software must offer the ability to integrate with this software via a standardized interface.
As part of the implementation project, it must be determined which types of interfaces can be offered and are best suited.
4. Handheld scanners
Must be available in sufficient quantities (approx. 6 scanning stations for goods receipt and shipping)
5. Increased accuracy
The fashion label’s goal here is a massive increase in inventory accuracy and the prevention of errors during shipping (no incorrect products, sizes, or colors). These improvements are essential for the implementation of B2C e-commerce, as the goal here is to sell even the “last” product of a size/color combination and minimize customer frustration as much as possible.
6. Interface to Saga
Currently, a CSV-based interface with regular synchronization (every 15 minutes) and data exchange via FTP is used with Saga.
A connection of this type is desirable, though an alternative connection method is also conceivable.
6a. Import into Saga:
Transfer goods receipt entries and correctly assign them to the respective orders in Saga.
Record all inventory movements or reproduce them in a traceable manner.
Report goods receipts from returns, refunds, and credit memos to Saga.
Report inventory levels.
6b. Export from Saga:
Product master data
Post all goods movements
Post goods issues of any kind from Saga
7. Interface to Magento 2.0
7a. Import to Magento:
Post goods receipts:
This is done within the warehouse management software.
Inventory levels are reported to Magento.
All products must be listed with EANs in the warehouse management system to allow for mapping to the products in Magento.
Report inventory levels:
Magento receives inventory levels for each item from the warehouse management software (in real time).
Inventory movements are recorded within the warehouse management software.
Report returns with order number:
The customer’s order number should be saved at the time of ordering to enable assignment to the order in the shop in the event of returns.
Shipping status updates:
By default, the statuses “in progress” and “shipped” are appropriate.
It should be possible to add additional statuses.
Provide tracking information from the shipper
7b. Export from Magento:
Orders:
The warehouse management software receives orders from Magento, including the shipping address and products to be shipped.
From this, the warehouse management software creates a packing slip and posts the goods issues from Magento.
Customer order number:
The warehouse management software receives a unique order number from Magento, which must be saved and is part of the return slip to be created by the warehouse management software.
5–6 software workstations are planned.