Article

The Challenge of Integrating WMS Systems to ERP Platforms: Utilizing EDI-Style Messages

by Glenn McPeak
CEO, Data Masons,

The integration of disparate best of breed WMS solutions to ERP platforms is an increasingly common trend in the emerging enterprise market space. In many cases the decision to mesh these critical technologies is driven by economics and project scope, however, the most common reason is simple - the WMS system is working well, but the ERP platform needs replaced.

In those cases, integration poses a major challenge and a project risk, especially when no native integration exists and it must be architected. While the optimal WMS to ERP integration is seamless real-time communication, in many cases it' s not a viable option due to technology limitations or simply because it's not worth the expense of building a real-time interface.

However, the opportunity to avoid these challenges exists if the EDI provider can utilize the same integration approach used for public warehouse (third-party logistics or 3PL's). This integration model is mature and relatively standardized in the 3PL industry. These process flows, including the EDI X.12 document description, are as follows:

  • Warehouse Shipping Order - Used to enable the depositor (ERP system) to advise a warehouse (WMS System) to make a shipment, confirm a shipment, or modify or cancel a previously transmitted shipping order, make a shipment, confirm a shipment, or modify or cancel a previously transmitted shipping order.
  • Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice - Used by the warehouse to advise the depositor that shipment was made. Also used to reconcile order quantities with shipment quantities.
  • Warehouse Stock Transfer Shipment Advice - Used by a depositor or an agent of the depositor to advise the recipient that a transfer shipment has been made. Also provides a receiving location with detailed information concerning product being ...

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About Glenn McPeak

Glenn is an expert in the electronic integration of supply chain activities with 29 Years of ERP and integrated EDI experience in system analysis, product design, software development, consulting and project management. Glenn has managed and/or executed over 250 successful ERP and EDI related projects in a wide array of manufacturing and distribution oriented industries. Glenn holds a Bachelor of Science degree with highest distinction from Babson College, is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma academic honor society and holds numerous Microsoft Certifications. Visit Data Masons to learn more about our powerful EDI solution for Dynamics, Vantage Point EDI.

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