Nutech's Future Three Scanning Module acts as an interface between Viewpoint and Future Three. It increases the functionality of picking and shipping transactions, allowing more control and accuracy with order picking.

Electronic shipper documents from Future Three are pulled into the Scanning Module, where the picking process is controlled and tracked. The Scanning Module accesses shipping information from the ERP, eliminating the need for separate software to perform this function. Once picking is complete and the shipper is ready, the order is extracted back to Future Three for the shipment process and the information is captured in Viewpoint for entry into the ERP system.

Functions Offered

Nutech's Scanning Module supports all Future Three programs, including Shipper Maintenance, Print Shipping Papers, and Shipping in the ERP.

Once a shipper is downloaded from Future Three, the Scanning Module will:

• Track its current status,
• Stop employees from picking the incorrect item,
• Prevent employees from over-picking or under-picking,
• Provide access to Future Three functions, directly from the screens within the Scanning Module.

Benefits

The Scanning Module offers significant benefits for the picking and shipping process.

• Significantly improves picking and shipping accuracy,
• Supports the functionality of Autoscan or replaces it completely,
• Offers very easy-to-use screens,
• Validates online inventory and prevents other errors,
• Requires no modification of any Future Three programs,
• Does not update any Future Three files directly,
• Provides customizable scanning programs,
• Offers the capacity to use the receiving and production labels in the picking/shipping process,
• Ensures use of valid serial numbers for picking,
• Verifies location for removing items to add to a shipper.

How It Works

The Scanning Module works closely with Future Three and Viewpoint. The process follows these steps:

• Shippers are created in Future 3 and downloaded to the Nutech Scanning Module.
• The supervisor enters a range of shippers for which to create picks. These shippers are temporarily recorded from the Future Three Shipper files and a different pick is created for each shipper number.
• The picks are performed using wireless handheld devices. As the picks are performed, the supervisor monitors the status of each shipper. When completed, the shipper is marked as picked.
• The supervisor then triggers printing of the shipping papers in Future Three and the shipper is marked as Closed. Once the shipment physically leaves the building, the supervisor updates Viewpoint to remove all scanned inventory from Viewpoint and remove the shipper from the list.

Transactions

There are three transactions performed in the Scanning Module for Future Three.

1. Managing Shippers. The Scanning Module guides the picking of Future Three shippers. It allows supervisors to download, maintain, complete and check status of shippers in Future Three and Viewpoint. The module fronts the picking and shipping process to ensure quantities directly reflect the requirements of the shipper. As changes are made to downloaded shipper information, they are automatically updated in Future Three.
2. Picking Shippers. Using wireless handheld devices, employees pick items and scan the labels, based on the picks generated from Future Three shipper files. The handheld's screen lists all open shippers generated by the shift supervisor. For each open shipper, the shipper number, customer, destination and requirement date are listed. For each line, the item number, quantity ordered, and quantity outstanding are listed for picking, along with a location where they can be picked based on FIFO. As items are picked, the quantity is updated on the screen.
3. Printing Labels. At any time during the picking process, labels may be printed. Serial numbers are created within the Scanning Module for the number of labels required. The system then prints the labels according to specified label type and content.

Supervisor and Picker Functions

The Scanning Module supports two view functions: a picker function, which is accessed from the screens on a handheld device, and a supervisor function, accessed from a networked computer.

• Supervisors. Supervisors can view shippers by date, customer or order number. As the products are picked and shippers are compiled, the supervisor can view the progress on the job. The supervisor can maintain shippers, view the status of lines on picks, print the shipping papers, and complete the shipper. The system shows details on inventory levels as the picking is completed.
• Pickers. As the picking and shipping process occurs, Nutech's Scanning Module ensures that picked quantities directly reflect the order. The picker can view all open shippers created by the supervisor, including shipper number, customer, destination and requirement date. The picker can also access additional detail on each shipper - item number, quantity ordered and quantity outstanding. The screen will show a location to pick from, based on FIFO. As items are picked, the totals are updated on the screen.

Technical Specifications

Nutech's Scanning Module works with any standard installation of Future Three. It can also be used either with or without the use of EDI applications performing the same function.

For more information about this and other Nutech products,
please contact the sales department at 800-830-8058.