An ERP (Enterprise Resource Management) system is defined as an integrated information system that serves all departments within an enterprise. ERP modules may be able to interface with an organization’s own software with varying degrees of effort, and, depending on the software, ERP modules may be alterable via the vendor’s proprietary tools as well as proprietary or standard programming languages.

An ERP system can include software for manufacturing, order entry, accounts receivable and payable, general ledger, purchasing, warehousing, transportation and human resources. The major ERP vendors are SAP, Oracle (PeopleSoft and J.D. Edwards), SSA Global (Baan) and Microsoft. (source: http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term)

On the other hand a WMS (Warehouse Management System is software designed specifically for managing the movement and storage of materials throughout the warehouse. WMSs are often set up to integrate with data-collection systems. (Source: http://www.bitpipe.com/tlist/Warehouse-Management-Software.html)

An ERP system may incorporate a WMS but most WMS systems stand alone. Major WMS Vendors include Manhattan Software and Red Prairie. Most of these companies offer bar code data collection as an “add on”. ADC specializes in data collection systems with experience and training in to integrate data collection systems into ERP and WMS.

Most ERP and WMS systems rely on a wireless network for communication in manufacturing and distribution. ADC is a fully certified in Cisco and Motorola wireless networking and can add that experience to making the automated data collection system work.

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