FastTrak WM+ Lit

8/8/2019 FastTrak WM+ Lit

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Integration made easy

Warehouse management and control plus(WM+)FastTrak

WM+


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Founded in 1987, Glen Road Systems, Inc. has spent more than twenty years positioning

itself as a premier distribution center system integrator. Solutions are designed withthe pervasive belief that a warehouse system is only as good as it is reliable and

supportable. As a result, GRSIs top priority is to design systems for which it can offer

superior support. Novel, value added features and a large install base in diverse

warehouses has molded GRSIs core software offering, FastTrak

WM+, into an

essential tool for optimizing warehouse operation and automation.

Glen Road Systems, Inc.

GRSI

401 East Elm St., Suite 100

Conshohocken, PA 19428


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Clients for life...

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FastTrak WM+ overview

System architecture

Warehouse management plus (WM+)

Warehouse management system (WMS)

Warehouse control system (WCS)

FastTrak tools

Order management system (OMS)

Packaging integration (PI)

Contents

Inform

Automate Coordinate

Integrate

Manage

FastTrak

WM+is the solution to:

Warehouse and distribution operations


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GRSIFastTrak

WM+GRSI FastTrak WM+ (warehouse management plus) consists of a WMS and WCS. It is software for inventory management,

warehouse automation, and system control from receiving to shipping. Automated equipment and computer-aided manual

transactions are handled in a coordinated manner aimed at optimizing the full warehouse with regard to accuracy, efficiency,

throughput, and resource utilization. The FastTrak WM+ is one suite of software controlling what heretofore might have been

separately controlled subsystems. The result is exceptional stability, minimal interruption, and superior end-to-end, ongoingsupport for the entire warehouse process. The FastTrak WM+ is composed of two modules that work together in various

combinations.

Warehouse execution suite(WES)


WCS coordinates, controls, automates, and monitors

material handling equipment and fulfillment methods. Th

Fast

Trak WCS includes support for conveyor sorting androuting; automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS

in-motion inventory; print and apply; in-motion manifestin

wireless, voice, and laser picking; pick/put-to-light; and

RFID. Graphical user interfaces display real-time materia

flow, messages, and performance metrics. Transactiona

detail is logged for inquiries, reports, and audits.


OMS organizes orders for efficient and accurate picking

combining both operator and automation-based fulfillmen

methods. Features such as waveless picking, waving,

batching, and cartonization are standard mechanisms

used to optimize the fulfillment process. The FastTrak

OMS has a full range of inventory management features

control putaway, storage, and pick location replenishmen

Additionally, a wide range of methods for resource

optimization are included. Targeted resources include

automation equipment, material handlers, storage media

and diverse warehouse vehicle types.


PI encompasses last-100-feet (L1F) operations such

as packaging, literature and packing list insertion, sealing

weighing, labeling, manifesting, and sorting. It combines

and automates all subsystems, packaging equipment, an

material handling equipment from any supplier into a sing

unified process. The result is minimally attended, cost

effective, and accurate processing of orders.

Warehouse management plus

(WM+)WM+ interfaces and facilitates communication between

enterprise software (ERP), warehouse management

systems (WMS), shipping systems, and equipment.

Single-point host communication simplifies design andimplementation, performs with exceptional stability and

reliability, and lends itself to superior support.

Warehouse management

system (WMS)WMS seamlessly controls and integrates receiving,

putaway, storage, inventory management and planning,

picking, replenishing, and order check-out. The FastTrak

WMS utilizes light, bar code, voice-directed, and RF

picking and putting technologies. It coordinates and directs

resources and equipment including carousels, pick carts,

A-frames, PPTL modules, storage media, automated

guided vehicles, and other AS/RS. It tracks the movement

of inventory throughout the entire distribution center from

receiving to shipping. The FastTrak WMS also incorporates

slotting, cartonization, and vast reporting, diagnostics, and

optimization tools to view operator efficiency and error

troubleshooting messages.


