This chapter covers the following topics:
The demand for accurate, real-time information and the need to increase inventory velocity throughout the supply chain drives rapid adoption of mobile computing for manufacturing. Mobile computers connected using Radio Frequency (RF) to the network, combined with the use of automatic identification techniques such as bar coding, permits activity execution, such as releasing a batch or creating material reservations, to be unified with the recording of that activity in the information system. This approach virtually eliminates sources of error. It also reduces latency, increases work efficiency, and reduces the complexity of the overall business process.
Mobile Supply Chain Applications (MSCA) for Oracle Process Manufacturing (OPM) supports mobile execution of:
MSCA is essential when the real-time recording of transactions on a desktop computer is not feasible at the point of execution.
MSCA for OPM supports the entry of process inventory specific information such as dual units of measure, including catch weights, and lots. Lot-specific unit of measure conversions cannot be created, but they are accounted for where they exist. Grade and lot status default from the item and lot.
MSCA for OPM allows recording ingredient consumption, product and byproduct yields, and resource usage during batch production. This allows for real-time production batch updates on the shop floor, and minimizes the data entry burden on the operator while increasing production data accuracy.
Oracle leverages standard Internet technologies such as Java, XML, TCP/IP and Telnet to create a device-independent technology platform that supports mobile applications. Mobile devices are generally connected to the network using the radio frequency (RF) standard of 802.11b (11 mbs) and communicate using TCP/IP. The application logic runs on a Java-based middle tier and in the database to eliminate the requirement for application code on the device while permitting use of a variety of mobile RF devices from multiple vendors. Devices can be used concurrently, and the application can run on any PC or handheld device that can run a standard Telnet client. The architecture also supports all the standard barcode encoding formats, including 2D, and embedded data field identifiers.
Typical mobile devices have a small display area that makes the standard desktop browser interface unsuitable. The user interface for execution systems must be easy to learn and efficient to use for repetitive transactions. To accommodate these design goals, the mobile user interface is specifically designed to eliminate all extraneous information and to enable efficient transaction execution. Fields are validated in real time and display appropriate error messages if problems occur. Information requested is dependent on the prior information entered, so the resulting information displayed is dynamically updated to reflect the content and the context of entries. The user interface also permits the display language to be set dynamically by the user profile. This means that two users, operating side by side, can view text in different languages.
Oracle MSCA for OPM enables users to enter, select or scan transactions and perform queries in real-time at the point of use. Transaction validation takes place online, identifying invalid data immediately. Real-time inventory information improves quality of supply chain collaboration, enables more accurate guaranteeing of customer orders, and optimizes manufacturing and subinventory scheduling of activities and resources. The user has access to current, accurate information for resolution of exceptions.
Because Oracle MSCA for OPM is an integral part of the Oracle E-Business Suite, the application provides real time information and transaction processing as well as user validation for each transaction as the data is entered. Field level validation can inform the user of material restrictions and availability in addition to validating the data entered before the transaction is completed.
Oracle MSCA for OPM provides a mobile transaction server and mobile forms for materials management and manufacturing transactions and inquiries therefore there is no need to integrate third party middleware with the Oracle E-Business Suite.
Because Oracle MSCA for OPM is designed to render Telnet-based windows over TCP/IP, the application can be run on a variety of radio frequency mobile hardware. Mobile devices require minimal configuration for use with the applications.
Entering transactions at the point of use also eliminates duplicate data entry. With Oracle MSCA for OPM, users record the transaction as they work. Gone are the days of filling out forms for shop floor transactions that are later entered into a desktop computer.
Entering data using bar code scanning of required data instead of manual data entry improves data accuracy and reduces data entry time. Mobile devices increase productivity by reducing data entry, decreasing interruption of warehouse and manufacturing activities, and automating processes.
