Leveraging Mobile Apps With Microsoft Dynamics ERP in the Supply Chain

With most warehouse employees already toting around some type of mobile device, it just makes sense that applications would find their way into this sector of the supply chain. And while warehouse-wide mobile application implementations aren't highly publicized, it's not hard to see the tools' applicability within the distribution center. 

Kimberly Knickle, practice director at IDC Manufacturing Insights in Framingham, Mass., says mobile apps are a hot topic for manufacturers right now and points out that the proliferation of mobile devices in the supply chain has been high over the last two years. Knickle says tablets, mini tablets, and Internet-equipped smart phones have worked their way into the four walls of the warehouse.

Microsoft Dynamics users are well positioned to tap into mobile apps' usefulness in the supply chain.  There are a number of add-on mobile apps at their avail, whether for Dynamics AX, Dynamics GP, or Dynamics NAV.  In 2012, for example, Kurt Hatlevik, a warehouse management and distribution veteran at Columbus of Norway, put on display a new mobile warehouse app for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012. Developed in the Microsoft Dynamics AX community, the app allows workers to directly leverage AX 2012's capabilities, and Hatlevik continues to add capabilities such as barcoding and retail management.

Mobile Apps in Action

In the distribution center, companies can use mobile devices to improve customer service, facilitate orders, manage compliance ...