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Warehouse fulfillment center

Resources Voice and RF assisted operators

Pick/put-to-light activities

Conveyor routing and sorting

Automated storage and retrieval equipment (AS/RS)

Automated packaging equipment

Specialized vehicles and static storage

Electrical controls


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System architecture

Single-point connectivity

Ethernet backbone

Receiving

Putaway

Picking

Replenishment

Robots

Conveyors

AS/RS

Carousels

Scanners/camera

Scales

Sorters

Packing/shipping

Manifesting

Batching/waving

Cartonization

Host systems:

SAP

Oracle

JD Edwards

RedPrairie

Infor

Manhattan

HighJump

Legacy

More...

ERP/WMS

FastTrak

WM+

Equipment - WCS - WEInventory - WMS

Electrical controls


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Human machine interfaces

Dashboard displays

E-mail/browser alerts

RF handhelds

Diagnostics and reporting

Picking: light, voice,

RF, and paper

Robots

Print and apply

Document insertion

Packaging systems

HOST

Information

Platforms:

Windows

Unix IBM, RISC, or AS/400

Mainframe

PLCs


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Warehouse management plus (WM+)

Shipping systems

Conveyors andsorters

Packaging systems

Pick/put-to-light systems

Scanners and camera

Printerapplicators

Scales and dimensioners

Data collection andintegration

System interfaces

Computer networks

AS/RS, robots,and carousels

Inventory

FastTrak

WM+

Automated pick systems such as storage and retrieval, high speed item sorters, and pick/put-to-light, involve large capital

investments and are central to the function of many modern fulfillment centers. The automation equipment must be operated

at peak performance and utilization in order to satisfy financial expectations. Special software tools and methodology are

required to achieve these goals in a fashion that is integrated seamlessly into to the overall warehouse operation. These

include coordinated order management, inventory management, and device control. FastTrak WM+ provides the total solutionFurthermore, it provides the basis for comprehensive single-source warehouse operations support without artificial and

confusing divisions of responsibility amongst suppliers.

GRSI 24x7 support Single-point contact for support

Rapid response

Remote assistance

Maximum up-time


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Why WM+

Efficient distribution centers need a tightly managed and integrated system

from receiving to order shipment

FastTrak WM+Buffering

Automatic andmanual packaging

Conveyor routing

and tracking

Print and applylabeling

Shipping sortation

Manifesting

Ordshipm

Receiving

Inventory management

Picking/putting

Typical software solutions fail to utilize and manage equipment made by various manufacturers with multiple pieces of softwa

running independently. WM+ is the tool for complete warehouse integration. There is no finger-pointing. GRSI takes full24x7x365 responsibility for the functionality, throughput, and uptime of its systems. GRSI writes a meticulously crafted functio

specification document for every client detailing the entire systems processes, messages, layouts, communications, data

transfers, screen shots, and more.

FastTrak WM+ is an extremely flexible software suite that manages all warehouse processes, subsystems, and equipment w

complete visibility. The benefits of an integrated and streamlined system include:

- Increased throughput - Quick troubleshooting and support times

- Expandable and upgradable - Less operator training

- Decreased bottlenecks - Equipment runs at its full potential

- No finger-pointing - Maximize system uptime

Integration made easyTM

Last-100-foot (L1FTM) packaging system


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ERP/WMS integrationFastTrak WMS interfaces to many ERP systems using

single-port connectivity. Some ERP systems include:

SAP

Sage

Epicor

Oracle

JD Edwards

FastTrak WMS also enhances the functionality, speed, and

system controls of existing WMS systems. It interfaces

to numerous WMS systems via single-port connectivity

including:

RedPrairie Accellos

Infor

Manhattan

FastTrak WMS and the ERP communicate order, inventory,

and customer data through seamless integration.

Equipment AS/RS and

goods-to-man specializationSoftware AND hardware integration is essential. FastTrakWMS coordinates and controls all material handling

equipment from any supplier into one cohesive unit. It

allocates the necessary resources for optimal throughput

performance. The software can interface to pick/put-to-

light modules, voice picking, and RF devices. It is the

ideal software to manage AS/RS, in-motion inventory, and

goods-to-man operations. Its ability to control carousels,

unit loaders, sorting transfer vehicles (STV), automatic

guided vehicles (AGV), vertical lift modules (VLM), and

other AS/RS greatly improve stock organization and

inventory flow.

