Facilitating Warehouse Tasks With NetSuite-Footprint Integration

Problem Statement 

Our client, operating in the home decorations industry, faced challenges in efficiently managing their warehouse operations. Currently relying on RF Smart, a third-party solution that enhances and extends the functionalities of NetSuite’s standard Warehouse Management System (WMS) for inventory processes and warehouse automations, they sought a more flexible and customizable solution. Their objective was to eliminate the manual creation of pallet data and automate orders in NetSuite, enhancing warehouse shipping processes. 

Footprint is a WMS software from Crane Worldwide, a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) company that provides customized Supply Chain Solutions, Intermodal Transportation, and Warehousing. With this integration, the client aimed to synchronize data related to Inventory handling, sales orders, and purchase orders. 

What We Suggested

To address the client’s warehouse management needs, our team of experts proposed a comprehensive integration strategy between NetSuite and Footprint, leveraging the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) method. The common Application Programming Interface (API), which is mostly used in integrations, was not applicable in this scenario, as the order’s shipping status (Pick, Pack, Ship) was inaccessible from the Footprint API.  

The key recommendations include:

1.Real-Time Sync Between NetSuite and Footprint: 

• Established a continuous sync mechanism for item, sales order, and purchase order data between NetSuite and Footprint. 

• Ensured timely updates to sales orders, including partial fulfillment and purchase order item receipt creation, for efficient record-keeping. 

• Considered both non-inventory and service items in the item sync, along with inventory and group items. 

2.Utilization of EDI for Enhanced Data Exchange: 

• Overcame API limitations by implementing (EDI for the exchange of pick, pack, and ship statuses of orders between both software solutions. 

• NetSuite order details were uploaded through the Crane World SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) server as XML files for smooth exchange and transfer. Footprint fetched these files and created orders from their end. The pallet data and shipping status were uploaded to this server by Footprint, and we added these to NetSuite Item fulfillment records to continue operations. 

 3.Handling Inbound Orders and Pallet Data: 

• Managed both vendor purchase orders and customer returned orders (treated as inbound orders) in Footprint WMS, while sales orders were considered outbound. 

• Overcame limitations in RF Smart by automating the creation of pallet information, resulting in better operational efficiency compared to manual processes. 

 4.Convenient Shipping Automation:

• Ensured that customers were able to set a shipping date for their orders and receive a 48-hour advance email notification for collection. Products were strategically moved to warehouses closer to the delivery date, minimizing prolonged storage and enhancing efficiency. 

• Customers who exceeded their credit limit were moved to ‘Credit hold’ stage and were not taken to order processing. The administrator was able to approve this and move to processing if required. 

Challenges 

There were several challenges during the implementation of the suggested solutions: 

• Overcoming API limitations for real-time data exchange. 

• Ensuring accurate and timely updates of pick, pack, and ship statuses through the EDI method.

Customer Success  

The integration of NetSuite with Footprint benefited out client in many ways: 

•Easy Warehouse Deals: Warehouse operations became more manageable with the synchronization of data between NetSuite and Footprint. Only the available quantities in the warehouse were processed, making order creations more accurate, and backordered items were left behind. 

•Improved Order Processing: The use of EDI method for pick, pack, and ship statuses improved order processing, providing accurate and up-to-date information for enhanced order fulfillment. 

•Efficient Handling of Inbound Orders: Both vendor purchase and customer returned orders were successfully categorized as inbound orders in Footprint, providing a clearer view of warehouse activities. 

•Faster Shipments: With optimized warehouse management and tracking of available quantities and dispatched items, the shipping process was simplified, resulting in faster delivery and increased customer satisfaction. 

Key Achievements: 

• Reduced manual tasks by 60%

• Expedited warehouse operations and management

Way Forward

The integration not only simplified the client’s warehouse management process but also resulted in smoother handling of items and orders in multiple locations. This marked a major achievement in WMS (Warehouse Management System) customization, ensuring that each single quantity has a real-time update and tracking in business operations. 
 
Are your products processed and managed on time in your warehouses? Do you wish to have a more flexible warehouse management system? Yes, we got you covered. NetSuite has its inbuilt WMS system along with integrating your third-party systems for efficient data exchange. The team of experts at Jobin & Jismi is ready to assist you and provide complete guidance. Feel free to reach out to discuss your specific needs.