Mobile Process Enhancements in NetSuite 2023.2

FEATURE: Updates to Other Mobile Processes CATEGORY: Inventory Management

Starting in NetSuite 2024.1, significant enhancements have been made to mobile processes within the Warehouse Management System (WMS). These updates focus on improving workflows for receiving purchase orders, handling shipments, and managing inventory more efficiently. This article provides a detailed overview of these updates, highlighting benefits and usage scenarios that can save time and streamline operations.

Key Enhancements

Purchase Order Receiving

• Manufacturer’s Part Number (MPN) Search: Users can now search for purchase orders to receive based on the Manufacturer’s Part Number of an item. This makes locating specific orders much more intuitive and efficient.

Inbound Shipment and Tally Scan

• Continuous Tally Scanning: For the Inbound Shipment and Purchase Order Receiving processes, users now have the option to perform tally scans for different item types continuously on the Enter Quantity page. This feature can be enabled via the Enable Tally Scan? system rule, enhancing the productivity during receiving tasks.

Advanced Receiving Features

• Restock Option for Returns: If your organization uses the Advanced Receiving feature, you can now activate the Enable Restock option for returns? rule. This allows for easier management of returned items, as you can manually create item receipts for returns through the app and restock items back into inventory. For items not restocked, NetSuite automatically updates the relevant write-off account, which must be selected in the accounting preferences.

Barcode Scanning Support

• HIBC Barcode Entry: Users can now enter an item by scanning its HIBC barcode during supported inventory processes. This addition simplifies the recording and tracking of inventory, further enhancing operational efficiency.

Bin Transfer Process

• Transfer All Option: The Bin Transfer process has been updated to include a Transfer All option, enabling users to update lot or serialized items more effectively. This will reduce the time spent on tracking inventory across multiple bins.

New Mobile Process Features in 2024.1

• Adding Custom Item Images: Previously, you could display item images on mobile pages by using the Site Builder features and Web Store facility on item records only. Now, you can upload item images on the NS WMS subtab of item records without using the Site Builder features. In case you upload them on the Web Store subtab, NetSuite WMS automatically copies and displays them on the NS WMS subtab. On the app, item images appear on the info screen by default. To set up items with images, see the help topic Creating Items for NetSuite WMS.
• Bin Selection for Work Order Reversals: The Choose bins for reversed pick task items system rule now supports work order reversals. Instead of automatically transferring reversed items back to their picking bins, you can choose a temporary one. For more information, see the help topic Reversing Work Order Picking.

For specific implementation details and further information, refer to the help topics related to Inbound Processing, Inventory Processing, or System Rules for NetSuite WMS.

Who This Affects

• Administrators: Manage updates and system preferences.
• Warehouse Personnel: Utilize updated mobile processes to enhance efficiency.
• Inventory Managers: Oversee and manage inventory with improved tools.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced PO receiving with MPN search functionality.
• Continuous tally scanning reduces wait time and improves efficiency.
• Advanced receiving now supports restocking items efficiently.
• New HIBC barcode scanning enhances accuracy and productivity.
• Bin Transfer process improvements streamline inventory management.
• New in 2024.1: Upload custom item images easily on WMS subtab.
• New in 2024.1: Bin selection option now available for work order reversals.

Version History

• 2023.2: Significant enhancements in mobile processes focusing on workflows for receiving, shipments, and inventory management.
• 2024.1: Introduction of item image uploads on WMS subtab and support for bin selection in work order reversals.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced PO receiving with MPN search functionality.
• Continuous tally scanning reduces wait time and improves efficiency.
• Advanced receiving now supports restocking items efficiently.
• New HIBC barcode scanning enhances accuracy and productivity.
• Bin Transfer process improvements streamline inventory management.
• New in 2024.1: Upload custom item images easily on WMS subtab.
• New in 2024.1: Bin selection option now available for work order reversals.