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How to upgrade your system to an enterprise system
The AutoCoding software suite is capable of growing with your business, modules available for small business solutions can be expanded to suit larger enterprise systems thus providing full product lifecycle support, without a financial penalty to your business. The fundamental strategy of the software solutions available from ACS is that each module is reusable across the range of software packages.
This means that an investment in a product management functionality as part of a date code management system can integrate into an enterprise-wide Line control/QA and traceability system interfacing with both ERP and WMS systems. There will be no need to purchase additional modules or to face redundancy of parts of the software already purchased and commissioned.
Basically the enterprise solutions encourage customers to install large systems in smaller managed portions ensuring a continuing buy-in from the business and spreading the investment over several years without sacrificing cost / benefit considerations.
A typical upgrade path is where a basic code deployment (date code management) system is used to control a number of coding devices. This will require full technical management of the products within the technical department and will allow for a scan of the product sleeve/barcode to set-up the correct date code information.
A second step could be to implement more business integration by interfacing with ERP and planning systems as well as providing more comprehensive product management by (e.g.) concessions, avoidance dates and promotions management.
The more advanced AutoCoding line management system will also allow more than just coding and scanning devices to be controlled. From the line terminal check-weighers, metal detectors etc. can be controlled. The enhanced fault tolerance and reporting capability of the AutoCoding system over the code deployment system means that line efficiency is unaffected by network or server availability.
Thereafter the inclusion of other QA checks across the business and the consolidation of the consequent QA checks in a single point will further cement the importance of the audit log as a strong business management tool.
Upgrading from a basic coding management solution to an enterprise-wide management system encompassing also traceability, WIP/Stock management and pallet labelling is done in controlled stages.