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Integration of SAP WM with barcode scanners

ITS Mobile or SAPConsole

Author: Andrzej Bartosiewicz Publication: 2016

Article published in the SNP company magazine: Better Business

Barcodes are currently commonly used both in external and internal logistics of enterprises, especially in resource
management. Integration of a mobile data terminal with the storage process operation system used at a company
constitutes a significant element of implementing the WMS system. Choosing SAP WM, using barcode scanners, we
face a choice between two technologies - SAPConsole and ITS Mobile.

Barcode scanners – also called radio data terminals – are mobile devices used by storage workers to handle business
processes in the IT system, e.g. SAP.

With SAP ERP scanners are connected online allowing dynamic implementation of tasks in the system, such as
collecting pallets to release delivery, distribution of goods in the warehouse, etc. To enable communication between
the scanner and the system, a proper translator is required which will “translate” the transaction screen from SAP ERP
into the mobile device screen.

An advantage of barcode scanners is quick entry of data to the transaction by scanning barcodes (1d or 2d, so called
QR code). Thanks to this, for example during the receipt of goods to the warehouse the user of the scanner does not
have to manually enter the material number, quantity, batch, etc., but only scan the information from the barcode.
Apart from saving time, we avoid mistakes while entering data. Additionally, operating a small and handy reader in
the conditions of a warehouse is easier and more efficient. These devices are usually quite resistant to mechanical
damage and reliable in their operation.

SAPConsole
SAPConsole is a technology integrated with the SAP system which converts SAP screens to text enabling display of
their content on the screens of mobile devices. Because mobile devices have a lower resolution than monitor
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screens, terminal transactions must be specially prepared in this respect. By default SAPConsole cooperates with two
types of screen dimensions – 16×20 and 8×40.

SAPConsole uses the telnet server for communication between the SAP system and wireless mobile devices. Mobile
devices require access to the wireless network.

ITS Mobile
ITS (Internet Transaction Server) Mobile is a server allowing access to the SAP system through www browsers. It
replaced the previously applied SAPwebconsole technology which is not supported or developed any more (therefore
it was not discussed in this article). The ITS platform allows access to SAP not only through barcode scanners, but
also through every device with a www browser, e.g. a computer or telephone.

Developing transactions for barcode scanners, similarly like in case of SAPConsole, limitations of the screen size of a
mobile device should be taken into account. However, usually thanks to the possibility to manipulate the font size
and other elements (such as e.g. buttons) more information can be displayed on the screen than in the case of the
SAPConsole technology. Additionally the content is presented in color. The user also has a possibility to enlarge or
reduce the content of the screen in order to dynamically manipulate the size of elements (it is a useful option for
people with poor sight – when enlarging the font sliders to scroll the screen appear).

The ITS Mobile technology presents the content of a SAP transaction translating it into HTML. This task can be
conducted fully automatically – screens will be generated “on the fly”. For this purpose the appropriate configuration
of the Internet service is required from SAP. However, this option is used rather when we wish to have access to the
system from the level of a browser through a computer.

Due to limitations of the screen size, creating terminal transactions for mobile devices, the automatic option of
generating screens is not used. In such a case the programmer at the final stage of preparing a terminal transaction
has to generate an appropriate HTMP template for each transaction screen. In the future each potential change of the
terminal transaction screen by the programmer in SAP (e.g. as a result of new requirements) will require the HTML
template to be updated, as well.
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SAP ITS expands the client/server architecture by the Internet and it consists of two gateways – Web Server Gateway
and Application Server Gateway.

What to choose?
The ITS Mobile technology gains popularity among companies using mobile solutions in warehouses. It has
numerous advantages, among which the most important ones include greater legibility (colors), multiplicity of
supported devices and a greater screen operating area.

While the enthusiasts of SAPConsole assume that terminal transactions are most of all supposed to work and not
look nice. The economic aspect also favors this technology. The use of the SAPConsole technology implementing
SAP WM is cheaper, even considering the costs of the mobile devices themselves.

Additionally choosing ITS Mobile it is important to remember about the higher costs of program implementation
which result from a necessity of additional programming work – generating HTML templates for transaction screens
– and additional works of the Basis consultant – configuration of the ITS service in the SAP system.

Lepszy Biznes
magazyn klientów SNP

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