Increase Productivity by 70%- 80% over Batch Process
What are the major differences between Windfall & Windfall RF?
There is no need to ever dock/connect the data
collection device anymore. All the data is sent
to and from the device directly into the database.
As the user scans the inventory piece, it is transmitted
directly into the Transaction Processor within
Windfall.
Inventory activity and cycles can be scanned as
fast as they happen in the warehouse. If an inventory
item comes in to the warehouse and immediately
needs to go out, one user can scan it in and another
can scan in out. Because all the devices work
directly with the database, there is no need to
download one device in order to populate the database
so that the piece can be delivered out.
Lookups can be accomplished with a number of fields
on the device. Since the device is connected to
the database in real-time, users can lookup inventory
as if they where sitting at the computer.
Customer data can be transmitted to the device
without having to dock the unit. Because of wireless
technology, when the systems administrator adds
a customer, it will automatically appear on the
device of the warehouse user.
Why choose a Wireless?
- Eliminates 95% of all transaction problems.
- Never dock the device to transfer data again.
- Validate Work Orders on the fly.
- The new color touch screen Pocket PC device is easier to use.
- Send Instant Messages (IM – Microsoft Instant Messenger) to your warehouse
staff.
- All data scanned or entered hits the database in “realtime.”
- Send new or existing customers to the device immediately without downloading.
- Access the actual Windfall PC Application on the device if needed to change the configuration, articles, prompts, etc…
- Run your van lines Driver Inventory solution on the same device. (Allied, Atlas, Mayflower, North American, United)
- Works with Windfall LITE and Unlimited
Will the Devices Hold Up?
Absolutely! Designed from the ground up for use in harsh environments, the 700 device can withstand multiple 5-ft. (1.5 m) drops to concrete and is sealed against rain and dust. The ergonomic case design is sculpted and balanced, maximizing user comfort during long-term use. Radio and scanner options are integrated, not add-ons, which means they are tested to the same ruggedness standards, and don’t compromise the environmental or functional characteristics of the unit. This is NOT a retail device. |
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How a
Wireless Works
In a typical Wireless configuration, a transmitter/receiver
device, or access point, connects to the wired
network from a fixed location using standard Ethernet
cable. The access point receives, buffers and
transmits data between the components of the Wireless
(laptops, printers, handheld devices and other
wireless equipment) and the wired network infrastructure.
A single access point can support a small group
of users and can function within a range of less
than 100 to several hundred feet. The access point
can be installed anywhere in the facility as long
as good radio coverage is achieved.
Users equipped with handheld devices or notebook
computers can transmit data to the access point.
These user devices are equipped with Wireless
adapters, usually in the form of radio network
interface cards (NICs), installed in notebook
computers, ISA or PCI adapters in desktop computers,
or devices integrated into a handheld unit. These
adapters provide a means of communication between
the network operating system and the airwaves.
Wireless
Speed
The speed at which a Wireless performs depends
on the products within the network and configuration
of those products. The number of users, the distance
between network components, the type of Wireless
system used and the efficiency of wired network
components all influence the overall speed and
performance of the Wireless.
Wired network speeds differ as well, but most
commercial wired LANs operate at around 10 megabits
per second (10BaseT) to 100 Mbps (100BaseT). Wireless
components that use the 802.11a high data rate
standard perform at speeds as high as 54 Mbps,
a nearly five-fold increase from the 802.11b standard.
802.11 refers to a family of specifications developed
by the IEEE for wireless LAN technology. 802.11
specifies an over-the-air interface between a
wireless client and a base station or between
two wireless clients. 802.11b is an extension
to 802.11 that provides 11 Mbps transmission (with
a fallback to 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbps) in the 2.4GHz
band.
The 802.11a standard, also an extension of 802.11,
operates on a new, wider band of the frequency
spectrum – between 5.15 and 5.35GHz – that experiences
considerably less contention than the 2.4GHz band.
The combined results of faster speeds and cleaner
air space translate into increased capacity for
large file transfers, streaming video and other
types of bandwidth-intensive content.
Wireless
Security
By their very nature, wireless networks have the
potential to provide access to any party in range
of the system. That includes potential eavesdroppers
outside the physical security perimeter of a network,
whether in a parking lot, an adjacent floor or
office or the next building. Although the range
of wireless networks is limited, wireless signals
can be received at distances of several hundred
feet beyond the physical perimeter of a facility.
In larger facilities that use multiple wireless
LAN access points to interconnect wireless users
with wired networks, each access point is a potential
point of entry inside the firewall.
The Wireless industry recognizes that security
is a significant challenge to wireless LAN growth,
particularly in the commercial enterprise and
government sectors. A number of security standards
and tools are available today to ward against
potential breaches. Industry groups and companies
that make wireless technologies are working together
to continually increase the security of wireless
communications.
Wireless Costs
Wireless deployment typically involves the cost
of access points and adapters, as well as software,
installation labor and some IT training. But because
worker mobility translates to substantially increased
productivity, corporate investments in Wireless
equipment and software tend to deliver rapid return
on investment. Installation and repairs are less
labor-intensive, because cabling is not involved.
Moves, additions and modifications likewise are
simpler, further reducing labor costs. And the
user mobility afforded by going wireless adds
to overall productivity – meaning more time to
generate profits.
For a quote to upgrade from Batch to RF or a full
installation, give ACI a call at 800-277-3814.
