Create inventory lots

• Create a record for each lot of inventory created (including semi-finished goods and finished goods) and automatically attach traceability details such as work centre, creation date/time, production order, and so on 
• Create inventory records when goods are received and automatically attach traceability details such as supplier, supplier lot number, supplier traceability information
• Optionally, automatically generate unique lot numbers in user defined formats

Move inventory

• Move inventory between locations: warehouses, local stores, bins, racks
• Keep a complete movement history of each lot 
• Pack lots onto containers and move containers around the factory

Manage quality states

• Inventory lots can change state using a user-defined set of states. For example inventory can be created, isolated, scrapped and released. Set up rules that control valid state changes.
• When inventory is isolated or scrapped capture the reasons why for subsequent analysis
• Keep a history of the state changes, including who made the decision, when and where

Inventory control

• Generate user defined first in - first out (FIFO) keys, used in subsequent consumption operations to ensure oldest stock is consumed first
• Use best-before dates and use-after dates to ensure aged inventory is used within requirements

Synchronise with ERP/Warehouse Systems

• Create a seamless link to the Warehousing systems or ERP

• Reduce working capital – reduce WIP levels, know what is available, implement a pull strategy
• Stock accuracy – implement better control of inventory at a lot level
• Visibility – see exactly where all inventory lots are at any point in time
• Quality – manage isolations and release properly
• Traceability - meet customer requirements for full two-way traceability
• Continuous improvement – analyse the historic data e.g. top 10 scrap reasons
• Business continuity - inventory managed in MES means it is isolated from ERP outage

Get more value from the inventory management system by using it in conjunction with other applications of Shopfloor-Online MES.

• Label Printing – automatically print bar code labels as lots are created.
• Traceability – Consumption - to achieve full material traceability, and track inventory consumption (raw material and Work in Progress) in the production of new materials
• Build Traceability - to gain full traceability of serialised parts
• Warehousing – Logistics - receive inbound deliveries, ship outbound deliveries and implement material movement orders
• Customer Complaints - to achieve traceability from inventory pack number back through all aspects of production