SHARK WMS Cloud

Edition

SHARK WMS Cloud is a hosted Warehouse Management System supporting both static storage like shelving and pallets, as well as automation equipment like vertical lifts and conveyors.

The software is subscribed as a cloud service. The number of users and options are flexible from 1 and upwards and covering a broad range of applications.

SHARK is designed from the idea, that huge saving in cost and time can be achieved by optimizing the performance of the warehouse by minimizing the manual work that has to be done. This is done by finding optimal storage locations for each article, by controlling the sequence of orders to be picked and by supporting automation equipment that improves the speed. SHARK is based on advanced algorithms that optimise location usages, picking speed and space utilization, all hidden for the normal user but still working to improve the working speed.

Another important issue is the quality of the warehouse operations, it is expensive to pick the wrong article and therefore SHARK supports control  functions, like barcodes, pick-to-light systems and other techniques that ensures the right article at the right place.

The system is easy to use for the normal operator, fast to learn and with intuitive functionality, so new operators can be trained to the system with a short introduction.

Supported work processes in the warehouse:

SHARK has strong features for control of automated storage like vertical lifts (automats), where built-in functions optimizes the picking speed, storage utilization and support of advanced functions. SHARKs batch picking (picking more than one order á time), improves picking speed dramatically, because waiting time can be reduced to a minimum or even completely removed. This because SHARK optimise the sequence of order lines and orders, so the  equipment can be operated as fast as possibly. All automats are operating in parallel, so while the operator picks in one automat, the other machines are busy retrieving the next articles.

Article Master Data

The master data for all articles are stored in the Article Master Database. Master Data is all the information that defines the article, like bar codes, dimensions, weight, etc. SHARK can work with very little information, the article number is actually enough, but more information makes it possible to automate more functions. The data can be edited directly in SHARK, using the Article Browser or can be maintained by the Host System.

Article Master Data: Article number, alternative article number, description, dimensions, weight, preferred location types, EAN code, article groups.

Picking Rate: Picking rate group A/B/C. A calculate value from historical data and a possibility of overriding the class manually, either in the Article Data Editor or by setting the information from the Host system.

Storage Strategy: Fixed, floating (chaotic), FIFO (First-In First-out). Set for each article with a system default value.

Dimensions: Height, Width, Length.

Weight: Weight of the article.

Owner: Multiple article owners supported for third-part logistics. Articles with the same article number, but different owners will be kept separated.

Search function: Search for article by number, alternative number, description or EAN code.

Functions: Create, delete, search,and change.

Batch number: Articles can be saved and retrieved with batch (lot) numbers. A date is also assigned to the batch number.

Serial numbers: Registration of serial numbers when picked, stored or both. A trace option for tracing the serial numbers on locations.

Replenishment Information: For each article, it can be specified in what location types the article should go, the quantity that fits on each location type  and in which zones the article should be stored. Quantities can be calculated from the physical dimensions. For each zone minimum stock, replenishment quantity and maximum can be specified.

Package Size Information: Support for different package  sizes.

Multi-item Update: It is possible to select a number of articles with common attributes and make an update for all articles in one step.

Miscellaneous Information: 5 fields can be used for additional information defined by the user.

In the Article Browser all the master data can be viewed and edited.

Location Management

Location management is how SHARK manages the physical space of the warehouse.

Strategy: Fixed, floating (chaotic), FIFO (First-In First-out). A default value is set for the system, but the strategy can be set individually for each article.

Parameters used finding the optimal location:

  1. Storage strategy for the article (FIFO, Fixed, Floating).
  2. The zones where the article is set to be stored (replenishment data).
  3. Location sizes and location quantities. The system will try to find a location with minimum waste of space.
  4. Rules for Package sizes.
  5. The ABC picking rate class. The system will try to find a location with the correct picking rate classification.
  6. Batch number, will not be mixed on the same location.
  7. For special parameters are available for spreading goods between machines and trays. This is a trade-off between speed, space utilization and security.

Finding locations: Can either be automatically controlled where SHARK finds the optimal location or user controlled.

