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Resources
Product Information
MANDATE IP™ Q & A
Common questions and answers concerning MANDATE IP™.
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MANDATE IP™ Architecture
Introduction to the architecture of MANDATE IP™.
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Introduction To MANDATE IP™ Database Architecture
An overview of the MANDATE IP™ database architecture.
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MANDATE IP™ Reporting System Introduction
Describes the MANDATE IP™ reporting system.
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SOFT™ System Implementation Plan
This paper provides an introduction to the steps necessary to implement a SOFT™ based system and provides and example timeline for a project in an existing facility.
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Mobile Order Fulfillment Work Stations
Download information for VARGO™ smart carts and order fulfillment modules, including pictures of HAWK™ and Condor™ with an example screen. This is an excellent introduction to mobile fulfillment and kitting workstations.
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Batch Pick - Sort Pack Systems
This paper describes a standalone system for greatly improving productivity in operations that have a relatively low order volume. It is extremely well suited for mail order and e-fulfillment operations where orders have relatively few units.
SOFT Optimization Modules for Sorter-Based Processes
This paper presents the SOFT based solutions that VARGO™ Adaptive Software has successfully implemented in order to maximize the usage of system resources in a sorter-based operation. An overview of how a dynamic sorter system optimization is accomplished and the resulting benefits is provided.
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AWMS Basic Module Checklist
The following checklist provides an overview of the “basic functions” available with the MANDATE IP™ AWMS. The MANDATE IP™ AWMS provides the basic or most essential features to manage the operation of a fulfillment or distribution center.
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AWCS Basic Module Checklist
Basic functions available with the MANDATE IP™ AWCS. The MANDATE IP™ AWCS provides basic features to integrate and control equipment and work processes of a fulfillment or distribution center. An “Adaptive” WCS (AWCS) uses real-time or dynamic optimization of the workflow. Dynamically optimized workflow adapts to the changing conditions found in fulfillment operations.
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AWMS™ Adaptive Warehouse Management System
This paper is an excellent introduction to the concept and benefits of an adaptive WMS.
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AWMS™ Principles Applied to Order Fulfillment
An Adaptive WMS provides great operational flexibility when applied to order fulfillment of kitting operations. This paper identifies and describes some of those benefits.
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Industry Applications
Computing Requirements for Dynamically Optimized Systems
Answering the questions, "Why are computing requirements for dynamically optimized systems different?"
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Static, Dynamic and Virtual Batching
This paper provides the definitions and describes the differences between static, dynamic and virtual batching in fulfillment processes.
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Managing Equipment for Article Sorter Delivery
Describes methods and operational enhancements to increase the capacity of piece sorters beyond their mechanical capacity.
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What Happened? Why Mobile Carts and Modules Make Sense Today
A description of the advances in technology that have made smart carts a dominating option for piece picking fulfillment operations.
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Thirteen Simple Steps in Selecting a Picking Cart
The conditions that prevent picking carts to achieve full potential are presented as well as recommendations about how to address them.
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Believing the Last Liar
Regardless of effort, inconsistencies between data and "what is" will occur. Error recovery must be considered as important as error prevention in the operation of a distribution center.
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Logistical Application of "Greedy Algorithms"
For over 30 years greedy algorithms have been used to solve optimization problems. This paper describes their application to logistic problems.
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Using Voice and Speech in Order Fulfillment
Objective and Unbiased comparison of voice directed picking with RF directed picking and pick-to-light for real-time operations.
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Improving Wave Productivity
This paper brings to light some of less intuitive characteristics of waves and discusses the opportunities for improving wave productivity through better wave management.
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AWMS Inventory Management
Inventory management is the heart of any WMS. An AWMS provides some interesting concepts in how inventory is managed meeting the requirements of finance and operations.
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AWMS Stock Location Management
An easy-to-use inventory management system requires a flexible means for storing and retrieving stock. An AWMS provides a unique view on managing stock locations.
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Considerations in Evaluating a Batch Fulfillment System
Here is a checklist of factors to consider when evaluating batch kitting or fulfillment systems—along with a list of smart cart vendors.
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Effective Queues
This paper describes the considerations to determine and effectively use a queue.
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Introduction to Dynamic Optimization
Distribution or fulfillment centers are not typically considered places of change or uncertainty. But consider the activities of supervisors and managers that arrive early to find the work that they are expected to accomplish during the shift—until they are confronted with Jane calling in sick and Larry arriving with a sprained ankle...
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Process Optimization of a Sorter-Based Operation
This paper describes how adaptive technology principles can be used to increase customer satisfaction, increase processing capacity and lower labor costs in a sorter-based operation.
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Steps For A Successful Optimization Project
This paper presents an overview of the process for the implementation of a successful “Optimization Project”. The paper also sets some generalized expectations of such a project.
Gather and Pack Operations
A gather and pack or a gather and kit operation is a two-step process used to improve efficiency in operations that have low velocity (low activity) product spread over a wide area. This paper is an application example of such an operation.
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Basic Host Interface and Integration
This paper describes how to add enhanced process control to an existing WMS-based order fulfillment system without modification to the WMS.
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Integration of Paperless Batch Picking
The paper describes an application example of a “mixed” pick model including batch-picking operation where product is picked from different areas using different selection means. The system is integrated into an existing WMS driven paper-based fulfillment system without modification to the WMS.
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Paperless Batch Picking
This paper is a short application example of the conversion of a paper-based picking system retrofitted to a paperless batch picking system with SOFT™, our smart order fulfillment technology system. The retrofitted system easily interfaces with the existing host software.
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Dynamic Cartonization with Batch Picking
The paper describes an enhanced application example of a “mixed” pick model that provides on-the-fly dynamic cartonization of orders and synchronization of picking with truck departures.
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Lowest CapEx System Using Article Sorters
Application example of VARGO™ Adaptive Software’s SOFT™ system supporting the delivery of product to an automated piece or individual article sorters.
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Designing Distribution Centers: Low CapEx Piece-picking Options
This is the reprint of an article published in IE Solutions (February 2003) that describes a number of alternative fulfillment solutions and the economic benefits of those solutions.
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Designing Distribution Centers: Shifting to an Automated System
This article, a re-print of the article published in IE Solutions (August 1996), describes the process and thinking necessary to shift to automated distribution centers.
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Designing Distribution Centers: The QARS Method
This article describes a piece-picking method that optimizes the handling of the residual product and the productivity benefits that can be obtained by addressing automation or optimization of only residual product. This article was originally published in IE Solutions (May 1997).
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Using Smart Carts for Returns Processing
This article presents two separate application examples of returns processing using Smart Carts. In the first application, the restocking operation product goes into a single storage zone. In the other application, there are several storage zones where re-stocked product is to be placed.
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Real-time Labor Balancing in a Case Picking Operation
This paper describes a wave based case pick operation application where a MANDATE IP™-based SOFT™ system is used to dynamically balance work between workers achieving the highest overall productivity and minimizing wave durations.
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Continuous Processing Using a Sorter
Continuous processing alternatives to wave processing. The size of these order batches can be greatly increased through the use of a secondary sort, using devices such as a tilt-tray or Bombay sorter.
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Managing Sorters Continuous Double-Sort Operation
Advantages of waveless operation with dynamic chute allocation in a double-sort process based on a piece sorter.
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Capacity, Productivity and ROI
System justification and the relationships between improved capacity and improved productivity.
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Why Batch Pick?
This paper gives a simplified mathematical view of the benefits of batch picking or kitting. It provides some equations that may be used to assess the possible benefits.
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