Typical tasks required in the implementation of the CIMS WMS, including task objectives and sub tasks.
Project Startup and Requirements Review
Task Objective: A detailed project plan and schedule incorporating the CIMS WMS options selected by the client.
Sub-tasks include:
- Establishing the project organization team, including communication and reporting channels between the CIMS WMS team and client
- Touring the client facility to review layout, material handling methods, and operational procedures
- Organizing on-site meetings to review features and options available in the CIMS WMS
- Selecting and prioritizing standard system features that enable rapid implementation of the system while allowing for later-phased implementation of optional features
- Reviewing the client’s fault tolerance criteria, including backup procedures, spare equipment requirements, and equipment maintenance response time requirements
- Reviewing and confirming training options and procedures
- Specifying implementation strategy as to sequence, phase-in, and parallel processing requirements
- Planning for and ordering a mobile device site survey
- Creating specifications for all required equipment and third party software
- Formalizing the client purchase order data for project hardware, supplies, and third party software
- Drafting and reviewing the preliminary project plan
Detailed Functional Review
Task Objective: Clear definition of the operational functionality required by the client. The team will design an approach for integrating the required functionality into the base system with minimal impact on system quality and deployment time.
Sub-tasks include:
- Explaining the CIMS WMS concepts and planning their use
- Reviewing final specifications of custom CIMS WMS functional design changes
- Reviewing final specifications of client host interface(s)
- Reviewing final specifications of custom forms and reports
- Reviewing final specifications of database modifications
- Reviewing final specifications of preliminary systems test plan
- Reviewing final specifications of test data requirements
- Conducting mobile device site survey
- Reviewing mobile device site survey report
- Ordering survey-dependent mobile device equipment
- Developing conversion and start-up plan to include outstanding picks, lost/found inventory, etc.
- Reviewing and revising the project plan for specified custom software modifications and testing requirements
Software Development/Modifications
Task Objective: A set of programs ready for integrated systems testing. Test data identified and collected in the requirements review and detailed functional review tasks will be used.
Sub-tasks include:
- Modifying the CIMS WMS to incorporate custom client requirements
- Developing/modifying custom forms and reports
- Developing/modifying mobile device functionality changes
- Developing/modifying custom client host interface(s)
- Developing/modifying custom labels for shelves and existing inventory
- Developing/modifying user interface to reflect customer-mandated terminology
- Developing/modifying a detailed CIMS WMS and host interface test plan
- Collecting and verifying system test data
- Preparing training materials related to system modifications
Computer and Mobile Device Hardware Installation
Task Objective: Install all LAN and mobile device network hardware and software.
Sub-tasks, shared by the CIMS WMS team and the client, include:
- Installing mobile device network
- Configuring LAN hardware and third party software
- Testing all hardware as integrated into the production environment
Site Preparation
Task Objective: Create and import the distribution center location schema into the CIMS WMS, resulting in a basic operational system.
Sub-tasks, shared by the CIMS WMS team and the client, include:
- Configuring and zoning the warehouse and entering the location data into the CIMS WMS
- Beginning the physical labeling of warehouse locations and staging areas
- Downloading the master SKU file from host into the CIMS WMS
- Establishing a continuing program of printing and applying barcoded case labels to incoming case goods, and later, to the balance of unlabeled, in-stock case goods
Systems Testing and Installation
Task Objective: Test and install a stable, functional system ready to be placed into production.
Sub-tasks, shared by the CIMS WMS team and the client, include:
- Installing Phase I Inbound for training and testing purposes
- Installing Phase II Outbound for training and testing purposes
- Testing interfaces to host system
- Testing load of initial database
- Testing all mobile device transactions
- Testing all the CIMS WMS functionality
Training the Trainers
Task Objective: A set of training materials and several training sessions conducted for management and supervisory personnel responsible for operation of the system.
Sub-tasks include:
- Training managers and supervisors
- Assisting the client in training material handling employees
- On-site training and retraining support during Go-Live
Go-Live
Task Objective: System’s start-up support that usually begins with on-site support and transitions into remote support.
Sub-tasks, shared by the CIMS WMS team and the client, include:
- Setting up employee security access codes in mobile devices and the CIMS WMS
- Executing the conversion and start-up plan to include outstanding picks, lost/found inventory, etc.
- Conducting physical inventory and reconciling physical and host inventory records
- Assisting in conversion and start-up with post implementation support
User Documentation
The client will be provided with the standard version of the CIMS WMS user manual and mobile device job aids. Any client-requested enhancements to the standard manual and job aids will be provided on a time and materials basis.
Progress Reporting
Progress reporting is an on-going part of each task as systems requirements are determined, decisions are made, and problems encountered. These reports are official notification to client management of problems, problem resolution, and goal fulfillment. Progress reporting also includes a record of any changes that may affect the project schedule or cost.