Wireless Computers and a warehouse management system (WMS) help Aims Logistics' stay in touch with shipments.
Going the extra mile in meeting clients' requirements for timely, accurate data and on-time delivery of shipments has long been a major benefit of AIM's Logistics'. It's no wonder, then, that this 28-year-old company found the necessity of deploying a warehouse management application based on wireless technology.
Headquartered in Huntington, VA, AIM Logistics offers general warehousing/distribution, contract packaging/management, fulfillment, reverse logistics, and transportation services to manufacturers nationwide.
Until recently, all data pertaining to the arrival and storage of shipments at AIM Logistical Warehouses, as well as information about shipments dispatched to customers, was recorded manually and re-keyed into its master database. Management has increasing demand from customers for real-time status of shipments.
EccoTek Computers was able to automate data entry through the addition of wireless computers integrated into an enhanced version of their existing warehouse management system [WMS]. Per by Don Stevens, senior vice president, AIM's business development team, EccoTek provided significant savings working with AIM to develop its own warehouse management application written in-house for their legacy IBM AS400 host servers. Per Don, from start-up the new wireless system demonstrated improved efficiencies and reduced human error.
Rugged Wireless Devices Handle Warehouse Applications
Wireless computers from three manufacturers were evaluated. However we favored LXE Inc.'s VX1 and MX3 handheld computers because of their simple configuration routines and the superior construction which we believe will provide longer performance and reliability," states Greg Smith, AIM Logistics' IT Manager. Greg also stated, “LXE’s durability was proven during a demonstration where they emerged undamaged from submersion in a sink of water and a six-foot drop to a hard surface. The company has fully deployed the system at three of its warehouses. Rollouts are presently underway at facilities in Champaign, IL and Lancaster, PA. Implementation at the remaining warehouses will occur down the road.
All warehouses use a combination of VX1s and MX3s mounted on forklifts. The MX3s may also be removed from vehicles for use in handheld mode. Employees are able to use the LXE’s to access and verify pallet picking and put-away instructions, as well as to enter and transmit to the server such data as activity time and location.
Boost Efficiency, Accuracy
Don Stevens says the migration to the automated WMS has significantly bolstered AIM's operating efficiencies. Don estimates "Full forklifts mean 30% to 40% better productivity,” Additionally, because information is received by the system in real time, AIM and its clients can receive accurate, real-time shipment status reports. "Knowing for certain what occurred when allows us to exceed customer expectations with regard to inventory accuracy, as well as to timeliness of information and shipping,"
Wireless Infrastructure
The project specifications for AIM's wireless LAN deployment included segmentation for future expansion, providing Cisco Firewall and Cisco Switches. The wireless LAN had to incorporate strong security and meet the needs of future expansion. Adding to the challenge the project required installation of all of the supporting equipment for the wireless LAN.
The Wireless Switch System from Cisco met all of AIM's criteria:
The Cisco 1230 Wireless Access Ports were the specific components that were selected from Cisco's Wireless Switch System family of products.
The Cisco a wireless delivered advanced wireless services and connectivity without compromising network security. It provided an architecture that is scalable to grow as the needs of AIM's corporate growth expands. The Wireless 11 Mbps IEEE 802.11b Access Ports supports all certified devices. Along with its enhanced functionality and mobility management, the advanced technology in the Wireless Switch System centralizes control and management functions for the wireless network.
Cisco Access Ports were connected through built-up power distribution devices back to the Wireless Switch System. The security policies in the wireless switches ensured that the only access was to designated devices. This prevented local intruders from being able to go directly through the network and attack connected users. It also limited use of the wireless LAN as a local communication medium for only local users.
With the right choice of a wireless LAN infrastructure, like the one at AIM's, the system works well even in the most demanding of environments. Workers filled orders wirelessly from the work floor, while other users moved inventory though wireless access. Security policies enabled by the wireless protected operation’s network.
With 10 years experience in wireless design and industrial warehouse applications, our design capabilities and expertise lead the field in data automation and network design. EccoTek will assemble the right mix of hardware, software and networks to deliver a solution as unique as your business. EccoTek, Inc. provides turnkey solutions to manufacturing and warehousing facilities with automated data collection and mobile computing needs. EccoTek is a full service hardware, software and solutions provider with clients ranging from mid-market to fortune 500 companies.
