RF-SMART

What is RF-SMART

RF-SMART is a specialized inventory management and barcoding solution designed for businesses that use major Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Its main purpose is to extend the functionality of an ERP to the warehouse floor using mobile devices and barcode scanners. This allows for real-time data capture and inventory tracking, which greatly improves accuracy and operational efficiency. The company provides both the software and the necessary hardware, offering a complete package for warehouse automation. RF-SMART is known for its direct, built-in integrations with systems like NetSuite, Oracle SCM Cloud, Microsoft Dynamics, and JD Edwards. This means it works as a native part of the ERP, not a separate system, preventing data duplication and synchronization issues. The company has a long history in the industry and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, serving thousands of customers globally.

RF-SMART Features

RF-SMART offers a wide range of features to manage warehouse operations from end to end.

• Mobile Barcode Scanning: Use handheld scanners to perform warehouse tasks. This reduces manual data entry errors and speeds up processes.
• Receiving and Putaway: Scan items as they arrive to instantly update inventory records in your ERP. The system can guide workers on where to store items for optimal space usage.
• Order Picking: Improve picking speed and accuracy with guided picking paths. The system supports various methods like wave picking, batch picking, and order picking.
• Cycle Counting: Conduct regular inventory counts without shutting down warehouse operations. This helps maintain high inventory accuracy throughout the year.
• Inventory Transfers: Easily move inventory between different warehouse locations or bins and have the changes reflected in the ERP in real time.
• Shipping and Packing: Automate the shipping process by scanning items as they are packed. This verifies order accuracy before dispatch.
• Manufacturing Execution: For manufacturing companies, RF-SMART supports functions like issuing raw materials to production, tracking work-in-progress, and recording finished goods.
• Real-Time Visibility: Since it is directly connected to the ERP, all inventory data is live. Managers can see accurate stock levels and operational status at any moment.
• Labeling and Printing: Design and print barcode labels for items, bins, and locations directly from the system to ensure everything is scannable.

RF-SMART Pricing Plans

RF-SMART does not publish standard pricing plans on its website. The cost is customized for each business based on several factors. Pricing typically depends on the specific ERP system you use, the number of mobile users (licenses), the particular modules or functionalities required, and the level of implementation and training services needed. The model is designed to be scalable, allowing businesses to start with core functions and add more advanced features as they grow. To get a price, you must contact their sales team for a consultation and a personalized quote.

RF-SMART Free Plan

RF-SMART does not offer a free plan or a free trial. This is common for enterprise-level software that requires deep integration with complex systems like an ERP. Instead of a trial, they offer a personalized demonstration. During the demo, their experts show how the software would work with your specific ERP and address your unique warehouse challenges. This allows potential customers to see the value and functionality in the context of their own business operations before making a purchase decision.

How to use RF-SMART

Getting started with RF-SMART involves a structured implementation process.

1. Consultation and Discovery: First, you contact RF-SMART to discuss your warehouse needs, current processes, and ERP system. Their team will assess your requirements.
2. Personalized Demo: You will receive a demonstration tailored to your business to see how RF-SMART can solve your specific problems.
3. Implementation: Once you decide to proceed, the RF-SMART implementation team works with you to install the software and integrate it with your ERP. This includes configuring the system to match your workflows.
4. Hardware Setup: You will acquire and set up the recommended mobile scanners and printers.
5. Training: Your warehouse staff receives training on how to use the mobile devices and the RF-SMART software for their daily tasks.
6. Go-Live: After testing, you go live. Warehouse workers begin using scanners for tasks like receiving goods, putting them away, picking orders for shipment, and counting inventory. All actions on the scanner update your ERP system instantly.

Pros and Cons of RF-SMART

Pros:

• Direct ERP Integration: It is built specifically for certain ERPs, providing a seamless, real-time connection without data sync issues.
• High Accuracy: Automating data capture with barcodes reduces human errors, leading to inventory accuracy levels of 99.9% or higher.
• Increased Productivity: Guided workflows and faster data entry help warehouse staff complete tasks more quickly, increasing overall productivity.
• User-Friendly Interface: The mobile application is designed to be simple and intuitive for warehouse workers to use with minimal training.
• Strong Support: The company is known for its expert support team that understands both the RF-SMART product and the ERP systems it integrates with.

Cons:

• High Cost: The initial investment for software, hardware, and implementation can be significant, making it more suitable for established businesses.
• Complex Implementation: Integrating with an ERP is a complex project that requires careful planning and resources.
• ERP Dependent: Its biggest strength is also a limitation. It is only available for a specific list of ERPs.
• No Transparent Pricing: You cannot easily find pricing information online, which requires engaging with their sales team.

RF-SMART integrations

RF-SMART's core value is its deep, native integration with major ERP platforms. It is not a simple connection but a solution built inside the ERP. The primary integrations are:

• NetSuite Integration: RF-SMART is a Built-for-NetSuite (BFN) solution, ensuring it works seamlessly within the NetSuite environment.
• Oracle SCM Cloud Integration: It provides mobile supply chain management capabilities directly connected to Oracle's Cloud ERP.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 Integration: It extends the functionality of D365 Finance and Operations to the warehouse floor.
• Oracle JD Edwards Integration: Offers a validated mobile solution for inventory management for JDE users.

These integrations ensure that there is a single source of truth for all inventory data, which is the ERP itself.

RF-SMART Alternatives

• NetSuite WMS: For businesses using NetSuite, their native WMS module is a direct alternative. It offers similar functionality for warehouse management but is developed and supported directly by NetSuite.
• Fishbowl Inventory: A popular inventory management solution, especially for QuickBooks users. It also offers integrations with other platforms and provides robust manufacturing and warehouse features.
• HighJump (Körber): A comprehensive supply chain management suite that offers advanced WMS capabilities. It is highly configurable and suitable for complex warehouse operations, often in larger enterprises.
• Manhattan Associates WMS: A leading warehouse management system for large, global enterprises with complex supply chains. It is known for its extensive features and scalability.

RF-SMART API

RF-SMART does not offer a public, standalone API in the way a typical SaaS application does. Its functionality is deeply embedded within the ERP it integrates with. Therefore, any custom development or integration would typically be done through the API of the parent ERP system. For example, a business using RF-SMART for NetSuite could use NetSuite's SuiteScript or SuiteTalk APIs to interact with the data that RF-SMART manages. Access to these development tools and documentation is provided by the ERP vendor (Oracle, Microsoft) to customers and development partners.

RF-SMART Affiliate program

RF-SMART does not appear to have a public affiliate program where individuals can earn commissions by referring customers through a link. Instead, they operate a more formal partner program. This program is designed for ERP implementation consultants, value-added resellers (VARs), and technology partners who work with NetSuite, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics. These partners collaborate with RF-SMART to sell and implement the solution for their clients. If you are interested in becoming a partner, you should contact their business development or partnership team directly through their official website.