SAP EWM add-ons (5.): Optimization of RF reception

Significant acceleration and simplification of the receiving process through a mobile application

Instead of 7 button presses to receive one handling unit, only one

We aim to maximize efficiency by handling the receiving process directly on the mobile terminal (known as RF – Radio Frequency). The warehouse worker operates solely with the RF reader, recording the physical status of the goods without the need for a computer.

Processing goods receipt is crucial, as its smooth execution ensures quick storage, making the stock easily available for shipping. Goods often arrive from suppliers on mixed pallets and can’t always be identified by scanning the EAN code. It’s necessary to quickly identify the goods, add required attributes (quantity, batch, expiration date, serial numbers), and determine the packing method.

The receiving process is repeated thousands of times, over and over. Even a small simplification can easily lead to significant time savings and, not least, a reduction in user errors.

Business case

The standard mobile terminal receiving application is designed in a rather general way to support processes across various industries. However, from our experience in both retail and manufacturing, we know it forces workers through unnecessary steps and lacks elements of clarity and ergonomics. Moreover, it fails to address some crucial processes that our customers repeatedly request.

RF-based receiving has its drawbacks, such as:

• Its processing is spread over 6 application screens
• Up to 7 buttons need to be pressed on the touch screen terminal
• It does not allow value selections for fields such as batch, packaging type, etc.
• If the EAN of the goods cannot be scanned, adding the item becomes complicated.
• Does not allow the reception of a mixed handling unit(until version 2023)

mib:solution

Our modifications to the receiving application have significantly shortened, sped up, and clarified the processing:

• Only 4 screens are involved in the reception process instead of 6
• Receiving the second and any subsequent items within the same delivery now takes place on just one screen (instead of the standard four).
• Minimized number of buttons required to complete the reception
• If the EAN of the goods cannot be scanned, there is a drop-down list of open items with the option for quick search (e.g., by part of the item name)
• Quantity check and validation against the open amount is done immediately (rather than only after entering the packaging type)
• Validation of each scanned serial number is done immediately (rather than only when saving the entire list).
• Start of the application for checking master data when receiving a new item
• Automation of handling unit type proposal
• Option to create a mixed handling unit for easier subsequent storage.
• Receipt closure operation – capturing the moment when the warehouse worker has counted all the physical quantities. This operation is completely missing in the standard receipt process. At this point, we perform a quantity completeness check and, if necessary, allow for automatic adjustment of the received delivery items.
• Option to receive damaged goods into blocked stock

Consultation

Are you interested in a consultation regarding this solution? Feel free to contact us.