¶ Overview
The latest iteration of our mobile client for Android is a cross-platform application. Each Platform's User interface is slightly different. Here we will look at the Google Android application.
The application is the primary method for data collection and execution of work instructions within Qwix WMS.
¶ Online vs Offline
The latest version of the Mobile application combines both the standard “online” application that requires a real-time connection to our application server (mobile API service), as well as the new “offline” (batch synchronised) implementations of our workflows.
The online functionality of the application is a 100% backwards compatible implementation to our native Android client, and as such can be used as a drop-in replacement. It does however require the new service API and does NOT work with the legacy Mobile Web service(s). The workflow of the online version is customisable, and can therefore deviate from the Standard implementation of QWIX WMS. Please refer to your specific System workflows as configured and implemented.
The offline functionality allows a device to execute the STANDARD workflows, after synchronising an optimised subset of data to the device. The device can do this without any connectivity to the application server. Connectivity is only required for synchronisations where data is uploaded and downloaded.
The offline functionality of the application implements the STANDARD workflows for Inventory, Stockcount and Transfers. This is static, and cannot be customised like the online functionality.
It is recommended that offline mode is only used when there is no connectivity options that allow for online mode to be used.
¶ Installation & Configuration
¶ Pre-requisites
The Hybrix Android Application requires a connection to the Hybrix API service.
The Hybrix API service needs to be accessible from the mobile device either via WIFI, or a Mobile Network
- On Intranet WIFI, the mobile device needs to be able to access the Web server on which the API service is hosted
- On a mobile network connection, the device will require access to the API service via the appropriate firewall forwarding rules, and a public IP. VPN is not recommended,
¶ Installing the APK
The APK may be distributed/deployed to the Android device via one of the following methods:
- Connect the device to a computer, and copy the APK from the computer to the Android device
- Publish the APK on a web server, and download the APK via the Android device browser to the device.
- Use a MDM Service that is device specific:
- Datalogic Scan2Deploy
- CipherLab EnDeCloud
If the APK was manually copied to the device, and not via an MDM service, you will need to install the APK. This can be achieved by locating the APK in the device File Manager and opening it. This will launch the APK installer on the device. On some devices, you will need to allow installation from unknown sources.
¶ Settings
When the application is first run, it will not be able to establish a connection to the server, and will present the user with the following screen:
Click on the Settings button to navigate to the Settings screen.
Enter the Server address (URL). To validate that the address is correct and accessible, please click on the TEST button. If the server is accessible, you will see a dialog indicating the server version number:
After clicking the “OK” button on the Alert box/Message box, the text value above the TEST button will change from Testing to OK in a green colour. The next steps are:
- Selecting the correct Device from the device list to identify THIS Device,
- Linking the App to the device.
Please note: Two physical devices may NEVER be configured as the same device from the list!
Below shows Step 1: Selecting a Device from the List.
After a Device has been selected, the device Id will show as below, and you can be able to link the two, the Device and the App by clicking the Link button. The Scanner/Device will be assigned only to the App, and it will not be available for selection by other devices.
Once the Device is Selected and has been Linked, you may Select the Force Offline Mode option, to use the device in offline mode exclusively.
NB: If you want to Unlink a Device from the App, you will have to click the Unlock Red button. However, the person who can do this should have the Admin Role permissions.
At this point, you may Click the SAVE button. The application will automatically open the most appropriate screen next.
The DIAGNOSTICS button should give you details about the Application, i.e App version, Server connected to, Device etc. For more details you can go to Support
¶ App Views
The Application has several standard screens used, these screens are used throughout the various workflows in different scenarios. Please see the individual Views below for more information
¶ Message
The message screen is used to display a message to the user and pause any further operations until the user acknowledges the message.
¶ Confirmation
The confirmation screen is similar to the message screen, but the message requires the user to either accept the confirmation by tapping on the OK button or declining the confirmation by tapping on the CANCEL button
¶ Input
The input screen is used to get keyboard entry from the user. it typically has a entry box, and an OK and CANCEL button
The onscreen keyboard should pop up automatically to enter the input. Once the required input has been entered, tap the OK button to confirm. Alternatively, tap the CANCEL button to abort the input.
On some workflows, the input screen may display an abbreviated error message. This is typically after the previous input given is invalid, or does not meet the requirements. The error message will appear in red under the input box:
¶ List
The List screen is used to select an option from a list. Each List item can have a heading as well as multiple supplementary detail lines. the list will scroll beyond the screen. Simply use normal scrolling gestures to scroll up or down. To select the required item from the list, simply tap on it. To cancel the list selection, use the back (<) navigator.
