Purdue Installs Exacta® Mobile™ RF
In an effort to expand the capabilities of Purdue’s Supply Chain Management Technology Lab, ASAP Automation has installed the latest version of its Exacta® Mobile™ RF Handheld product suite. This Windows Mobile-based handheld picking/putting system was installed alongside the existing Pick To Light and Pick To Display system (implemented in early 2008). Students partaking in lab activities can now directly compare the different aspects of picking with paper, RF handheld devices and lights, all in one space-efficient area.
The system consists of two Motorola MC9090G RF Handheld units, wirelessly connected to the computer in the lab running the Exacta® applications. Students log in with their specific username and password for the Exacta® system and can pick orders from a section of flowrack in the lab. Lab staff uses the standard administration tools in Exacta® Manager™ to create and edit orders in the Exacta® system to prepare lectures and lab activities and can use the RF units to hot-stock product into the flowrack, prepping it for picking sample orders. The Exacta® applications provide an easy-to-use, self-contained picking and order creation system for the lab.
“The Pick to Light, Pick to Display and RF picking systems from ASAP allow us to demonstrate real-world solutions to the theoretical problems the students learn about in lecture,” says Jonathan Davis, graduate student and one of the TAs in charge of the SCMT Lab. “Our resulting supply chain laboratory allows us to in-house research using professional grade systems, which is a big plus.”
Cross-Course Advantages
The SCMT Lab plays host to several different classes throughout the school year. The Distribution Management and Inventory Control with Supply Chain Management applied research area is based around the following courses:
- Industrial Supply Chain Management
- Industrial Sales and Sales Management
- Financial Transactions in Distribution
- Global Transportation and Logistics Management
- Global Supply Chain Management
This system helps students understand the advantages of automating the picking process over paper-based picking from both a picking accuracy and speed standpoint. When analyzing the financial side of warehouse operations, students see the cost savings and ROI systems like these can deliver. From a global perspective, the SCMT Lab helps students see how different parts of the supply chain can take advantage of technology like RF picking, Pick-to-Light, RFID and ERP/WMS software to increase capacity, productivity and reduce cost.
Industry Partnership
Purdue University has historically placed a strong emphasis on the relationship between the students and sponsor companies that help provide the tools to further enhance the students’ education. These partnerships help provide access to students, faculty, alumni and research programs while providing an opportunity to directly support these efforts and ensure their longevity. ASAP Automation and Bastian Material Handling are working directly with the Industrial Technology Department to help provide a long-term plan to increase student exposure to cutting-edge technologies in the supply chain management landscape.
The addition of the Exacta® Mobile™ suite to the Acculight™ and PictureView™ systems is another step towards ensuring Purdue’s students have the tools and experience they need to prepare for a productive and successful career. “It gives our research and our curriculum a credibility and effectiveness that would otherwise be missing,” adds Davis. “…[and] serves as a big draw for students as well as industry partners.”
More Information
Exacta® RF Handheld SoftwarePurdue Supply Chain Management Technology Lab
The Supply Chain Management Technology Laboratory is dedicated to support teaching, evaluation, and research in multiple areas including warehousing, supply chain management, inventory management, financial planning for distribution, logistics, technical sales and sales management and safety. The unique niche for this laboratory is the focus on simulating an industrial warehouse environment with flexible demonstration modules and simulation capabilities for multiple activities within industrial supply chains.
Purdue's Supply Chain Management Technology Lab