Barcodes: Barcodes can be used on locations, articles, etc.

Put-away (floating): SHARK suggest a new location at put-away. The operator may override the suggestion or split the operations on more than one location if required.

Put-away (fixed location): SHARK will always suggest the same location, this can be overridden by the operator.

Put-away (FIFO): SHARK will always suggest a new location to avoid mixing articles from different batches on the same location.

Zones: Multiple zones supported.

Work Groups: Work groups can be defined to group one or more zones. This is used for example to control parallel and/or serial picking of orders in several areas of the warehouse.

Location naming: max 7 levels. The structure is defined and SHARK generates the location addresses by naming rules. This ensure consistent location addresses and system knowledge about the layout.

  1. Zone name - automat - tray - location on tray (row,  col).
  2. Zone name - aisle - section - shelf - location on shelf (row, col) Formatting rules can be defined to set the exact location address format. Example: A3-15-D3 (Zone A, Automat 3, tray 15, location in tray:  D3).

Layout editor: A graphical configuration tool makes it easy to define the warehouse layout.

Tray layout (): Default tray types are created using s graphical editor. This makes it easy to create even complex layouts. This is later used when picking, to show a graphical view of the tray for the operator. Also used for controlling pick-by-light systems in automats.

Location Concept: Default each article type (SKU) on unique locations. Each article type can be put on more than one location. In case batch/lot numbers are used, there can be stored none or one batch number per location. Mixed locations (eg. mix-pallets) with multiple SKUs on individually locations is possible, but space management must then be handled manually.

Buffer Locations: A location can be defined as a buffer location. This means it will not be used as primary picking location and replenishment job list will be created, with pick location that needs replenishment from a buffer location.

Blocking Locations: Locations can be blocked, permanently or temporarily. A blocked location will not be used for picking orders or for storage.

Quality Inspection: A location can be marked for quality inspection. This means it cannot be picked by normal orders until the items are approved.

Configuration of locations with a graphical editor for tray layouts.

Manual Transactions

Functions for pick and put-away without orders and to make stock adjustments. This are all transactions performed without control from a host system. All transactions made without orders may be reported back to a Host system.

For simple solutions, operating without control from a Host, this window may be the only function used for picking and storing.

Search: Find an article by number, description or location.

Pick: Simple picking without  orders.

Search free location: Find a free location of the requested  type.

Put-away: Articles can be stored based on existing locations or on new locations.

Stock Adjustment: The article count for a specific location can be   adjusted.

Order attachment: It is possibly to perform manual pick and put operations and assign them an existing order or create a new (PC  only).

Label printing: Labels can be printed, default label is an article label.

Reason codes: It is possibly to assign a reason code to a manual transaction as well as some text - for example an order number. This is useful for example for production warehouses, where it can be required to store surplus material from the production or to pick missing parts.

The Manual Transaction Window for the PC client showing a location in a vertical lift tray.

The Manual Transaction Window for the PDA Client. 

Transaction Log

All transactions and operations that influence the stock are logged in the transaction log.

Sorting: The log is shown in chronological  order, last on top.

Searching: It is possibly to search in time intervals, for a specific article number, order number, location, transport box or by operator name.

Filter: See only one order, article, location, batchnumber or operator.

Transaction types logged: All (pick, store, adjust in various types).

Export: The log may be exported in an Excel or text file.

System Log

The system log is used for maintenance. For example will all errors from hardware be logged, host files imported, etc. All SHARK modules use the same log, it is thereby easy to search for specific events and correlate events from different sources.

Sorting: The log is shown in chronological  order.

Filter: Filter for error source, error type, error number and in specific time intervals.

Language

SHARK support different languages.

Languages: English, Czech, German, French, Spanish, Danish, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Swedish, Spanish.

Changing language: The language can be changed in the configuration. The program must be restarted after language is changed to make effective.

Mixed languages: Yes, individual languages can be set for each PC or PDA.

Order Pick and Put­-away

Picking and storing goods by orders.

Batch picking: Batch picking is supported where several orders are picked in parallel. The batch is floating, meaning that new orders can be added and removed at any time. This ensures when using automats, that the batch may contains a suitable number of lines for optimal speed.