Oracle MSCA for OPM improves inventory accuracy by reducing data entry errors as well as identifying inventory inaccuracies faster. Inventory accuracy techniques are more efficient when
performed with real-time information. The benefits of improved inventory accuracy include improved customer satisfaction through higher fill rates and guaranteed delivery, and improved supply chain planning to optimize production and distribution plans.
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Refer to "Navigating in Mobile Supply Chain Applications" in the Oracle Mobile Supply Chain Applications User's Guide, Release 12 for a complete discussion of common navigation patterns. Following are some usability tips:
Oracle Mobile Supply Chain Applications provides several commands that are accessed by function keys and action buttons. The function key default values can be changed. Press F1 to display how your function keys are mapped. The default mappings are explained in "Function Key and Action Button Mappings" in Oracle Mobile Supply Chain Applications User's Guide.
When the cursor is positioned on a prompt, the hot key cannot function. For example, if the cursor is positioned on Cancel, then the hot key Esc+C does not function.
Item fields can be case sensitive. Use the Shift key appropriately to accommodate this.
Use the right arrow and left arrow keys to display information that is not visible due to excessive field length.
The List Of Values (LOV) window is available in prompts with the greater than symbol ( > ) at the end of a field name. Field values enter, selected or scanned are validated. Access the LOV by:
Using the key combination Ctrl+L. Optional fields are accessed only by this method.
Entering part of the value in the field, the LOV window displays values limited to this criteria.
Enter % as a wildcard to display the LOV.
Refer to "Setting Up" in Oracle Mobile Supply Chain Applications User's Guide, Release 12 for a complete discussion of setting up Mobile Supply Chain Applications for Oracle Process Manufacturing. Following are some important highlights:
You can set up users for both desktop and mobile responsibilities.
Mobile responsibilities are set up in System Administration.
Mobile menus are attached to each mobile responsibility through System Administration.
Mobile users can have only one active session at a time.
Restart the Telnet port if you make changes to profile options in System Administration. Profile options are cached by the Telnet server.
The GME: Mobile Location LOV profile option lets you choose whether to display all locations in a warehouse, or only those locations where an item has onhand inventory, in the Locator field LOV in the OPM MSCA pages. All warehouse locations display for products and byproducts. Set the profile option to:
Location Master to display all warehouse locations.
Location Inventory to restrict display in the LOV to only those locations where an item has onhand inventory.
If you enter or scan a location into the Location field, for a location controlled item, the application validates the type of item location control, the profile option setting, and whether the location entered is present in the list of warehouse locations. (irrespective of whether or not the location entered has onhand inventory for an item)
| Type of Item Location Control | GME: Mobile Location LOV Setting | Exists in the warehouse | Action Taken by the Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validated | Location Master | No | Error message |
| Non- Validated | Location Master | Yes | Creates a new location |
| Validated | Location Inventory | No | Error message |
| Non- Validated | Location Inventory | Yes | Creates a new location |
Default
Location Master
Recommended Change Level
Site
Following are information resources for Mobile Supply Chain Applications for Oracle Process Manufacturing 12.
Refer to the Oracle Mobile Supply Chain Applications User's Guide, Release 12 for information on the following topics:
Overview of Mobile Supply Chain Applications provides an overview of Oracle Process Manufacturing including a discussion of the mobile applications server, and the available mobile discrete applications.
Navigation describes how to navigate in Oracle Mobile Supply Chain Applications, including:
Setting Up describes how to set up Oracle Mobile Supply Chain Applications, including:
Refer to the Oracle Mobile Supply Chain Applications Installation and Implementation Guide for:
MWA Server Information including how to configure and operate the MWA server and dispatcher.
Responsibility and Menu Setup including information on how to setup menus and responsibilities in Oracle Mobile Supply Chain Applications.
Using Efficient Barcoding Techniques for a discussion of the methods of concatenating barcodes and the setup and use of data field identifiers.
Implementation Tips to ensure a successful Oracle Mobile Supply Chain Application implementation.