nd ensures there will be no dead areas. Concurrent with this project, we also had to implement a bar code label project so that the RF scanners had information they could read. We had purchased and installed the label printers and software the prior year, we now had to review each of our labels to determine if they were compatible with the RF scanners and contained all the required information. In addition to labels containing product information, we would also need to assign bar codes labels to each rack location. When picking and moving stock to and from a location, warehouse personnel must verify the location they are working in. We needed to ensure this was a simple and easily understandable process to gain employee acceptance.The RF survey and our process documentation were returned to the WMS project manager to develop program and warehouse strategy documents. In this process, the project manager evaluates and matches our requirements to the RF and WMS systems capabilities. Several documents are generated. One document identifies the settings required within each software program, and what if any, customization is required. A second document outlines the warehouse process flows from an informational perspective.Our next step was to review the documentation to ensure all processes were detailed. One of the biggest uncertainties when using an off-the-shelf program is that the operation is more complex than what the system was originally designed to handle. No doubt the operation is complex and unique, but that is not necessarily good way. There are pros and cons associated with choosing an off-the-shelf program over a custom built program. Specifically, the implementation time is considerably shorter with an off-the-shelf program. It also guarantees there will be support available if and when problems are encountered. The down side is that adaptability, though typically robust, still has limitations that prohibit cus...
