This chapter covers the following topics:
An experienced and knowledgeable Mobile Supply Chain Applications implementation team is the most critical element for a successful implementation.
Oracle R11i experience - Previous successful implementation of Oracle 11i Applications elements, particularly Inventory and OM/Shipping, pertaining to the user business Model.
Mobile Supply Chain Applications Experience - Previous successful implementation of a Mobile Barcode Applications (Oracle preferred) in a like or similar business model.
Logistician - If distribution operations are complex, the system integrator should be an experienced logistician (Warehouse Management expert) with experience implementing several warehouse management systems preferred.
Oracle DBA's and systems specialists knowledgeable of the various server, labeling, printer, RF equipment.
Mobile Supply Chain Applications may impact configuration choices in other applications so Mobile Supply Chain Applications resources should be completely integrated to project team
Should have experience operating warehouse, understand and regularly practice activities like:
Customer labeling requirements,
Cycle counting
Pick waves.
The client resource should have sufficient time to dedicate to the project based on the complexity of the operations.
The Client needs to provide an end user training resource for RF device users.
Related Topics
Oracle University Mobile Supply Chain Applications: http://ilearning.oracle.com/ilearn/en/learner/jsp/search_all_compact.jsp?btn=srch&keywords=MSCA
You must have a low latency, reliable network with backup options and adequate hardware for each tier and appropriate RF equipment, tested for coverage.
Proper Licensing in Place
Application hardware
Applications/database
Considered sizing document for WMS users
High Availability environment
Back up access available
Middle tier
MWA Mobile server loaded, with adequate 'headroom' on middle tier
Located in data center
Wireless (RF) hardware/network
Used Certified Manufacturer or Self Certified Devices (insert link to self certification here)
Survey for warehouse RF coverage by RF device vendor
Hot Keys and screen sizes setup and tested (including error messages) on all the RF devices
Installing the Mobile Server for Mobile Supply Chain Applications - This should take 2 hours then you can begin using the mobile transactions on telnet.
Use the Predefined Mobile Windows - These windows are designed to be flexible, context sensitive, have multiple paths based on user preference and are engineered to work with the certified RF devices.
Inventory setups completed for the following:
Organizations
Subinventories
Item Master
Integration with other Oracle application modules. What are the impacts?
Using certified Partner application integration points
Wireless Devices
Label format and Print software
Any mobile window
Report modifications
Other customizations
Locator labeling - always concatenate Subinventory and Locators for single scan
Printers - Bar code label printers and regular sheet feeders
Order barcode labels and ribbon stock
Archive log turned on in production environment
Enough free space in archive dump destination
Sufficiently large online redo log files and they are duplexed
Optimal number of rollback segments
Control files in different disks (duplex)
Check utl_file_dir and APPLPTMP variables are same
Check for sql_trace / timed statistics parameter (keep it on in the test environment and off in production)p. SQL Net listeners. FNDFS listeners. Concurrent Manager status
Apache server status
Form server status
Mobile Application Server and/or Dispatcher status
A test backup strategy
PHP login setup if SSWA is used.
Post go-live test environments without customizations created to test patches and bug fixes prior to applying to production environment
MWA server and dispatcher maintenance plan.
Patching and upgrade strategy
System error correction and resolution strategy
Data corruption resolution strategy
Mock go-live strategy
System security updated to allow new User access
High Availability Strategy
Back up Plans for RF Network Failure
Training
Define your labeling approach, formats and acquire the labeling software.
Mobile Supply Chain Applications solutions require label format design and printing software. Oracle selects the right format, formulates the substitution data, and creates an XML string to pass to the labeling software, but the labeling software must be used to design the form layout and drive the printer.
Use Certified Label Design Software - if the label design software you have is not mapped to XML, it requires additional time during implementation to map the XML. If you use certified Label design software, defining, installing, configuring and printing labels should take less than 4 hours.
Use Templates to design label formats - Do not format labels from scratch. Use the predefined label formats on the label design software and adjust.
Concatenate Location Labels - concatenate subinventory and location labels to reduce scanning
Define and test your labeling process, including software, formats, and standards
Test with the actual barcode labels and ribbon stock.
Oracle releases new features and capabilities for both Mobile Supply Chain Applications and Warehouse Management with each new family pack and point release. To ensure you have the most recent and most up to date environment.
Review latest Release Control Document to see latest enhancements.
Be current on patch levels for all software elements - for CRP and when you go-live
Adhere to your Patching and upgrade strategy
Consider the following when you create your business process documentation:
Clearly define and gain agreement for all to-be business processes.
Define the business process inbound and outbound flows using Oracle Mobile Supply Chain Applications.
Known functional gaps and proposed solutions.
All areas that require further investigation post production and the time-line for addressing these areas
Pre-production metrics such as business volumes, transaction mixes, critical process timings in order to benchmark against post production metrics
Change management process
Warehouse bar-coding strategy
Software contingency plans
Hardware contingency plans
Post-implementation benchmark analysis plan
Post-implementation process/system tuning plan
Related Topics
Explaining Change Management: Oracle Warehouse Management User's Guide
Using Barcode Identifiers with Oracle Mobile Applications: Oracle Warehouse Management Implementation Guide
Perform comprehensive testing of all processes and integrations for accuracy, usability, throughput, exceptions, and user acceptance as follows:
Develop a testing strategy - When you use RF devices, you are taking transactions out of batch mode and into real time. You must develop a test strategy to test the processes.
Start first day of testing on Mobile windows using Telnet - Use telnet to familiarize yourself with mobile windows on the desktop until you have RF devices on site.
CRP Testing is Complete when the following process elements have been tested to the customer's particular business flows.
Complete Process flow testing with actual RF devices
End to end testing
Receiving
Delivery
Replenishment
Picking
Label generation
Ship
Exception handling processes
Load and stress testing with high volumes and multiple users
Consider the following information when you decide on mobile supply chain applications training:
Compile training for the implementation team - Base training decisions on roles and background.
Create job training for end users - This should include a mixture of class room and on the floor training.
Run simulated, role-specific training for all users, performed close to go live
End User training manuals, cheat sheets (process & system info)
Verify the following before launching your production environment:
Customized security Log-On created/entered
Security information/devices issued
Related Topics
Oracle University Mobile Supply Chain Applications: http://ilearning.oracle.com/ilearn/en/learner/jsp/search_all_compact.jsp?btn=srch&keywords=MSCA
Data accuracy can be a major impact on production success and a major cause of chaos in the post-production period. The following activities and setups should be completed prior to production:
Data conversion completed and verified for accuracy
Physical Inventory completed
Setup of user ID's, Employees.
Related Topics
Entering a New Person: Oracle Resource Management System User's Guide
Physical Inventory: Oracle Inventory User's Guide
Thoroughly test all data conversion and cut-over processes prior to production. Instigate mandatory end user floor training mandatory prior to production. On the floor training should be the last activity immediately prior to production.
Make a Physical Inventory the first step of production - An accurate inventory count is essential to a successful Mobile Supply Chain Applications implementation. After completing the physical inventory, immediately begin your cycle counting program.
Related Topics
Physical Inventory: Oracle Inventory User's Guide
Cycle Counting: Oracle Inventory User's Guide
ABC Analysis: Oracle Inventory User's Guide
Planning user post production support to handle process adjustments, questions and unplanned problems should be planned and documented.
User help desk setup to answer pre and post go-live questions.
Go-live triage team technical and functional staffing to help with user questions, process changes and equipment problems.
Contact numbers for Oracle and System Integrator implementation partner support available.
Notification sent to customers on labeling and documentation changes.
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