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Warehouse Control System
Datkon functionality
Datkon
is a collector and executer of missions generated by a higher
system, often called host. An example of such a host system, notably
a WMS or ERP system, is the WMS system
DatkonPLUS, also developed by
Sygress.
The
missions Datkon collects are combinations of pick and deposit
locations of pallets or "goodstrays" in general. Datkon
takes care that the logistical equipment is controled in such
a way that the system carries out these missions correctly, smoothly
and effectively. As soon as a mision has finished an order, Datkon
gives a ready signal to its host system.
Since
Datkon knows where and in what phase of the order dispatch the
system is, the program will send a next mission before the last
one is finished. Datkon chooses the best mission known at that
moment. For this, it uses a set of configurable optimization rules.
Datkon
has been set up in a way that manual corrections will be necessary
seldom or never. However, errors of pallets or cranes can be easily
solved and continued afterwards, without disturbing the host system.
An extensive help system guides users through any problem they
need to solve.
Datkon
is available for Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP. Older versions are
running on Windows 3.xx, OS/2, VAX-VMS and UNIX. Currently it
can be delivered in 4 languages: English, German, French and Dutch.
Communication
with a WMS / ERP system or hostsystem in general
Datkon
can communicate with a host-system, using file-transfer, interfacing
through a database, serial communication, DDE or TCP/IP messages,
defined by Sygress or any clients definition.
Read
and write I/O data signals (communication with a low level logistical
equipment PLC system)
Datkon
can use the same I/O signals the lower logistical equipment PLC
system uses to control the logistical equipment.
Executing
missions
Datkon
executes the mission bij controling the logistical equipment.
Datkon takes care of transport of pallets through the system.
The conveyors and other equipment carries out the actual transport.
The communication between the lower level PLC system end DATKON
enables to make a pallet known to for instance the conveyor PLC
that takes care of further movement and tracking. On so-called
decision points, Datkon can react upon the actual situation and
optimize further pallet movement, or send a new mission to itself
for further transport. Datkon can visualize pallets and their
details, and react upon and visualize logistical equipment events
like errors or occupied deposit locations. If the protocol of
the logistical equipment is known bij the client or third party
verdor Datkon can control the device.
Optimization
of input and output missions
Priority
of input or output missions is taken care of, depending on the
project situation. Datkon tries to execute double-cycles whenever
possible. It will combine an input mission directly executing
an output mission and v.v.
Buffering
missions
Datkon stores all missions received and controls and optimizes
their execution. The WMS / ERP system or host system has to take
care of the supply of new missions and will be informed automatically
about finished missions.
Status
reports of the logistical equipment
A WMS / ERP system or host system can ask Datkon a status
report of any crane. This allows the WMS to handle crane error
messages, or react upon warehouse situations (e.g. positions of
cranes).
Gathering
messages from equipment to WMS
Datkon
reports the termination of missions to the WMS. If a mission ends
with an error, a difference is made between so-called platform
errors and hardware errors. After a platform error a counter-mission
can be given to correct the error. Hardware-errors can only be
solved by intervention of an operator.
Semi-automatic
control
Manually created missions can be given to the system, through
the so-called semi-automatic mode. Total control to a system is
given to the user: Pick and deposit missions can be created on
the PC, along with move missions.
Barcode
reading
Datkon
can read barcodes from scanners connected to the PC or underlaying
automated material handling equipment control system. It then
can combine the barcode with details that were received in advance,
or inform the host about the arrival of a pallet. This reduces
the probability of errors and increases the processing speed at
identification points
Barcode
writing
DatkonPLUS can print barcodes on a barcode printer connected
to the PC or automated material handling equipment control layer.
It can use the barcode details that were received from the host.
Error
handling with Cause and Effect help
Datkon provides the user with a tool that speeds up and simplifies
error correction by clarifying the cause and effect of an error.
This tool provides all necessary help to effectively solve a problem.
Warehouse
lay-out visualization
The
warehouse layout screen continuously visualizes the positions,
status and actions of the system. The screen is updated with the
rate of the communication.It can also show the availability of
missions on conveyors.
Localized
languages
Datkon
can be delivered in 4 languages: English,
German, French, Dutch
Keyboard
and mouse-control of the menus
Datkon runs in a Windows environment and is completely menu
controlled. The control screens are provided with on-line help
functions. It can be operated both by mouse and keyboard.
Anti-collision
prevention between cranes
This
function is only available and necessary for switch-driving cranes
and was originally developed for Lalesse warehouse cranes to prevent
crane collisions, Datkon keeps a minimal distance between the
several cranes. The warehouse is divided in sectors, to keep cranes
at safe distances. A crane is only allowed to drive inside a sector
if all connecting sectors are clear. Datkon reserves the path
a crane has to drive to reach its location. If Datkon comes across
an occupied sector, it tries to clear this sector by sending away
the crane in it. This crane will end its mission first.
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