Yes, you can integrate Exact Online WMS with automation systems through APIs, middleware solutions, and warehouse control systems (WCS). The integration connects your WMS to conveyor belts, sorting equipment, and robotic systems for automated inventory management and order processing. This connectivity enables real-time communication between software and hardware for streamlined warehouse operations.
What is Exact Online WMS and how does it handle automation integration?
Exact Online WMS is a cloud-based warehouse management system that manages inventory, orders, and warehouse operations through a centralised platform. Its integration architecture supports connections with various automation systems through standard APIs and communication protocols.
The system handles automation integration through several key components. The API layer provides standardised communication protocols that connect with external systems. The database structure stores real-time inventory data and order information that automation systems can access and update.
Exact Online WMS connects with different types of automation equipment, including conveyor systems for material transport, sorting equipment for order fulfilment, and robotic solutions for picking and packing. The integration typically works through warehouse control systems (WCS) that act as intermediaries between the WMS and physical automation hardware.
The Exact Online WMS extension capabilities allow you to customise integration points based on your specific automation requirements. This flexibility means you can connect with both standard warehouse equipment and specialised automation solutions.
What are the main benefits of integrating Exact Online WMS with warehouse automation?
Integration delivers significant operational efficiency improvements by eliminating manual data entry and reducing processing times. Automated systems receive instructions directly from the WMS, removing delays between order creation and physical fulfilment activities.
Manual errors decrease substantially when automation systems receive digital instructions rather than paper-based picking lists or verbal communications. The direct data transfer ensures accuracy in inventory movements, order processing, and shipping activities.
Real-time inventory visibility improves as automation equipment updates stock levels immediately when items move through the warehouse. This instant synchronisation prevents overselling and provides accurate inventory data for planning and customer service.
Cost savings result from reduced labour requirements for routine tasks and improved space utilisation through optimised automation workflows. Enhanced order fulfilment speed occurs as automated systems process orders faster than manual methods, particularly during peak periods.
The integration also enables better resource allocation by freeing staff from repetitive tasks to focus on value-added activities such as quality control and customer service.
How do you actually connect Exact Online WMS to automated warehouse equipment?
Connection methods include direct API integration, middleware solutions, and warehouse control system (WCS) implementations. API connections provide the most straightforward integration by enabling direct communication between Exact Online WMS and automation equipment that supports standard protocols.
The integration process typically follows these steps:
- Assess your automation equipment’s communication capabilities and supported protocols
- Configure API connections between Exact Online WMS and your automation systems
- Set up middleware software if direct integration isn’t possible
- Implement warehouse control systems (WCS) for complex automation environments
- Test data flow and communication between all connected systems
- Train staff on the integrated workflow processes
Middleware solutions are useful when automation equipment uses proprietary communication protocols. The middleware translates data between Exact Online WMS and your automation systems, ensuring compatibility.
Warehouse control systems (WCS) manage communication with multiple automation devices simultaneously. The WCS receives high-level instructions from Exact Online WMS and translates them into specific commands for individual pieces of automation equipment.
Professional WMS implementation services often handle these technical integrations, ensuring proper configuration and testing before going live.
What challenges should you expect when integrating Exact Online WMS with automation systems?
Data synchronisation issues represent the most common integration challenge, particularly when automation equipment operates at different speeds than WMS processing. Timing mismatches can create inventory discrepancies if not properly managed through buffer systems and error-handling protocols.
Equipment compatibility concerns arise when older automation systems don’t support modern communication protocols. Some legacy equipment may require hardware upgrades or additional interface modules to communicate with cloud-based WMS solutions like Exact Online.
Implementation timelines often extend beyond initial estimates due to configuration complexity and testing requirements. Each automation device may need individual setup and calibration, particularly in environments with mixed equipment from different manufacturers.
Staff training requirements increase as integrated systems change established workflows. Warehouse personnel need to understand both the WMS interface and how it connects with automation equipment to troubleshoot issues effectively.
Network reliability becomes critical when automation systems depend on cloud-based WMS connectivity. Internet disruptions can halt automated operations, making backup communication methods essential.
Overcoming these challenges requires thorough planning, including network redundancy setup, comprehensive staff training programmes, and phased implementation approaches that test integration points gradually rather than all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my internet connection fails while automation systems are running?
When internet connectivity is lost, your automation equipment will typically continue operating based on the last received instructions, but won't receive new orders or updates from Exact Online WMS. To prevent operational shutdowns, implement local buffer systems and backup communication methods such as dedicated network lines or cellular backup connections that can maintain basic functionality until primary connectivity is restored.
How long does it typically take to fully integrate Exact Online WMS with existing warehouse automation?
Integration timelines vary significantly based on complexity, but expect 3-6 months for standard setups and 6-12 months for complex multi-vendor automation environments. The timeline includes equipment assessment, API configuration, testing phases, staff training, and gradual rollout. Phased implementation approaches help identify and resolve issues early while maintaining operational continuity.
Can I integrate Exact Online WMS with automation equipment from different manufacturers?
Yes, you can integrate with mixed-vendor automation equipment, though it requires more complex configuration. Each manufacturer may use different communication protocols, so you'll likely need middleware solutions or a warehouse control system (WCS) to manage the various connections. The WCS acts as a translator between Exact Online WMS and different automation devices, ensuring seamless communication across your entire system.