RFgen

What is RFgen

RFgen is a mobile data collection and warehouse automation software designed to improve supply chain operations. Its main purpose is to connect warehouse workers using mobile devices, like barcode scanners and tablets, directly to a company's main Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This connection provides real-time data for inventory management, increasing accuracy and efficiency. RFgen helps automate tasks such as receiving goods, picking orders, managing inventory counts, and shipping products. The software is developed by RFgen Software, a division of DataMAX Software Group, Inc. The company is headquartered in El Dorado Hills, California, USA, and specializes in creating solutions that extend the power of ERP systems to the mobile workforce on the warehouse floor.

RFgen Features

RFgen offers a range of features to automate and improve warehouse and supply chain processes:

• Mobile Data Collection: Allows workers to use handheld scanners, tablets, and other mobile devices to capture data by scanning barcodes, RFID tags, or manual entry. This reduces errors from manual data entry.
• Real-time ERP Integration: Provides certified, pre-built integrations for major ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics. This ensures that inventory data is always up-to-date in the central system.
• Warehouse Automation: Automates key warehouse workflows, including receiving, put-away, picking, packing, shipping, and cycle counting. This increases worker productivity and order fulfillment speed.
• Inventory Management: Delivers complete visibility into inventory levels, locations, and movements in real-time. This helps prevent stockouts, reduce carrying costs, and improve inventory accuracy to over 99%.
• Offline Functionality: RFgen applications can continue to work even when a network connection is lost. Data is stored on the device and automatically synchronized with the ERP once the connection is restored, ensuring continuous operation.
• RFID Solutions: Supports Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for tasks like yard management and asset tracking, enabling faster data collection without a direct line of sight.
• Customizable Applications: The platform allows for the creation and modification of mobile applications to fit unique business processes and workflows without extensive coding.

RFgen Pricing Plans

RFgen pricing is not publicly listed and is provided on a quote-by-quote basis. This is common for enterprise software where solutions are tailored to specific customer needs. The final cost depends on several factors, including:

• The number of mobile device users.
• The specific ERP system being integrated.
• The number of modules and workflows required (e.g., receiving, picking, manufacturing).
• The level of customization and professional services needed for implementation.
• The ongoing support and maintenance plan.

Solutions are available for both medium-sized businesses and large enterprises, with the pricing structured to match the scale of the deployment.

RFgen Free Plan

RFgen does not offer a free plan. As an enterprise-level solution, it requires professional setup and integration. However, prospective customers can request a free, personalized demonstration of the software. During the demo, RFgen experts will show how the solution can address the company's specific challenges and integrate with their existing ERP system. This allows businesses to evaluate the software's capabilities before making a purchase decision.

How to use RFgen

A typical implementation and usage process for RFgen involves these steps:

1. Initial Consultation: Contact RFgen to schedule a consultation. A supply chain expert will discuss your business requirements, pain points, and existing systems.
2. System Integration: The RFgen technical team works with your IT department to integrate the RFgen platform with your ERP system (e.g., SAP, Oracle JD Edwards).
3. Workflow Configuration: Mobile workflows are configured to match your specific processes. For example, a workflow for receiving goods would prompt the user to scan the purchase order, then the item barcode, and enter the quantity.
4. Device Deployment: The RFgen mobile client is installed on your chosen mobile devices, such as industrial barcode scanners or rugged tablets.
5. User Training: Warehouse staff receive training on how to use the mobile devices and the new automated workflows for their daily tasks.
6. Go-Live: Once configured and tested, the system goes live. Workers can then perform tasks like scanning incoming shipments, picking items for orders, and performing inventory counts, with all data being sent to the ERP in real-time.

Pros and Cons of RFgen

Pros:

• High Accuracy: Drastically reduces human error, leading to inventory accuracy levels of 99.9% or higher.
• Increased Efficiency: Automates manual processes, allowing workers to complete tasks like picking and receiving much faster.
• Strong ERP Integration: Offers pre-built, certified integrations with major ERPs, ensuring reliable and seamless data flow.
• Real-Time Visibility: Provides managers with instant access to accurate inventory data, enabling better decision-making.
• Offline Capabilities: Ensures operations can continue without interruption in areas with poor or no Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Expert Support: Backed by a team of supply chain experts who assist with implementation and support.

Cons:

• Significant Investment: The cost can be high, making it more suitable for medium to large enterprises rather than small businesses.
• Complex Implementation: Requires technical expertise to integrate with an ERP and configure workflows, which can take time.
• No Transparent Pricing: The need to request a custom quote makes it difficult to estimate the budget without a formal consultation.
• Potential Overkill: For businesses with very simple inventory needs, the robust features of RFgen might be more than what is necessary.

RFgen integrations

RFgen is built specifically for deep integration with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. It acts as a mobile front-end for these complex platforms. Key integrations include:

• SAP S/4HANA and ECC: RFgen provides certified integration, allowing mobile transactions for inventory management, warehouse management, and production.
• Oracle E-Business Suite: It connects directly to Oracle's database to validate data and process transactions in real-time.
• Oracle JD Edwards: Offers mobile solutions for distribution, manufacturing, and warehouse operations within JDE.
• Microsoft Dynamics 365 & AX: Extends Dynamics ERP functionality to mobile devices for supply chain management.
• Deltek Costpoint: Provides mobile inventory solutions for government contractors and project-based businesses using Costpoint.

Integration is a core part of the RFgen service, and their team manages the connection process to ensure data flows correctly between the mobile devices and the ERP.

RFgen Alternatives

Here are some alternatives to RFgen for mobile data collection and warehouse management:

1. Fishbowl Inventory: A popular inventory management solution for small to medium-sized businesses. It integrates tightly with QuickBooks and offers barcoding and mobile features, but is less focused on large-scale enterprise ERPs.
2. NetSuite WMS: A cloud-based warehouse management system that is part of the larger NetSuite ERP platform. It offers a comprehensive, all-in-one solution but requires adopting the entire NetSuite ecosystem.
3. Scandit: Focuses on providing high-performance barcode scanning software that can be integrated into any mobile app. It is more of a component technology than a full warehouse solution like RFgen, but it is a strong alternative for companies building their own mobile applications.
4. SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM): The native warehouse management solution from SAP. Companies already heavily invested in SAP may choose EWM for the tightest possible integration, though RFgen often offers more flexibility and a simpler user interface.

RFgen API

RFgen provides a development platform that allows for the customization and creation of mobile applications, which implies the use of APIs for connecting to different data sources and extending functionality. However, it does not offer a public, self-service API for external developers in the way a SaaS application might. Access to its development tools and APIs is typically part of an enterprise license and implementation project. To get information on their development capabilities or API access, you would need to contact their sales or technical support team directly. They would provide the necessary documentation and tools as part of a development project.

RFgen Affiliate Program

RFgen does not have a public affiliate program where individuals can earn commissions for referrals through a link. As an enterprise software provider, their sales process is based on direct consultation and partnerships. They likely have a Partner Program for system integrators, ERP consultants, and technology resellers who work with their clients to implement supply chain solutions. If you are a consultant or company interested in partnering with RFgen, it is best to contact their sales or business development team directly through their official website to inquire about partnership opportunities.