Meeting the Challenge
Data Management
The solution was designed according to the modern lambda architecture framework, implementing both batch and streaming data processing simultaneously. This approach provides real-time access and analysis for the inventory state and delivers insights through supply chain data analytics based on custom inventory history reports.
To meet the needs of scalability and fault-tolerant data processing, data warehouse solutions were integrated, leveraging cloud-based technologies for high availability and disaster recovery.
Big Data technologies were introduced as a part of the lambda architecture (e.g., Cassandra, Apache Spark, Spark Streaming, and Apache Kafka) to support real-time inventory processing for huge warehouses operating with millions of inventory items.
The backend is cloud-based, allowing flexibility for the business, making it possible to respond to business demands by scaling up or down cloud capacity, and introducing disaster recovery, ensuring the system is operational 24×7.
Merchmanager’s architecture makes it possible to manage and process data for million-item inventories. The largest inventory handled was about 16 million products.
Automation
RFID technology is used as an automated tracking solution. This technology makes it possible to track items quickly. It was chosen for the following reasons:
RFID Readers
A mobile device and a handheld RFID scanner communicate with each other using Bluetooth.
There are several RFID readers supported at the moment (e.g., TSL 1128, TSL 1166). The solution architecture makes it possible to add new types of supported devices to the system easily.
Warehouse Automation
RFID hand readers are not powerful enough to scan a several million-item inventory in a reasonable time. Dock Door and Forklift Readers (SLS RFID Solutions) can be used to automate the warehouse.
Merchmanager uses the SLS Listening Service to work with the fixed RFID readers.
After items are scanned, all inventory data is ingested and processed by Merchmanager.
Automated Pick Lines
DataArt implemented a solution that makes it possible to verify orders with handheld RFID readers.
The solution can be installed on the manual pick line terminals. Implementation of fully automated pick lines required DataArt to handle the following tasks:
- Providing Order Flow
- Integration with Mozula to implement the packing service
- Integration with UPS to provide small package shipping
- Printing discrepancy reports for failed order boxes
- Order verification by box to fix problems with failed orders (Our mobile app with Handheld RFID reader)
- Printing missing RFID tags
Integration
DataArt enabled seamless integration with Big Commerce and Quickbooks platforms, making RFID Inventory Management interoperable with the existing systems.
The flexible architecture also supports integration with additional e-commerce platforms (MerchManage’s plans integration with Retail Pro), further extending the reach of MerchManage’s data warehouse solutions.
Business Benefits
The solution provides a robust platform for automation, inventory tracking, data processing, and warehouse management while offering advanced supply chain data analytics capabilities.
Users enjoy the following benefits:
- Decreased operating expenses for warehouses
- Space efficiency
- Real-time inventory tracking, analytics, and forecasting powered by data warehouse solutions
- Integration with third-party e-commerce platforms
- Support for RFID hardware
The combination of data warehouse solutions and advanced supply chain data analytics ensures that Merchmanager delivers unparalleled efficiency and accuracy, setting a new standard for warehouse automation and data management.