Sequence Optimization (Automats): The pick lines are sorted for optimal picking speed. For automats, picks from the same tray is picked together, then to minimize waiting time, automats are selected in sequence depending on when the trays are present in th opening. The location sequence can be set independent of the location address, set by a sequence number.

Sequence Optimization (Shelving): The location sequence can be set independently of the location address by setting a sequence number.

Confirmation: The selected method for pick and store confirmation can be selected freely. Supported are (one or more): by the enter key, article number, location code, order number, transport box number, confirmation button on automats. Different configurations for pick and store in automats and in shelving.

Order Creation: Orders are typical received from an external Host System, but they can also be created in SHARK.

Batch put-away: Articles can be stored batched in a job with similar advantages as with batch picking.

Put-away Orders: A put-away order is used to define what to store. The order can be imported from an Host system by SHARK Link.

Finding new locations: SHARK has a number of methods to find the optimal location for the article. This might depend on picking frequency, relation to other articles, size, etc.

Labels: A label can be printed either automatically or on demand at pick or put-away. The layout and content of the label can be  customized.

Quick Store without order (Automats): Store an article by scanning an article number and entering the quantity. An internal order will be created. Proceed to register multiple put-away operations before starting the actual work. This improves working speed when multiple automats are available, because the tray can be fetched in parallel.

Quick Store with order (Automats): Store an article by scanning an article number, a possible purchase/store order will be used. Proceed to register multiple put-away operations before starting the actual work. This improves working speed when multiple automats are available, because the tray then can be fetched in parallel.

Quick Pick without order (Automats): Pick an article by scanning or entering an article number. Proceed to register multiple picks before actually picking the goods.

Pick List: SHARK is by design a paperless system, but still supports paper picking lists. Multiple orders can be picked on one list. The list is confirmed after picking by scanning a barcode on the list. This feature can be used in areas without WIFI coverage.

Example: Pick 1 pcs from the automat AA3 to trolley 01, position 02.

Pick Carts

Integrated support for pick carts (trolleys). A pick cart is typical a standard trolley with a number of positions, each with a box, but it can also be a pallet on a truck or similar methods of batching (grouping) orders used to move the goods around in the warehouse.

Number of pick carts: Unlimited.

Number of positions on the pick cart: Unlimited.

Boxes: Each position may contain one or more boxes. Each box contains one order. An order may be picked in one or more  boxes.

Assignment of orders to a pick cart: Automatically based on order priority and release state. Manually selected by the operator. Filter function for order type (only  one order type, on one trolley).

Pick-by-light: Smart pick carts with pick-by-light functionality are supported. SHARK controls light indicators on the pick carts and confirmation is done using a push button. Thereby barcode scanning can be avoided.

Host controlled: The host may specify a pick-cart position allowing import of pick carts created in an external system.

Host Confirmation: The confirmation back to the Host system may contain box, and pick cart information in case the cart has to be processed in another system.

User Management

Authentication: Users must logon to the system by user name and password (empty password supported).

Authentication Levels: Operator, Administrator, System. Different operator groups possible, with individual access rights.

Login with Barcode: The system may print a special barcode, supporting fast login without password. The barcode allows immediate user change without leaving the current function or previous logout (PC clients only).

Login with Cards: By connecting a USB Card Reader, a standard card can be used for login on PCs. The card can be “recorded” in SHARK to recognize it later.

Pick Front

The pick front is a place from where operators (or robots) can pick and store goods from containers like pallets, totes or boxes coming from an Automat Storage and Retrival Systems (ASRS), AGVs or similar automation. It might also be manually done by an operator using a PDA showing a “transfer job list”.

Pick Front

Order Management

An order in SHARK is a collection of order lines. Each order line is again split into one or more transactions that specify how to pick or put one order line. More than one transaction can be needed to fulfill one order line (for example if more than one location is needed to pick the total required quantity).

Order main types: Pick, put and adjustments. Internal transport using orders (stock moving) is a combination of a pick and put order.