¶ Calculator
The Calculator is used to enter numeric values. It also supports basic calculator functions + - x /. Enter a numeric value using the calculator buttons, and mathematical operators if required. Tap on the OK button. The number displayed on the screen will be used.
¶ Main menu
The Main menu provides the user with a way to navigate between the various options available. This is specific to the user that is logged in and, the device selection.
Typical menu options are:
- INVENTORY - Puts the device into inventory management mode
- TRANSFERS - Puts the device into Transfer mode
- STOCKCOUNT - Puts the device into Stock count mode
- LOG-OUT - Logs the user out, and returns to the Login screens
- SYNC - Opens the Sync Screen
- SETTINGS - Opens the Settings Screen
- EXIT - Exits the application completely
Tapping on the menu item will navigate to the selected screen/mode.
¶ Activity
Fundamentally, whether you are using INVENTORY, TRANSFERS o STOCKCOUNT, they all use the same screen layout. This makes the task of learning a new function much simpler.
The basic layout of the screen is explained below, and each number indicated will be explained.
At the top of the screen, the name/reference of the current activity is displayed. This is different for each workflow executed and is explained in more detail within that workflow.
- FROM - This field will display the from bin. The block will be RED if attention is required, YELLOW if it may be changed, and GREEN when confirmed
- TO - This field will display the to bin. The block will be RED if attention is required, YELLOW if it may be changed, and GREEN when confirmed
- BATCH - This field will display the batch (if appropriate). The block will be RED if attention is required, YELLOW if it may be changed, and GREEN when confirmed
- ITEM - This field will display the item code. The block will be RED if attention is required, YELLOW if it may be changed, and GREEN when confirmed
- DESCRIPTION - The Description field will display a long description related to the item code above
- QTY SCANNED - Displays the current QTY (as scanned). RED indicates an invalid QTY, YELLOW requires attention, GREEN indicates QTY is OK.
- QTY REQUIRED - Displays the required qty when you are executing an instruction. In some cases, this qty could display stock qty or another qty as per workflow
- ELIPSEES - These buttons allow you to manipulate the field they are adjacent/related to. The buttons perform various functions depending on the workflow in progress
- CAMERA SCAN - Use this button to activate the camera-based barcode scanner.
- STATUS - Displays the current status. This prompt indicates any actions that need to be taken. The status will also be read out via speaker for attention.
- MODE MENU - The button activates the context-sensitive MODE menu. See the individual workflows for further details.
- FUNCTION MENU - The button activates the context-sensitive FUNCTION menu. See the individual workflows for further details.
- CALCULATOR - Launches the calculator screen for entering quantities
¶ Settings
see Settings above.
¶ Support
¶ Sync
In offline mode, when required, the user may enter the SYNC screen to synchronise data with the server.
You will be greeted with an empty screen
The screen displays the sync log, the sync mode, and the SYNC button
By default, the NORMAL sync mode is selected. You may choose one of the other options by tapping on the mode:
- NORMAL - This does the standard synchronisation, by uploading any relevant data, and then downloading refreshed data.
- REBUILD - This mode is used when a fresh database is required. This will not upload data, but will instead clear and rebuild the database. WARNING. Data will be lost.
- UPLOAD ONLY - This will only upload any relevant data, and not download additional data. This is a good option when a FAST sync is required.
Once the appropriate mode is selected, you may tap on the SYNC button. The synchronisation process will begin.
During the synchronisation progress, the log will display activity. Any errors will be highlighted
Upon completion, the SYNC button will change to CLOSE.
You may exist the screen by tapping on the CLOSE button
¶ Standard Workflows
¶ Login
As required, the User will be presented with the Login screens.
Firstly enter the username, and tap on the OK button.
Next, you will be prompted to enter a password. Enter the correct password and tap on the OK button
If the credentials are correct, you will be taken to the Main menu. If the credentials are not validated, you will need to repeat the Login process by following the prompts. Any errors will be displayed on the screen.
In some cases, you will be prompted to change your password if expired. Please follow the prompts to do so.
¶ Inventory
¶ Counts
From the Main menu, you can navigate to Stock Counts by tapping on the STOCKCOUNT menu item
¶ Instructed Counts
When the Stock count screen loads, it will automatically load the first (based on priority), outstanding count instruction (if there are any).
Proceed by following the prompts on the screen to:
- Confirm Bin
- Confirm Item
- Confirm Qty
- Next
If there are no instructions, the screen will load and indicate NO MORE INSTRUCTIONS.
