SAP Business One wms22/4/2024 Discover a reliable WMS solution trusted by SAP Business One customers worldwide. Our cutting-edge technology empowers businesses to excel in critical operational areas, ensuring seamless efficiency and maximum profitability.
Transform your warehouse management with The RIC Group's proven solution today. 'Build a better bottom line with The RIC Group' Cluster picking and wave picking are two different methods used in warehouse management solution and order fulfillment to optimize the process of picking items for orders. Here is a brief overview of each method: Cluster Picking
Wave Picking
Both methods aim to optimize the picking process in a warehouse, but each has its own advantages and considerations. The choice between cluster picking and wave picking depends on the specific needs and constraints of the warehouse and the nature of the orders being fulfilled. The RIC Group's Warehouse Management Solution allows for both fulfilment strategies. Contact us on [email protected] for further information and guidance. 'Build a better bottom line with The RIC Group' Trusted Advisors7/4/2024 Over time, there has been a shift from customers consulting their accountants to relying on ERP partners for business advice. They have taken on the role as trusted advisor. While it's beneficial to consult with ERP partners, it's essential not to stray from the management or team's desired investment direction. Nobody understands the business better than those who work in it daily. The role of the ERP partner should be to support your decisions rather than influence them.
It's important to acknowledge potential conflicts of interest when considering ERP partners' recommendations for add-on software. They may prioritize sales targets or agendas to maintain certain statuses with recommended products. Bias in recommendations and hidden costs are common concerns. Incentives may influence recommendations, and future costs might not be fully disclosed during initial discussions. ERP partners might provide outdated advice as they may not stay updated on technology trends. Their expertise typically lies in ERP implementation rather than software development. They employ ERP consultants rather than software architects. Limited expertise is another issue, especially when it comes to predicting ROI for implementing various software solutions beyond ERP. ERP partners may not grasp the intricacies of different processes and their impact on the business as a lot of it can be outside the ERP. Customers should have a comprehensive digital transformation strategy, recognizing that ERP is just one part of the process. Often, other solutions like Warehouse Management Systems deliver higher returns for businesses. Mitigating risks when selecting software and finding the right partner is crucial. Best-of-breed software partners focus solely on helping businesses achieve optimal outcomes. The responsibility is on the customer to ensure a successful implementation. At the heart of any successful business operation lies robust support infrastructure. In our experience, relying solely on ERP partners for support can lead to delays, especially when they have to relay issues to ISVs located halfway across the globe. Picture this scenario: your freight truck is ready to be loaded, but your Warehouse Management System hits a snag. Can your business afford to wait 48 hours or longer for a resolution? That's why we emphasize the importance of direct, responsive support. With our tailored solutions, you'll have immediate access to local support teams, ensuring rapid resolution to any critical issues. Don't let support bottlenecks derail your operations – choose a Best of Breed solution who prioritizes your business's uptime and success. 'Build a better bottom line with The RIC Group' Ease of use?3/4/2024 End users may look into new software such as a Warehouse Management Solution and their primary concern often revolves around its ease of use. They want to gauge how user-friendly the system is, as this directly impacts the learning curve for new users. Assessing ease of use goes beyond just navigating the system or menu. Factors like page load speeds, configuration capabilities, and the presence of visual dashboards play crucial roles. For instance, efficient configuration options can save time and resources by empowering super users to make changes without constant reliance on external support, which may incur additional costs. During evaluation, it's essential to examine whether the software offers intuitive visual dashboards that provide clear insights into vital information. Moreover, considering integration capabilities is paramount in today's interconnected landscape, where seamless integration with other applications is vital. In advising businesses, it's advisable not to let end-user preferences solely dictate the decision-making process. Instead, focus on understanding potential issues they foresee while considering factors such as ease of use, configuration capabilities, and integration potential. This approach ensures a well-rounded evaluation and selection process. 'Build a better bottom line with The RIC Group' WMS vs 3PL26/3/2024 Third-party logistics providers offer numerous benefits to businesses, but there are also draw backs.
However, I think our customer XTM sums it perfectly. You lose control of your brand and personal touch. Acumatica Asia Summit 202413/3/2024 The RIC Group were a GOLD sponsor at the Acumatica Asia Summit and were given the opportunity to present to their solution to the Acumatica Value Added Resellers (VARS). Paul Ellis presented the Future Tech ideas of the Warehouse such as RFID, 3D Load Planning, 3D Digital Twin and OCR scanning.
