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Task and Resource Management
Task and Resource Management
What is Task
Resource Management?
Conclusion
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TRM strengthens the LES/WM
solution via optimal task
execution and resource
deployment.
SAP WM and TRM are closely integrated and work hand-in-hand to manage and maintain the
workload in warehouses. WM provides the movement, operation demands, high-level scheduling
and planning. TRM distributes the work among the various resources.
TRM Features
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Task Execution
Prioritization
Interleaving
Value Added Services
Tracking and Monitoring
Task Bundling.
TRM also supports task bundling when a group of tasks must be executed by
one resource at a given time.
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Prioritization.
TRM uses a priority model to select tasks for assignment to resources. The model
uses objects such as the task priority inherited from the parent document, the
physical location of the resource, the route that a task would require, the attributes
of the resource equipment element, the nature of the tasks load to be moved and
other considerations to select a task for assignment to an available resource. When
the resource completes that assigned task, TRM again calculates which task has
the highest priority for assignment to the resource and makes the assignment. For
each task to be performed, TRM considers the costs of an available resource
compared to the task priority. Overqualified resources are only assigned in case of
very high priority given to task completion and a suitable resource is not available.
Interleaving.
TRM assigns tasks in close proximity to one another, providing a continuous
workflow to the resource and minimizing or eliminating deadheading. Upon
task completion, the system analyzes the resources current position to
provide it with tasks whose starting point is close to that current position
making deployment of resources as efficiently as possible.
Value Added Services Support.
TRM provides modeling for value added services such as special labeling, pricing,
and packaging such that the operation can be built into the routing of the material
movement. For example, if there is a need for a special packaging operation or
labeling, then the user will be directed to move the material picked for a particular
delivery to the packaging work center, and after the service is completed, an additional
work task will be generated to move the material to the dock or staging area.
TRM Monitor.
TRMs monitor makes all the necessary steps within a business process
transparent by keeping warehouse supervisors up to date about the current
status in the warehouse, providing continuous information about workload
bottlenecks, completed tasks, and available resources. Alert warnings for due
date violations give the supervisor the opportunity to initiate the right response.
They can influence task priority and assign tasks to resources via the monitor.
Comprehensive Real-time Controls.
TRM analyzes each event in the warehouse and can react immediately to
unforeseen situations (e.g., immediately reassigning a replenishment task to a
resource so that it is executed next).
Benefits include:
Increased Resource Efficiency and Route Optimization.
Resources are deployed based on capacity, qualification, and current position
on the warehouse floor, ensuring optimum routing.
Optimized Material Flow Processing.
TRM organizes the flow of incoming and outgoing goods and internal goods
movements in an optimum way.
Higher Visibility/Transparency.
TRM enables you to always see which tasks and resources are available for
execution, assigned for execution, accepted for execution, and completed.
Accelerated Supply Chain Management.
Better use of resources, improved routing and material flow accelerates and
optimizes the supply chain.
Improved Customer Service and Partner Relations.
An optimized supply chain will ensure better customer service and
supplier/partner relations.
Cost Savings.
Optimized processes and decreased labor requirements reduce operations costs.
TRM is tailored to be of most benefit to the warehouse with high activity levels,
high volume and complex operations. These and other factors should be
considered when determining whether TRM is a fit for your facility.
High Level of Distribution Activity & Materials Movement.
TRM was designed to benefit warehouse operations that are more distribution
oriented as opposed to material storage oriented (e.g., a production supply
facility). If efficient management, movement and distribution of materials are
core competencies and critical success factors for your organization, TRM is
a good fit and will significantly enhance your labor efficiencies and minimize
your labor costs.
High Level of Volume.
TRM offers the most value to those facilities with a high level of material flow
velocity (typically characterized by the number of transfer orders), high
transaction volume, a high number of warehouse associates per shift, and
multiple types of material handling equipment. The higher the number, the
better the fit. For example, if you have 50 trailer load outbounds a day, youll
reap a much higher benefit from the system than if you only have five.
Operational Complexity.
TRM offers strong functionality for complex material flows, such as the use of
special equipment that cannot physically make certain material moves efficiently,
but instead uses pick and drop locations. The systems decomposition of TOs into
tasks offers an advantage for these complex scenarios.
Level of Value Added Services.
TRM also offers strong functionality for value added services such as special
labeling, pricing, packaging and hazardous materials notes on shipping
documents. The higher the level of services you offer, the better the fit with TRM.
Current User of SAP WM and Decentralization.
Current users of SAP WM will find an independent systems configuration
audit and warehouse operational review beneficial prior to undertaking the
implementation of TRM, but it is highly recommended that users considering
TRM as part of the initial WM roll-out seek experienced consulting support
because of TRMs complexity and
abstraction. Another factor that
should be weighed when
considering the implementation of
TRM is the organizations ability to
decentralize the WM/TRM system.
The decentralized WM architecture
is strongly recommended for TRM
users because of the heavy
processor load that TRM can pose
for your core system. Implementing
decentralized WM should be
considered a prerequisite to
implementing TRM.
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CONCLUSION
SAPs Task and Resource Management module delivers value by optimizing labor
utilization and providing warehouse process monitoring and controlling
functionality. Bottom line, TRM enables warehouse activities to be executed better,
faster and cheaper than possible without a warehouse optimization engine.
When determining whether TRM is the right fit for your operations, it is important
to consider that TRM best benefits warehouse operations with high levels of
distribution activity, volume and operational complexity. Also important in the
decision-making process is SAPs future release plans for Yard Management,
Cross Docking and Enhanced VAS. Companies who decide to implement TRM
will gain the benefit of an accelerated supply chain, improved customer service,
better partner relations and overall cost savings.
For more information on how TRM can optimize your warehouse operations,
contact Catalyst International at www.catalystwms.com.
2003 Catalyst International. All rights reserved.
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Internet Address
www.catalystwms.com