Inventory managementFastTrak WMS inventory management features include

inventory forecasting, allocation, receiving, stocking, che

in, labeling, and tracking. It identifies and allocates inbou

inventory to the required areas of the warehouse and trac

its location. The inventory can be arranged and assigned

by customer specific business rules, lot numbers, weight

dimensions, fragility, cost, and others. This allows produc

to be appropriately distributed to its proper location.

FastTrak WMS utilizes multiple inventory and labor zone

to provide batching, waving, waveless operating, picking

and passing, sequential picking, and replenishing.

Recording and tracking inventory usage is critical for

replenishment. FastTrak WMS identifies and notifies

operators, self-guided robots, AS/RS equipment, and

other in-motion inventory equipment when inventory is

running low. It provides the necessary tools and visibility

identify physical locations of static and in-motion inventor

Replenishment times can vary throughout the day, week

and during peak and non-peak seasons. FastTrak analyz

inventory and resource usage, inventory locations, pickin

requirements, and future workloads to replenish necessa

inventory. FastTrak is highly flexible and customized to

handle customer-specific requirements.

Great Plains

PeopleSoft

Homegrown

Microsoft

and others

HighJump Legacy

Homegrown

and others


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RFIDFastTrak interfaces with RF access points to communicate

information from scanned RF tags throughout the

warehouse. Item and order movement is tracked and

recorded by FastTrak. RFID increases visibility and enables

clients to wirelessly track items.

Picking technologiesFastTrak WMS and OMS work to efficiently manage

various picking technologies including pick-to-light

and RF, paper, and voice picking. FastTrak can batch,

superbatch (batching of single-item orders, which is ideal

for e-commerce solutions), and wave items for maximum

performance. FastTrak also records inventory and

manages replenishment.

KittingFastTrak WMS consolidates items originating from different

areas of the warehouse to fulfill and complete orders. It

releases batches to multiple picking operations to fulfill

these orders in a timely manner.

Returned ordersFastTrak WMS allows returned orders (RMAs) to be

received back into the warehouse and generates the pro

paperwork for the order. Returned items may be designa

to a specific area of the warehouse.

DisplaysFastTrak incorporates user-friendly HMIs, dashboards,

reporting, and troubleshooting tools. Operators can view

the location of orders, error messages, and workflow

data using these screens. Notifications are browser

based and accessible by any PC or cell phone with

Internet connectivity. Management is able to remotely

analyze reporting data to see operator efficiency andperform benchmark comparisons. The error percentages

throughput rates, transactional data, and order informatio

are also available for viewing.

SlottingThe slotting process improves picking productivity,

reduces walk labor, provides space utilization, improves

replenishment, and adjusts for peak and seasonal

demands. It manages multiple locations for the same

SKU and provides lot and serial number controls. It is

an organization tool, which complements replenishment,

picking, and packing. This provides a significant number

of cost-reduction scenarios when integrated with GRSIs

cartonization and shipping programs. Graphic and

history displays, report verifications, SKU history, slot

management, and alerts provide a tool to manage and

grow within the size limitations of each clients distribution

center.

CartonizationFastTrak includes cartonization software that uses SKU

and order data with business rules to make improved

packaging decisions. It examines the dimensions, fragilit

weight, position, and special needs of each item in an ord

and the interaction of items in the order to determine the

orders packaging requirements. The software selects the

best suited packaging available using material inventory

data. Cartonization lowers material and freight costs,

decreases order returns, reduces labor, and increases

throughput.

Scanning the volume of

the order using DimScanT


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Shipping and manifestingFastTrak WMS works as a middleware that interfaces to

shipping systems, ERPs, or existing WMSs. It records and

communicates order, shipping, cost, tracking, carrier, and

address information between the systems. It connects to

various shipping systems including UPS, FedEx, USPS,

Clippership, DHL, Purolator, Canadian Post, and multi-

carrier software including Logicor, CMS Worldlink, Agile,

Pitney Bowes, and others. GRSI provides a wide range of

manifesting solutions with direct connection to all carriers.

In addition to managing the information flow, FastTrak also

controls all equipment involved with shipping operations

including weighing, calculated void-fill inserting, shipping

label printing and applying, and carrier sorting.