You may leave the Stock count screen by using the FUNC (function) menu on the bottom right and selecting the HOME option.
¶ Adhoc Counts
If user rights permit, the user may execute uninstructed (ad-hoc) counts. To start a new count use the MODE menu at the bottom left of the screen:
Tap on the AD-HOC button to initiate a new ad-hoc count.
The Screen will update, and the header text will indicate the ad-hoc instruction, and the status will display ADHOC COUNT
You may now proceed by scanning or selecting a BIN
You may either scan a bin barcode with the built-in or external barcode scanner or use the camera-based barcode scanner. This can be accessed by tapping on the camera icon.
Alternatively, if the system is configured to do so, you may tap on the ellipses (three dots) button to the right of the BIN field:
Doing so will display a Location list, and ultimately a list of bins within that location. Below is an example:
The Root Locations are first displayed, in the example below the various regions:
Tap on any location to select.
Secondly, the Locations/Bins within the selected Location will be listed. In this example they are Sales Representatives (Rep Locations)
Tap on any location to select.
Finally, a list of Available Bins is displayed. In this example, they are Bins related to the Selected Location :
Tap on any bin to select.
Once the bin is selected you will be returned to the Count screen, and the Bin value will be populated:
As indicated by the STATUS at the bottom, you now need to confirm/scan the item. You may do so by scanning an appropriate item barcode using any of the available scanning methods.
Alternatively (if rights permit) you may use the ellipses button next to the Item field to MANUALLY
Tapping on the button will present a list of items that are in stock in the current bin. You may only manually confirm items that are found in stock.
The Stock list will display the following information per stock item:
- Item Code
- Batch Number and Expiry (if applicable)
- Stock Qty
Tap on the item you wish to confirm.
Once the item has been scanned or manually confirmed you will be presented with the item details on the screen
Please confirm the QTY by using the CALC button, or scanning the additional items.
The Calculator screen allows you to do basic calculator functions. Enter the value you require, and tap on OK to confirm.
The confirmed Qty will now be displayed on the screen
At this stage, you may:
- Use FUNC → NEXT to save and clear the item information, and scan another item. If configured to do so, the application will KEEP the CURRENT BIN
- Simply scan another Item within the same bin
- Scan/Select Additional Bins, and then repeat the item scanning process
Once you have completed all the required ad-hoc scans, you need to close the count to indicate to the application that you are complete. To do so use FUNC → CLOSE.
If the system is configured to do so, you may be prompted to provide additional detail to close the count such as the signature capture screen. Please capture a signature in the block provided. Use the Clear button to clear and redo the signature.
Please also provide a name/reference in the text entry space provided.
Once complete, Tap on the OK button
The ad-hoc count is now complete.
¶ Additional features
Whilst busy with a count in either instructed or ad-hoc mode the following menu options are available:
- ZERO - When executing this function, the current instruction will be closed, and given a ZERO (0) Qty. The purpose of this function is to be able to set the qty to zero in the absence of a scannable item. This is only applicable to instructed counts
- ZERO BIN - Similar to the ZERO function, when this function is used it will close all instructions (if there are specific item count instructions) for the BIN as indicated. If the instruction was bin only instruction (only bin was specified), it will automatically create instructions for all stock in the bin, and close them with a zero qty.
- NEXT - Will update and close the current instruction, and load the next incomplete instruction. If in ad-hoc mode, the screen will be cleared (keeping the bin if configured to do so), ready to scan the next item.
- ROUTINES - Using this function will present the user with a list of open routines (instruction headers). The user may then select the specific routine from the list and execute instructions within that routine. Once the routine is selected the screen will return to the count screen and load the first incomplete instruction for the selected routine.
- LIST - This function will list all the instructions within the current routine (instruction header). The user may select the specific instruction to execute/complete it. Once the instruction is selected the screen will return to the main count screen and the user may execute the instruction as per usual.
- CLOSE - This function will close the current routine. This can ONLY be done if ALL the INSTRUCTIONS have been completed. This function is also used to close/conclude a ad-hoc count.
- CANCEL - This function will cancel ALL counts within the current routine/ad-hoc count, and remove the header as well.
- HOME - Returns to the Main menu
¶ Transfers
From the Main menu, you can navigate to Transfers by tapping on the TRANSFERS menu item
¶ Instructed Transfers
When the Transfers screen loads, it will automatically load the first (based on priority), outstanding transfer instruction (if there are any).