We all had a great time at the Acumatica Asia Summit in Bali. Was fantastic to collaborate with the Acumatica community and present our certified Advanced Logistics solution. #warehousesolutions #transportsolutions #logisticssolutions Delivery Route Planning Software29/2/2024 Routific is a delivery route planning software that helps you slash delivery costs by 25% and reduce CO2 emissions. It offers intelligent route optimization, dispatch and live tracking. Easily create optimized routes based on traffic patterns, driver preferences, and business priorities.
Choosing The RIC Group as your supply chain partner offers a significant advantage, as we are a software development company with supply chain expertise. Our expertise lies in developing and implementing tailored solutions for our clients, with our most recent integration featuring Routifics advanced algorithms for intricate delivery route planning. Within TBO4 our Advanced Logistics solution, we provide functionalities such as Run Management and a route planning software that seamlessly integrates with Bing Maps. When faced with more intricate requirements, we actively explore the market for top-tier software, enabling us to select and integrate the best-suited products. TBO4 allows users to pick and pack orders and then stage for shipping. In this stage the orders can be shipped out through integrated freight or the customers own trucks and / vans. From here we can then send the orders to Routific which will then complete the optimising of routes. Once the route is optimised the information seamlessly comes back into TBO4 and the route sequence is now optimised. Next the users can use the Load Truck function and the Proof of Delivery function. TBO4 allows the drivers to have unlimited photos when making the drop offs. Please contact us at [email protected] for further information. Jack's of Fiji22/2/2024 Jack’s of Fiji is an iconic Fijian brand with a rich heritage of service, products and community engagement spanning over 50 years.
The Transport Management Solution software from The RIC Group has given the Jack's of Fiji a streamlined process of receiving goods at each one of its retail stores while tracking the TOTEs for each delivery. The Operations Manager at Jack's of Fiji gave the reference below: "We have found the software to be highly efficient in managing inventory receiving processes. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, which has significantly improved our team's productivity. We are pleased with its performance and the support received from the team and believe it will be a valuable addition to our organization." A crucial factor in selecting top-notch software lies in the responsiveness of the support it offers. Immediate assistance is essential, especially when seeking support for your Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Transportation Management System (TMS). Delays or the unavailability of support, whether waiting until the next day or dealing with busy consultants, can be costly. If your business is hindered, for instance, by a delayed truck due to awaiting WMS support, it incurs significant financial losses. To streamline the transactional cost of delivering goods to customers, it's imperative to collaborate with a supplier capable of providing timely support. This commitment to prompt support is a point of pride for The RIC Group team. With a dedicated focus on WMS and TMS only, our team comprehends the mission-critical nature of support for the success of your business. Please feel free to reach out to us. UPS21/2/2024 Last mile delivery has a big win on ROI. If you are implementing a WMS solution and you can print freight labels at the time of picking or packing, then it's a huge win for the business in lowering the cost of transaction. There doesn't need to be delays in waiting for a logistics manager completing all the freight, when the information is already in the WMS and can be parsed to the API of the freight solution. Recently we completed our UPS integration. Test label below.
Latest updates16/2/2024 Well-constructed roadmap is a strategic tool that fosters communication, aligns development efforts with business goals, facilitate resource planning, mitigates risks, priorities features, and ultimately contributes to the overall success of software.
When evaluating software, it is indeed prudent to inquire about the features introduced in the past twelve months as well as the upcoming features in the next twelve months. Understanding the recent developments provides insight into the software provider's commitment to innovation and their responsiveness to user needs. Inquiring about future features helps assess the software's roadmap and whether it aligns with your evolving requirements. Moreover, questioning the software provider about their plans regarding the adoption of the latest technology stack is crucial. In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, staying current with technology is essential for security, performance, and compatibility reasons. If the software provider is not actively moving the product forward to incorporate new technologies, there is a risk of being left with a static and potentially outdated product. Compatibility with the latest technology stack ensures that the software remains robust, secure, and adaptable to changing industry standards. By posing these questions, users can make informed decisions about the software's viability for their long-term needs and assess the provider's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the ever-changing software landscape. Some of the features and updates we have rolled out into the WMS and TMS in the last 12 months:
Our customer portal comes with dashboards which can are completely configurable. Allows users to see what has been dispatched for a date period, the status of orders, which carriers are top 10 and more. Further enhancement to our Customer Service Portal now has a Planning Board. Warehouse and operations can see what orders they have for the day / week / month, when to expect incoming goods, what production orders are planned and more. Contact us on our email so we can talk through the features of our Advanced Logistics solution including the Future Tech. OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and WMS (Warehouse Management System) are two distinct technologies that, when integrated, can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of warehouse operations.