FastTrak WMS provides the central software module and

interfaces with 3PL providers, outsource operations, and

distribution networks with warehouses that span multiple

facilities. The software is also highly involved with reverse

logistics management.

ASNFastTrak links orders to advance shipping notices

(ASNs) in the standard EDI format. The ASN contains

order, customer, and shipment information. The ASN is

communicated to appropriate distributors and customers

during the shipment process.


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Main screenThe WCS main screen is a data-oriented view of

warehouse operations. Users can view the flow of

individual parcels through each subsystem, interactions

between FastTrak and the host system, and transactions

involving automated and computer-aided processes.

Process logsEach action performed by the automation system upon a

container (parcel, tote, package, pallet, etc...) is recorded

Actions might include transfer of a container into a pick

zone or sorting of a package to a shipping lane. The

unique identification of the container, specific location of

the action, action detail, time stamp, and process duratio

are displayed on screen for routine monitoring. This data

also recorded for subsequent reporting and auditing.

Dropdown menusUsers can access configuration, diagnostic, and reporting

tools from the drop down menus on the main screen.

Exception logAny automation process or transactional error that result

in exception handling by a machine or an operator is

recorded. The exception data is displayed on screen to

help in resolution of specific exceptions. In addition, the

on-screen data is used as an aid for identifying trends

that represent reoccurring system performance or data

problems.

Transaction logsRadio frequency scan and voice transactions, as well

as pick/put-to-light transactions are recorded. The data

describing each

transaction is availab

on screen for routine

monitoring and is

also recorded for

subsequent reporting

and auditing.

Buttons, indicators, and

statisticsUsing the buttons on the bottom of the main screen, users

can start, stop, and pause subsystems with the click of a

mouse. The status of each subsystem is displayed using

a three-color code. Underneath the buttons are real-time

performance statistics.


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Tools

Diagnostic and messagingDiagnostic tools allow users to view critical operational d

including communication between FastTrak and PLCs, a

communication between FastTrak and the host system.

Tests can diagnoses issues with digital I/O, serial, and

socket communication.

Browser based messagingCustom notification levels alert users about system

events and errors. Messages with configurable wording

and multilingual support are sent when processes

are completed, started, or stopped; errors occur; or

performance lags behind a set threshold. Notifications a

browser based and accessible remotely by any compute

mobile device with internet connectivity.

ConfigurationUsers can configure key operational characteristics

including timeouts, error count thresholds, and heartbeat

intervals.

Host interfaceFastTrak is able to connect to any ERP or WMS host

operating on any platform. This powerful connection

features configurable source and destination endpoints

using TCP/IP sockets, FTP, shared tables, and remote

function calls.

Monitor system

operations with a PDA

or smartphone!


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Human machine interface(HMI)

HMIs display a graphic warehouse representation that

shows real-time behavior of each subsystem, details abouteach parcel, and process performance. HMIs allow users

to monitor and control operations.

DashboardThe dashboard is a graphic representation of pending

versus processed workload. Users can allocate work by

dragging and dropping tasks to different resources.

Spreadsheet reportingAll process, transaction, and exception log data is availab

as spreadsheet reports. These reports can be used for a

wide range of purposes including operator productivity,

machine performance reliability, audit trails, inventory, an

shipments. Reports are created by stored procedure call

to the FastTrak database from within the spreadsheet

environment. A wide range of standard reports are

available as well as custom reports to meet specific user

requirements.


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BatchingBatches are designed either to accomplish an immediate

business requirement such as consolidation of priority

shipment orders, or to provide an efficient pick walk path

through a limited region of the warehouse. Batches can

be designed based on custom criteria including shipping

carrier, packaging type, or pick cart/truck capacity.

Super batchesSuper batching is a labor effective method to pick large

quantities of single-piece orders. When items picked

in a super batch reach the outbound process, FastTrak

automatically assigns individual pieces to an outstanding

order using a reverse lookup.

Real-time dataOMS interfaces with the host in a fashion that assures

dynamic order, SKU, and replenishment data is current.

Drill downsThe OMS main screen shows active batches and their

progress. Batches drill down to individual orders and item

Parcel data is accessible by right-clicking any item. Histo

data shows the movement of items from picking to packi

to shipping.

