The BCS Polska warehouse system is an IT platform for data collection in logistics and production processes using automatic identification solutions, enabling mobile execution of WMS, ERP, and MES system functions anywhere in the enterprise via terminals and label printers. By using barcodes or RFID technology, the system allows for a significant reduction in data entry errors, and the use of portable data collectors with WLAN communication allows this data to be collected anywhere in the enterprise and updated in real-time in the central system.
Business problems – implementation goal
The goal of implementing the BCS Polska warehouse system was to support logistics processes taking place at the Velkom warehouse related to third-party logistics services, and in particular to eliminate errors in goods identification during picking, track production batch numbers, manage warehouse space, eliminate paper documents in warehouse operations, and provide selected information to external contractors via a B2B web platform.
Implementation process
The system implemented at Velkom is a version of the BCS Polska warehouse system adapted for handling general cargo (distribution) warehouses, where goods are stored in packaging or loose, without the need to build logistics units. This solution provides support for all required warehouse processes (deliveries, picking, shipments, inventories, internal warehouse movements), and also provides the ability to cooperate with external contractors by providing information on current stock levels and allows for placing orders and viewing their status. The BCS Polska warehouse system at Velkom runs on Motorola MC9090 portable terminals in a wireless network infrastructure also based on Motorola AP5131 devices. The implementation included a comprehensive delivery of the IT system and devices, as well as warehouse labeling services.
Work began in mid-2010 with a business analysis of functional requirements, based on which the system design was prepared. It included a summary of the required functionality, a description of individual use scenarios reflecting the processes being implemented, a technical design of the system, a description of interfaces to external financial and accounting systems of Velkom’s contractors, and a project risk analysis. After the design was approved, specialists from BCS Polska proceeded to implementation work, which finalized internal system tests and the declaration of readiness to start the implementation at the Client’s site. In the meantime, hardware consultants configured and installed the devices and network infrastructure, and also performed warehouse labeling in accordance with the concept agreed upon in the design. Implementation at the Client’s location included the installation of the BCS Polska warehouse system, its stabilization (implementation of reported changes and reservations), and interface tests with external financial and accounting systems. After the stabilization work was completed and readiness for launch was declared, in the first quarter of 2011, user training, zero inventory, and the production start of the system took place with several days of assistance from BCS Polska consultants.
Business benefits
Thanks to the use of barcodes and portable computers, the system allowed for easy, fast, and error-free data collection, which translated into increased quality and speed of operations, the elimination of paper documentation, and the ability to analyze the flow of goods broken down by production batches. It was also possible to manage storage space more effectively. The implementation of the BCS Polska warehouse system resulted in the rational use of Velkom’s potential and the creation of new development opportunities.
The implementation was carried out based on global GS1 standards. Combining them with an integrated B2B platform allowed for raising the level of services offered and facilitated the possibility of concluding new contracts with business entities.