BP Controls
BP Controls Realtime360™ PLUS enables you build upon your existing warehouse control systems to develop a complete, scalable warehouse execution system. Our easily expandable platform integrates seamlessly with the entire Realtime360 Suite™ and complete library of automated solutions, from robotics and sortation, to print and apply and industrial control systems. Realtime360™ PLUS provides expanded warehouse execution capabilities by incorporating:
Advantages:
Frequently Asked Questions About Realtime360™ PLUS Warehouse Execution System
Q1: What is the difference between a Warehouse Control System (WCS) and a Warehouse Execution System (WES)?
A1: A Warehouse Control System (WCS) is operational software that connects various automated systems like conveyors, sorters, Automated Storage and Retrieval systems (AS/RS) and Pick/Put to Light. The WCS communicates data to the controllers, typically Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and triggers its operation to support material flow through the distribution center’s warehouse(s).
A Warehouse Execution System (WES) is built around performance optimization software that sits between the client’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) and includes all the functionality of a WCS. However, the WES uses sophisticated algorithms to leverage real-time inputs from all “islands of automation” including order finishing, manifesting and other sources, as well as data from inventory, order, labor, transportation and other activities. A WES will optimize a distribution center’s activity and dynamically manage it throughout all processes.
A WES includes a variety of options that are easily configured during installation. This allows users to utilize only the functionality they need and implement new functionality when it becomes necessary for growth or to accommodate changes in material flow. The ideal WES integrates all commercially available WMS brands from any provider and includes built-in control capability to interface with any semi or fully automated material handling systems.
Q2: What are the benefits of WES over a WCS?
A2: Clearly, the answer to the first question helps identify some of the benefits. Think of it this way: A WCS merely pushed data from a high-level WMS, while a WES analyzes downstream information to provided data-driven distribution of ALL system data to optimize overall performance. It’s agile, providing the ability to easily adapt, change and expand on-demand.
Q3: What makes the Realtime 360™ PLUS Warehouse Management System solution different from other WES’s on the market?
A3: Many, if not most WES solutions are driven by WMS functionality to include WMS functionality. The BP Controls Realtime 360 PLUS WES was developed based on our nearly 25 years of WCS experience. Our WES also includes easy access to the implementation of all features provided with the Realtime 360 WCS.
Q4: What various “Islands of Automation” can be optimized by the use the Realtime360 PLUS?
A4: You can easily integrate and optimize any and all of the solutions and applications listed below.
Solutions
Applications
Q5: What are the typical problems that are resolved using a WES?
A5: Realtime360 PLUS WES can help distribution centers with numerous pain points that plague their operations. Examples of problems you can solve with our WES include:
Frankly, if you don’t see your problem here, get in touch with us. We’re glad to assist in helping define a solution.
Q6: What intuitive features of Realtime360 PLUS WES provide on-the-fly adjustments that optimize performance without operator intervention?
A6: Using Realtime360 View, you can adjust the following on-the-fly to streamline performance without operation involvement:
Q7: How do you access real-time data from a WES?
A7: You can easily access your data, real-time, in several ways:
Q8: Where does the Realtime360 PLUS WES reside?
A8: The WES is a multiplatform solution that includes:
Q9: Can Realtime360 PLUS WES communicate with other vendors applications?
A9: Yes. In addition to seamless integration with our own applications, the system can easily communicate with other vendor applications as well. See the list provided in Answer #4.
Q10: How long has the Realtime360 PLUS WES been around?
A10: Numerous solution modules have been around for over 20 years. The Realtime360 PLUS WES includes all current modules, but continues to evolve as more are developed. We’re constantly developing new application solutions for our clients. Case in point, take a look at what we’re doing with Realtime360 Robotics.
Q11: Can the Realtime360 PLUS WES receive images and store for query?
A11: Yes, images can be archived and stored for later look-up and query.
Q12: How simple/easy is the Realtime360 PLUS WES to operated, monitor and control?
A12: So easy a sales rep can do it! All kidding aside, the Realtime360 View’s Human-Machine Interface (HMI) utilizes intuitive graphics-based screens that provide easy to use “point and click” functionality. To learn more, see Realtime360 View.
Q13: What kind of alerts does the WES offer?
A13: Alerts are shown on a number of different platforms and can be prioritized based on customer needs. These alerts include:
Q14: Is the Realtime360 PLUS WES web-based Realtime360 View allow remote monitoring from other corporate facilities?
A14: Yes. This is accomplished via secure remote access. To learn more, see Realtime360 View.
