Johannesburg, 03 May 2006
Softline ACCPAC, leading provider of business management applications, will launch its warehouse management system, Accpac Warehouse Management System (WMS) 5.0 at Futurex 2006.
This major new upgrade, with improved integration and administration, enables mid-sized warehouse operations to compete more effectively with larger competitors by providing powerful, cost-effective distribution tools to more efficiently 'pick, pack and ship'.
Integrated with the award-winning Accpac ERP management system, Accpac WMS 5.0 is a modular warehouse management solution for mid-sized businesses, offering the freedom to choose optional components to add to each of three available editions, for a truly customised supply chain management solution.
Jeremy Waterman, managing director, Softline ACCPAC, says: "The modular pricing model allows businesses to pick and choose optional features according to their needs rather than having to purchase an inflexible 'all-in-one' product that falls short of expectations."
Historically, warehouse management systems promised reductions in inventory and labour costs, increased storage capacity, improved customer service and inventory accuracy. Waterman says that although they have succeeded in providing increased accuracy and reduced labour costs, systems have been rigid and hard to adapt to the needs of clients and an ever-changing industry. This rigidity limits the effective use of these systems and frustrates staff aiming to deliver better service to clients. Add to this the complex actions required to maintain the average warehouse management system and it soon becomes obvious why so many warehouse operators prefer to do things manually.
Waterman says all this is about to change with the release of Accpac WMS 5.0, which will provide an effective solution aimed at reducing time spent on warehouse management and maintenance.
Offering greater efficiency and accuracy to businesses through increased pick rates, decreased errors, higher compliancy, and accurate forecasting of warehouse resources and demands, Accpac WMS 5.0 integrates with various RF (radio frequency) hardware, shipping systems and warehouse automation equipment.
"It is a paperless, wireless, Web-deployable solution that serves as the hub of a warehouse's supply chain," says Waterman.
Available in three additions, the 100, 200 and 500, Accpac WMS 5.0 will, without a doubt, prove to be the most practical, cost-effective solution to mid-size warehouses. The modular nature of the software creates a warehouse management system, which is also highly adaptable.
"With WMS 5.0, you simply add optional modules to customise your system, or upgrade to a higher edition as your needs change, avoiding hefty customisation fees, and providing peace of mind knowing that as your business scales, so can we," says Waterman.
Designed for low volume warehouses, features such as UPS shipping, RF functionality, Web dispatch, and order management are included in the standard 100 Edition bundle of Accpac WMS 5.0. The 200 Edition, a larger bundle suitable for a medium-sized wholesaler with higher order volumes and a more complex warehouse layout, includes all modules in the 100 Edition, plus adds features such as EOL (end of line) and Shipping, Lots/Serials/Expiry, Kitting, and Multi Carrier Shipping, among others. The 500 Edition is a solution designed for customers handling large volumes, with multiple sites and/or complex warehouse set-ups that may need extensive customisation capabilities. It includes all of the modules in the 100 and 200 Editions, plus features such as Return Materials Authorisation (RMA), Packaging, and Multi Company.
Accpac WMS 5.0 also provides a significant upgrade to its Web Services API, which allows warehouses to create sophisticated integrations with both Web-deployed and LAN-based business management applications they count on for daily operations. Administration tools in the Accpac WMS 5.0 have been enhanced to improve performance and make troubleshooting hassle-free.
Waterman says the new product features give warehouses the freedom to choose optional components to customise their systems: "It is bound to raise the bar in terms of future warehouse management system development.
"Accpac WMS 5.0 is the right product at the right time. It will enable a mid-sized to large warehouse to fully automate its processes thus increasing its service speed, efficiency and, most importantly, its bottom line."
Available in three editions, 100, 200, and 500, Accpac WMS 5.0 will be available from authorised Softline ACCPAC business partners from 16 May. Visit Softline ACCPAC at Futurex 2006, Sandton Convention Centre from 16 to 19 May for a preview or visit www.accpac.co.za for more information.
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