Order subtypes: For each major order type, sub order types can be defined with specific order type information, default priority and name. Examples of sub types could: sales order, production order, web order, shop order, etc.

Order priority: Each order has a default priority, an operator defined priority and a dynamic priority defined by the system. The later may be used to collect orders that shares picking locations or trays to optimize the working  process.

Order information: Order number, delivery note, delivery information (customer, address, etc), notes, delivery/created/received/pickstart/pickend dates, Miscellaneous fields 1-10 for customized information, priority, shipment information, tour.

Basic order states: Waiting, Partly Picked, Cancelled, OK (finish), Consolidated.

Order release: Orders must be released before they can be picked. This can be done automatically or manually. The order release functionality makes it possibly for an administrator to control what to pick next (for example all orders that must go with a specific tour). When an order is released, it reserves the required stock.

Work Planner

The Work Planner is used to plan the work. It shows numbers of waiting order lines for each work group, how many operators that are working right now and when work will be finished. It is also possible to make estimations by entering the scheduled number of people in the work group, then reschedule the workers to meet the target.

Calculates: Time remaining, finish time.

Parameters: Estimated picks pr. hour in each work group. Scheduled number of workers.

Operator Display: Shows all active workers with PC or terminal name and the last operation they have performed.

Manual Orders

Orders are typical received from a host system, but they can also be entered directly into the system.

The PDA Application

SHARK has 2 client types, a PC based with the full functionality, taking advance of the large PC screen size and a more simple, but transportable, PDA client for small and handy devices.

The PDA has a smaller screen than an ordinary PC and no keyboard, so the functionality is designed for this. The following functions are available on the PDA:

Order selection (batch pick):

Batch pick/put window: Select orders manually or activate a pick cart (batch of orders).

Manual Pick/Store/Adjust without orders:

Information: read a order number, transport box number, article number or position number and the PDA shows known information about the item.

Simple Goods Reception: Articles can be received directly on the PDA. Limited functionality for setting master data.

Storing goods with a pallet ID:

Quick Receive: Receive and store goods immediately on a location.

Replenishment: Internal transfer of goods with task list for replenishment, ware picking and similar processes.

Inventorying: Stock counting by orders.

Shipment: Simple shipment can be done directly on the PDA.

Printers: Printer support for stationary or transportable label printers. Menu available for assigning the PDA to a specific printer. The printers are connected to PCs that work as device servers.

The PDA main menu.

Goods Reception

In the Goods Reception incoming goods are registered and the optimal locations are found before the goods are stored. Cross-docking, incoming inspection, serial and batch number registration are also handled here.

Features:

Order registration: A purchase or put-away orders are received from an ERP system or created manually. When received the operator enters the order number, the article number or EAN number and select the right order from a list, if there are more than one match.

Finding location: SHARK may find the locations for put-away automatically (by supplied replenishment information like zone, location type, package size) or the operator can select put-away zones manually. The articles can be put into a box with a barcode that later is used for fast identification in the put-away process. The box can be scanned directly to a trolley position.

Labels: Labels can be generated by SHARK for boxes and pallets.

Cross-docking: If one or more picking orders exists, waiting for the article that are received, the operator can decide to pick the article for the orders immediately in the goods reception window and thereby avoid a time and work costly store-pick process.

Mix Pallets: Multiple article types (SKU’s) can be collected on one pallet using the mix-pallet functionality. The pallet can either be received as a mixed-pallet or build during goods reception.

Consolidation and Shipment

In the consolidation and shipment module, articles picked in different zones for the same order are collected and optional checked if they are picked correctly. Furthermore they can be packed and labels can be generated for the packing.

The transport of goods from goods reception to the storage area and back again to consolidation are important to optimize. One simple solution is to use trolleys with boxes to organize and move the goods around. This is a fully supported strategy.

Paper: Delivery note or packing list. Address or box label.

Merging of picking boxes: Collect orders picked in several boxes or zones.

Integration to freight systems: nShift(Consignor) (on-premise, server), Logtrade, Ingrid. Standard XML files can be generated for external freight systems. Script support for cloud based systems.