InventoryFastTrak inventory management supports rules-based

putaway, replenishment, and picking. These sophisticate

activities are tailored to optimize the use of complex

automated material handling pick areas and conveyor

routing between them. Tasks are interleaved as appropri

and idle machine time is used for routine counting and re

stocking. FastTrak cartonization breaks multi-carton orde

into a carton fulfillment plan that minimizes pick area visi

for each individual carton of the order. Cartons are releas

to balance workload amongst the pick areas. FastTrak

provides automated post-pick carton consolidation.

Sorting, wave, and waveless

managementFastTrak coordinates wave and waveless picking by

assigning pickers to designated zones of a warehouse.

Picked items from different zones are consolidated into

their respective orders downstream. Waveless picking and

sorting provides a streamlined flow of orders through the

distribution center. Consolidation can be accomplished

using a wide range of high-speed sorting technologies or

pick/put-to-light systems.


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CartonizationCartonization decreases material, labor, and freight, cost with sustainable solutions. Cartonization is designed to analyze

orders and automatically determine their packaging needs based on business rules. For each order, the associated costs,

benefits, and sustainability of all possible packaging options are analyzed to create a cost model. The model compares

the cost of packaging materials, labor, equipment, freight, damage claims, and other related costs from picking to delivery.

These factors and the clients goals guide the cartonization system to make packaging decisions for each order. Using

software to make these important packaging decisions takes the

pressure off operators, improving throughput and consistenc

The cartonization system is able to determine packagin

needs as soon as orders are placed, so picking

and consumables replenishment can be done with

complete packaging foresight. To make these decisions

FastTrak determines and stores essential item information

Basic information is gathered via a dimensioning andweighing system. Additional data, based on busines

rules, is fully customizable for each item. Some of the

data the cartonizaton system analyzes includes:

Dimensions (LxWxH)

Weight

Fragility scale

Business rules

- High-end item

- Priority customer

Inform, automate, coordinate, integrate, and manage

Receiving

Stocking

Picking

Packing

Shipping

Sortation

Packaging automation

Conveyor routing

Advanced shipping notice

RFID

In-motion order fulfillment

In-motion print and apply

In motion manifesting


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In-motion packaging systemGRSI integrates all L1FTM functions including product, pack list, and document inserting; scanning and tracking; conveyor

routing; carton closing and taping; shipping label printing, applying, verifying, and manifesting; and shipping carrier sorting

FastTrak coordinates all operations into a streamlined in-motion packaging system.

Cartons with LPN barcodes

Cartons are automatically erected, each with

a unique license plate number (LPN) bar

code. FastTrak uses this unique LPN to track

packages throughout processing.

Cold sea

induction

Carton inductionPicked orders arrive at carton

induction. An operator scans each

orders bar code and scans the

cartons LPN. FastTrak associates the

carton with the order.

Pack list insertion andverification

Dynamic document insertion

Shipping label printing,applying, and verifying

Carton closingand taping


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Void fill and sealingAn operator inserts the proper

amount of void fill. The carton is

conveyed to an automated carton

sealer.

MergeSealed cartons are merged

with cold-seal orders for

shipping operations.

Cold seal lineWhen multi-piece orders arrive at the cold seal line, the operator scans each orders bar code and FastTrak associates the

order with an LPN printed on the cold seal substrate. The order is wrapped in the cold seal substrate and identified by its

LPN during subsequent processing. For single piece orders, the item bar code is scanned and FastTrak uses a reverse

lookup to associate the item with an outstanding order.


Final packaging and shippingSealed orders are conveyed to an in-motion scale andscanner. The order is weighed and its LPN is scanned.

Using the weight, FastTrak generates the appropriate

shipping label and the order is conveyed to a shipping

label printer applicator where the proper label is applied.

FastTrak scans the label to verify the integrity of its conte

and the order is conveyed to a shipping sorter.

In-motion weiging andscanning

Shipping label printing,applying, and verifying

Shipping carrier sorting


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Warehouse management and control plus(WM+)

FastTrak

WM+

Contact us for more information:

610-397-1050

[email protected]

Glen Road Systems, Inc.

401 East Elm Street, Suite 100

Conshohocken, PA 19428

610 397 1050

www.grsinc.com


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