Proceed by following the prompts on the screen to:
- Confirm From Bin
- Confirm To Bin
- Confirm Item
- Confirm Qty
- Next
If there are no instructions, the screen will load and indicate NO MORE INSTRUCTIONS.
You may leave the Transfer screen by using the FUNC (function) menu on the bottom right and selecting the HOME option.
¶ Adhoc Counts
If user rights permit, the user may execute uninstructed (ad-hoc) counts. To start a new count use the MODE menu at the bottom left of the screen:
Tap on the AD-HOC button to initiate a new ad-hoc transfer.
The Screen will update and the header text will indicate the ad-hoc instruction, and the status will display ADHOC TRANSFER
You may now proceed by scanning or selecting a FROM BIN
You may either scan a bin barcode with the built-in or external barcode scanner or use the camera-based barcode scanner. This can be accessed by tapping on the camera icon.
Alternatively, if the system is configured to do so, you may tap on the ellipses (three dots) button to the right of the FROM BIN field:
Doing so will display a Location list, and ultimately a list of bins within that location. Below is an example:
The Root Locations are first displayed, in the example below the various regions:
Tap on any location to select.
Secondly, the Locations/Bins within the selected Location will be listed. In this example, they are Sales Representatives (Rep Locations)
Tap on any location to select.
Finally, a list of Available Bins is displayed. In this example, they are Bins related to the Selected Location :
Tap on any bin to select.
Once the bin is selected you will be returned to the Count screen, and the From Bin value will be populated:
As indicated by the STATUS at the bottom, you now need to confirm/scan the to bin. Please repeat the same steps as per the From Bin:
As indicated by the STATUS at the bottom, you now need to confirm/scan the item. You may do so by scanning an appropriate item barcode using any of the available scanning methods.
Alternatively (if rights permit) you may use the ellipses button next to the Item field to MANUALLY select an item.
Tapping on the button will present a list of items that are in stock in the selected from bin. You may only manually confirm items that are found in stock.
The Stock list will display the following information per stock item:
- Item Code
- Batch Number and Expiry (if applicable)
- Stock Qty
Tap on the item you wish to confirm.
Once the item has been scanned or manually confirmed you will be presented with the item details on the screen
Please confirm the QTY by using the CALC button, or scanning the additional items.
The Calculator screen allows you to do basic calculator functions. Enter the value you require, and tap on OK to confirm.
The confirmed Qty will now be displayed on the screen.
At this stage, you may:
- Use FUNC → NEXT to save and clear the item information, and scan another item. If configured to do so, the application will KEEP the CURRENT FROM BIN and/or TO BIN.
- Simply scan another Item you want to transfer between the current FROM and TO bins.
Once you have completed all the required ad-hoc scans, you need to close the transfer to indicate to the application that you are complete. To do so use FUNC → CLOSE.
If the system is configured to do so, you may be prompted to provide additional detail to close the count such as the signature capture screen. Please capture a signature in the block provided. Use the Clear button to clear and redo the signature.
Please also provide a name/reference in the text entry space provided.
Once complete, Tap on the OK button
The ad-hoc transfer is now complete.
¶ Additional features
Whilst busy with a count in either instructed or ad-hoc mode the following menu options are available:
- CLOSE - This function will close the current transfer. This can ONLY be done if ALL the INSTRUCTIONS have been completed. This function is also used to close/conclude an ad-hoc transfer.
- FIND - When this function is activated, the user may scan any bin or item, and the application will find any open instruction matching the bin/item. You may then execute the instruction as per normal.
- HOLD - This function will modify the priority of the current instruction to a LOW value. This effectively moves the instruction to the bottom of the list for execution. This is useful for when you want to delay the execution of a specific instruction to a later time.
- ALT BIN - This function is useful when executing Pick or Put-way instructions. During a Pick, you may use this function to locate an alternative bin where the required item may be found and substitute. For Put-away, the system will present a list of suitable bins as an alternative to the currently suggested bin
- NEXT - Will update and close the current instruction, and load the next incomplete instruction. If in ad-hoc mode, the screen will be cleared (keeping the bin if configured to do so), ready to scan the next item.
- TRANSFERS - Using this function will present the user with a list of open Transfers (instruction headers). The user may then select the specific transfer header from the list and execute instructions within that transfer. Once the transfer is selected the screen will return to the transfer screen and load the first incomplete instruction for the selected transfer.
- LIST - This function will list all the instructions within the current transfer (instruction header). The user may select the specific instruction to execute/complete it. Once the instruction is selected the screen will return to the main transfer screen and the user may execute the instruction as per usual.
- HOME - Returns to the Main menu
¶ Packing