Other advantages will be that you can use OCR when products come into the warehouse without a barcode. In a manufacturing environment you can use it to capture temperature in the production environment such as temperature of the tanks. In summary, the integration of OCR and WMS creates a powerful synergy, automating data capture and processing tasks within the warehouse. This not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances accuracy and traceability, contributing to overall supply chain optimisation. Silvan Australia Case Study11/12/2023 The RIC Group's implementation of our Warehouse Management Solution at Silvan Australia has yielded immediate returns on investment, particularly in production, through streamlined operations. This comprehensive solution spans all facets and locations of the business, showcasing a scalable freight integration via REST API and a notably improved user interface tailored for Android devices. The successful deployment across the organisation signifies a significant milestone in optimising operations and enhancing efficiency. Acumatica Summit 20241/12/2023 The RIC Group's Warehouse Management Solution will be at the Acumatica Summit 2024 at our distributors stand Linfa Systems.
Acumatica Summit 2024 will take place starting Sunday, January 28 through Wednesday January 31 with three full days of expanded opportunities to network, to connect, to learn, to train, to celebrate and to discover. 2023 End of Year closure20/11/2023 It's been a year of growth and expansion here at The RIC Group and we would like to thank you for being part of the journey. We look forward to working with you next year and making 2023 a success.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays! The entire team at The RIC Group would like to thank you for your support and we wish you all the best for the holiday season. Office Closure & Support Our offices will be closed from Close of Business Thursday 21st of December 2023. We will resume normal business hours on Monday the 8th of January 2024. There will be a skeleton team in place to attend support during this period and the best way to access support is to email [email protected] or call us on Phone: +61 478 113 932 Look forward to working with you again in the New Year. DHL Integration17/11/2023 The RIC Group's supply chain solution achieves DHL Integration. This allows our customers who are using DHL to have integrated WMS solution with DHL. This integration allows customers to create consignments for DHL local and overseas.
Visit here for more information on the DHL API. RFID in the warehouse15/11/2023 RFID technology has emerged as a valuable asset in optimizing supply chain management processes. Its ability to provide real-time visibility, automate data capture, and enhance accuracy has positioned it as a key enabler for efficient operations. With RFID, companies can streamline inventory management by tracking products throughout the supply chain, enabling better control over stock levels and reducing the risk of errors associated with manual tracking. The automated nature of RFID not only accelerates processes such as receiving and shipping but also contributes to minimizing shrinkage and loss through precise, real-time monitoring. Additionally, RFID facilitates efficient traceability, supporting compliance with regulations and providing crucial data for quality control.
The analogy of fishing with a rod versus using a net effectively captures the essence of the differences between RFID and barcodes. Barcodes, akin to fishing with a rod, involve the sequential scanning of individual items, much like catching one fish at a time. On the other hand, RFID, likened to scooping all the fish up in a net, allows for simultaneous reading of multiple items, offering advantages in terms of speed and efficiency. Importantly, the decision to use RFID or barcodes isn't always a strict either-or scenario. There are numerous situations where a combination of both technologies can be employed to create a more versatile and effective solution. Barcodes, with their simplicity and established systems in various industries, are well-suited for applications that don't demand simultaneous scanning. However, their reliance on a direct line of sight can be a limitation. In contrast, RFID shines in scenarios requiring bulk reading, non-line-of-sight capabilities, or real-time tracking. The ability to read multiple tags at once and the flexibility in reading through obstacles make RFID ideal for applications where efficiency and visibility into large quantities of items are crucial. The RIC Group builds solutions which allow the combining of both technologies. This strategically can leverage the strengths of each, providing a comprehensive solution to diverse operational requirements. Please contact us to find out more. Consistency Breeds Efficiency3/11/2023 Prospects will often tell us the flexibility the Supply Chain Software will need to have to meet their requirements. Often this happens when the customer has been using one software package for an extended period of time, and have bolted on customisations to suit their needs at that time
Fulfilling B2C orders in one manner, B2B orders differently, and handling priority orders through separate processes might seem accommodating at first glance. However, this approach often results in a tangled web of processes. Instead of facilitating a streamlined system, it leads to confusion, increased complexity, and inefficiency within the supply chain software. For me the strategy always has to be standardise the process. Establishing standard processes offers a multitude of benefits. Consistency is the cornerstone of success. Implementing standardised processes ensures that tasks are performed in the same way every time. This uniformity streamlines operations, minimizes errors, and reduces the need for reinventing the wheel with each new project. When employees follow a set structure, it becomes easier to identify bottlenecks, address inefficiencies, and optimize workflow. There are other benefits such as making training and onboarding simplified, gives you scalability and assists with compliance to reduce risk. Consistent processes form the backbone of efficiency, quality and reliability within an organisation. Catch Weight30/10/2023 Catch weight management is a crucial aspect for companies dealing with variable-weight items, especially in food distribution or industries where product weight fluctuates. The system allows for the tracking of both an average per item quantity/weight as well as an actual per item quantity/weight. To simplify, catch weight management involves the identification and tracking of both average and actual per-item quantities or weights. This method is essential for effectively managing business processes, particularly when handling variable weight units of a product. Example Scenario:
This system enables accurate invoicing, inventory control, and cost management by considering both the average and actual weights of variable items. It ensures fair and accurate billing, minimising discrepancies between estimated and actual quantities, and ultimately enhances customer satisfaction. Businesses dealing with products that vary in weight and require invoicing based on the actual weight rather than a fixed quantity or package count find catch weight management vital. This approach is especially common in industries where the actual weight of a product determines its final price or cost. It allows for a more accurate and fair billing process, ensuring that customers are charged based on the exact weight they receive rather than an estimated or average weight. Absolutely, implementing a Warehouse Management Solution (WMS) for accurately capturing catch weight items on the warehouse and factory floor is a game-changer for businesses dealing with variable-weight products. You can use the WMS to scan LPN (Licence Plate Numbering) as well which will capture all cartons and the weight on the pallet with an instance scan of the barcode. The process of manually capturing weight, batch, expiry dates, carton counts, and other specifics for each item picked is not only error-prone but also incredibly time-consuming. Without an automated system, the potential for errors significantly increases, and the manual effort involved in tracking and inputting this data can slow down warehouse operations. A WMS streamlines this process by automating the data capture through scanning GS-128 barcodes and more. As each carton or pack is scanned, the system automatically records vital information such as weight, batch numbers, expiry dates, carton counts, and the precise weight of the items picked. This data is then seamlessly transferred to the ERP system, ensuring accurate invoicing and streamlined operations. The efficiency gained by using a WMS not only minimizes errors but also accelerates warehouse processes. The ability to swiftly and accurately capture data, especially for catch weight items, ensures precise invoicing and enhances customer satisfaction. The use of automated technology significantly reduces the margin for error and ensures that customers are billed accurately based on the exact products received, thereby improving trust and reliability. Please contact us for further information. Status Quo23/10/2023 In our company, The RIC Group, our Supply Chain Solution is now in its fourth generation, and we've been successfully implementing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) for over two decades. Implementing a WMS can significantly enhance efficiency and labour optimization, ensuring a business's ability to scale.
So, why do many businesses continue with the status quo? Surprisingly, the discussions I had with potential clients 20 years ago are strikingly similar to those I have today when visiting new prospects. The majority of these prospects are still relying on paper-based processes, and their warehouse operations remain entirely manual. It's a common scenario, regardless of a business's size or revenue. The question often asked by these prospects is, 'What exactly are we getting here?' Change can be a daunting prospect, especially in the world of business. The status quo represents a comfortable and safe zone, leading business owners to ask, 'Why fix something that isn't broken?' I frequently hear, 'We know our current processes are inefficient, but they get the job done.' When selling software, there's often a fear of loss, where prospects worry about technical performance or the monetary investment required. In my view, the status quo is essentially 'cost-to-delay.' Sticking to outdated processes incurs hidden costs, leading to decreased productivity, missed opportunities, and errors. The status quo negatively impacts efficiency, effectiveness, and overall productivity, hindering a business's growth potential. Recently, I revisited a couple of our customers who were initially hesitant to implement a WMS. However, as we began to implement the Warehouse Management Solution, they quickly embraced the disruption when they witnessed immediate return on investment and the removal of inefficiencies. One of our customers shared that it used to take them three days to ship an order, but now they manage same-day shipments thanks to the scalable process provided by the WMS. Moreover, the volume of orders has naturally increased because customers now trust that their orders will arrive promptly. For this customer using our last-mile delivery, the moment orders are picked, consignment labels are generated and applied to the pallets, eliminating the inefficiency of waiting for freight labels, manual data entry, and ERP updates. This alone saved the customer two hours of labour each day, equating to 20 hours per week and close to 1,000 hours per year. Both customers reported that, over the last 15 years, the most significant return on their investment in technology was the Warehouse Management Solution. The efficiency gains alone justified the investment within the first year. They emphasized that this return on investment far exceeded what they experienced with ERP system upgrades, often considered the more phased approach to IT projects. I encourage businesses not to focus on what they are 'buying,' but rather to embrace disruption. Failing to do so essentially results in buying into a 'cost-to-delay' scenario. Contact Paul on his email to talk further. |
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