Facilitating Warehouse Tasks With NetSuite-Footprint Integration

Problem Statement 

The client, operating in the home decor industry, was facing challenges in efficiently managing their warehouse operations. They were using 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.  

However, they required a more flexible and customizable solution. Their objective was to eliminate the manual creation of pallet data and automate orders in NetSuite, aiming to improve their warehouse shipping efficiency.  

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 needs, our team of experts proposed a comprehensive integration strategy between NetSuite and Footprint, leveraging the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) method. The order’s shipping status (Pick, Pack, Ship) was inaccessible from the Footprint’s API Footprint’s API couldn’t handle order shipping statuses (Pick, Pack, Ship), and so EDI was the optimal solution.

The key recommendations include:

1.Real-Time Sync Between NetSuite and Footprint: 

• Established a continuous sync mechanism between NetSuite and Footprint for items, sales orders, and purchase orders.  

• 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 to transfer pick, pack, and ship statuses between systems.  

• Uploaded NetSuite order details through the Crane World SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) server as XML files. Footprint fetched these files and created orders from their end. The pallet data and shipping status were automatically 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) within Footprint WMS, while sales orders were considered outbound.  

 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. 

5.Credit Management:

• 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. 

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

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 our 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 creation more accurate, and backordered items were left behind.  

• Improved Order Processing: The use of the EDI method for managing order statuses significantly 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.  

Way Forward

The NetSuite-Footprint integration not only simplified the client’s warehouse management process but also resulted in smoother handling of items and orders across multiple locations. This marked a major achievement in WMS (Warehouse Management System) customization, ensuring that every single quantity has a real-time update and tracking for smooth 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’s built-in WMS system, combined with the seamless integration of third-party systems, can ensure efficient data exchange and enhance your warehouse efficiency. 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!