Integrated Inventorying

Module for continuous cycle counting. Counting is done using orders either generated internally in SHARK or received from a Host.

Counting orders: An unlimited number of counting orders can be generated.

Counting with paper lists: Lists for counting can be printed, optional with a barcode. The barcode can later be used for fast report back of the result.

Counting directly on screen: Counting can be done directly on the screen, where the location can be shown, and for automats, the tray can be retrieved automatically.

Re-counting: An unlimited number of recounts can be  performed.

User administration: Normal users have no access to update the actual stock level.

Stock update: The actual stock update is done under administrator control and first when the counting has been approved.

Reports: Difference reports can be generated.

Host commitment: The final stock can be reported back to the Host System.

Location management: The inventory system keeps track of last access time, store time and inventory time for each location.

No blocking: Locations are not blocked while counting. This means it is possible to pick and count in the same area in the warehouse.

Reports and Statistics

A number of reports can be generated by the  system.

Stock: Lists of all articles in the system.

Tray statistic: Shows information about tray utilization and picking rates.

System log: Log of all system events.

Transaction log: All transactions that influence the stock are logged and can be printed.

Pick statistics: Picks/put-aways per day/month/year/zone/user. Graphical displayed.

Printer: Reports can be printed to a Windows printer.

Export: Reports can be exported as CSV or Excel files.

Customized Reports: User specific reports can be  designed. SHARK supports Jasper Report for designing complex reports, including delivery notes and other similar documents.

Example: Pick statistic for each hour during the day. Select order type, user etc., date

Storage Manager

The Storage Manager is a tool to optimize the placement of articles in the warehouse. It can for example be used to pin-point articles stored at wrong locations and generate internal transfer orders to move the articles to new locations. Also useful for other operations like finding locked locations, checking and modifying picking sequence numbers, etc.

Column Selections: The display has many available columns. The visible columns can be selected and stored as a setup.

Available columns: Zone, Location, Article, Description, Qty, Location Type, Mix location flag, Locked flag, Picks from this locations, Put-aways to this location, Pick Rate Area, Articke pick rate class, Placement (eg. A-B is an A article on a B location), Transaction sum, Sequence number (location pick sequence), Articles/location (SKU’s on this location), Last transaction (last time this location was accessed), Check digits (voice and simple confirmation without barcode), Has carrier (registration of empty pallet).

Statistics table: Shows articles, Location and Transactions for the whole warehouse, the current filtered locations and the selected ones.

Export: Export the data as an Excel file.

Host Integration

ERP and other external Host Systems can be interfaced by a REST API or XML files as standard. The REST API is the preferred method for cloud solutions. Extensive script support allows other integrations to be implemented, standard scripts can be used for simple ASCII import.

File integration requires local software running for to get access to the local folders where the files are running. This can either be a standard SHARK client, configured for file exchange or it can be installed as a Windows Service.

REST API: REST Web Service with support for order creation, maintenance of article master data and other functions for a tight integration of SHARK with other software packages. Confirmation back to a host system by polling or by webhooks.

File format: XML files in SHARK XML format or ASCII files in fixed length, CSV formats (using scripts). See the SHARK Host Link documentation for further  description.

XSLT: XSLT stylesheets is supported for easy integration with external XML formats.

Confirmation types: When order is completed, line-by-line, transaction-by-transaction or when order is consolidated.

Inventory: Stock counting lists can be imported from an external system (an ERP system can for example decide what to count). Stock status can be exported to an external system.

Synchronization: Selectable import delay, default 15 seconds, minimum is 5 seconds. Typical synchronization time is less than 30 seconds.

Other formats: SHARK has builtin support for scripting interfaces to external systems. The scripting language is Groovy.

Customization

Customization’s like special functionality, reports, etc. can be made on request. Fully customized software is also possible, Groovy scripting is supported in certain areas.

Technology

SHARK is a cloud based solution (SaaS). It supports control of and interface to hardware by using one or more local PC’s as device servers. This technology allows all clients, both Windows and Browser based, to access the hardware. It supports interface to label printers, scanners, pick-by-light, ERP/Host systems using shared folders, automation hardware like vertical lifts, conveyors, etc.

Hosting: The server is hosted in the cloud. Data is stored on two different physical locations at mirrored MicroSoft SQL Servers with automatic fail over.

Security: All Internet communication is through an encrypted connection (HTTPS).

Backup: Data are stored on several locations. On request a copy of the database can be provided (Microsoft SQL Server format).

Migration: On request the installation can be moved to a local server (on-premise).

Online System: SHARK is an online solution with immediate update of all transactions. Wireless terminals using WIFI requires a stable network connection.

PDA Terminals: The PDA software is web based and running in an Internet browser.

PCs: The client is started from a web page on a Windows PC. It is downloaded and cached in user space and automatically updated, when a new version is available.

System Requirements

To make use of SHARK the following requirements must be met.

Network Connection: A good stable Internet connection is required. Because it is running in the cloud a mobile connection can be used se well as Wifi.

Client PC: The PC running the SHARK Client software must have Windows 10/8/7, Windows Server 2003/2008/2012 installed. Minimum memory is 2 GBytes of RAM and the screen resolution must as a minimum be 1024x768 (1280x1024 recommended).

PDA Terminals: Terminal can be iPads, Android devices or classical terminals from for example Motorola or Intermec. Windows tables or labtops works also fine. Especially for devices with small screens, it is recommended to check the device for compatibility issues before start. For small screens some fields may be hidden.

Internet Browser: SHARK requires HTML5 browser support (all newer browsers).

PDA Barcode Scanning: If barcodes are used, the terminal must support barcode scanners, either a built-in scanner or an external bluetooth scanner.

Barcode Equipment

Most installations use barcodes.

Label Printers

The system is delivered with a standard set of labels that can be configured.

Printer types: Most label printers are supported for printing barcodes, order labels, pick labels, etc. SHARK is delivered with predefined labels written in the ZPL language for Zebra label printers and compatibles. SHARK is tested with Zebra GX420.

Label layout: Label printers are controlled in their native language and not using the Windows Printer Drivers for formatting, This provide high quality levels, printed with maximum speed.

Barcode Scanners

WCS - Warehouse Automation

SHARK has an integrated Warehouse Control System, that is used for controlling automation hardware.

Vertical Lifts

Built-in support for many types of vertical lifts.

Lift Types: Logimat SLL, Logimat HLL, Leanlift, ClassicMat, CompactLift, Kardex Shuttle, Rotomat, Effimat, Tornado. Due to many versions of the hardware, customization might be required for the specific machine.

Pick-by-light: Yes, may control a pointer or light marking in the machine pointing to the pick position.

Tray tilt: Yes, if available.

Multiple openings: Yes. Each opening has an individual PC and can used independently of each other.

Working height: If supported by the lift, each user may set a preferred height of the tray from the floor.

Turbo/Dual mode: Pre-fetch of next tray supported if available.

Tray locking: Each tray can be locked in case of mechanical issues with a specific tray. Picks will be re-allocated to other available locations if possible (Shark also supports mirroring of the stock in multiple machines).

Lift locking: A lift can be locked in case it is not available. This can be during service intervals or mechanical problems. Picks will be re-allocated to other available locations if possible (Shark also supports mirroring of the stock in multiple machines).

Tray protection: It is possible to protect specific trays for access. Only authorized users may fetch the tray.

Vertical Lift Simulator: A simulator is available for testing.

Easy configuration of Vertical Lifts

Pick-by-light

Pick-by-light: Support for pick-by-light systems from KBS and SSI Schäfer (Pick Faces).

Conveyors

Conveyors: General conveyor module.

Contact us for more information.

Mobile Racks

There is built-in support for mobile racking.

Types: SSI Mobile Racks with support for WMS control.

Multiple Users: Yes. The system handles multiple PDA users in the same mobile rack zone and will optimize the access to minimize the access time.

AGV’s

General AGV modules that can be used for integration to an AGV traffic controller. The AGV will move pallets from and to a Pick Front from where the operator will do the picking.

Types: Linde, Toyota, Balyo.