Warehouse Management System

The Barcode Scanner application comes in two parts, a Host and a Client. The Host is responsible for processing requests for clients and invoking the appropriate actions in the Deacom system. The Client is the application with which users will interact. While a single Host will run on a server, many Clients may be running on individual scanners, connecting to the one Host. The Clients and the Host must be running the same version of the software in order to properly communicate.

Installing the Host

The WMS Host is meant to be installed on a server which will act as the host for the clients running the WMS application. The WMS Host and Client files are packaged as part of the Deacom application updates, so installing the Deacom update will place both sets of files on the server. When updating Deacom, be sure the WMS Host is not running on the server before beginning the update. Multiple hosts may be running simultaneously, but only one host can run per computer\database. The WMS Host can run in one of two modes on the server:

  • Service: the WMS Host can run as a service in the background on the server
  • GUI Application: the WMS Host can run as an application which is better suited for constant monitoring

Instructions for each option are included in the sections below.

Running the host in a multi-facility environment

The recommended configuration when there are multiple facilities (customer sites) is to have the host installed and running on a server for each facility. In other words, each facility should have a physical server where the host will be installed and running just for that facility. Specifically, there needs to be one console per facility and on the same subnet.

Scanners can then be connected to the appropriate server in the facility where the scanners will be used. This also allows the users to connect to the appropriate network printers for their facility. Note that while the WMS clients transfer small amounts of data, it's important to attempt to minimize the latency of the WAN connection to get the best possible performance. Latency can be viewed by running the PING command at the command prompt from each remote facility.

Installing the Client

The installation of the client software on the barcode scanner is a two step process; verifying the network connection and installing the WMS Client software on each individual scanner. Customers now have the option to pick where the WMS client and update agent are installed, so they can be installed in persistent memory like an SD Card or the Application folder instead of Program Files.

Installing the WMS application

Note: Before beginning anything regarding the WMS installation users must first have the Windows Mobile Device Center (WMDC) installed on the PC running the install. This is an application that should automatically install itself when a scanner is docked via Windows Update/Drivers. If it does not install automatically please download and install the correct 32/64 bit copy from Microsoft.

Issues regarding Windows 10 and Windows Mobile Device Center Communication

Users on a Windows 10 environment may face issues when attempting to install Deacom WMS onto their mobile device. This issue is a result of the Windows 10 Creators Update which introduced .NET Framework 4.7. The update causes WMDC to no longer recognize a docked device and will not prompt the program to open, ultimately leading to Deacom WMS being unable to install. To resolve this issue, there are a few options. The preferred fix is a one-time installation update known as the WMDC-Helper.exe. Check for instructions from Juniper Systems website to complete the preferred solution.

Installing and setting up Android WMS

Notes: As of 06/10/2021 the Android WMS App installer is not yet functional. Please use the Manual Install process to deploy the Android WMS app onto compatible Android handheld devices. A Honeywell CK65 was used to develop the manual install process, however, the process should be exactly the same for all other scanner models running the Android.

Installing and Setting Up Android WMS (Model: TC20)

  1. Setting up the Installer
    1. Navigate to the Deacom application folder (e.g., \\server8\QA\Customer Test Systems\QA - 16.04)
    2. Open the ScannerMultiPlatform folder
    3. Open the Android folder
    4. Double-click Deacom.WMS.InstallerSetup.msi to begin the install process > The WMS Android Installer Setup window opens
    5. Hit ‘Next’ > Choose your install location > Hit ‘Next’
    6. Hit ‘Install’ > Select ‘Yes’ to the administrator prompt > See that the installation completes
    7. Check ‘Launch Deacom WMS Android Installer’ and hit Finish
    8. A Deacom logo should appear in your icon tray indicating that the WMS Android Installer is running
  2. Installing Android WMS on your Android scanner
    1. Connect the TC200J Android Scanner to your laptop
    2. A notification for WMS Android Installer will appear saying that the installation process has begun
    3. After a few seconds, another notification will appear saying the installation completed
    4. Unlock the Android WMS scanner and swipe up from anywhere on the home screen
    5. Scroll to the bottom of the list of applications and you should see an app called WMSAndroid.Android (the app logo has a white ‘X’)
  3. Configuring the DataWedge profile on your Android WMS scanner to allow for barcode scanning

To install the DataWedge profile, follow the instructions at this link: (https://techdocs.zebra.com/datawedge/8-1/guide/createprofile/) (Note - an alternate set of instructions for setting up the DataWedge is included in step 2 of the Installing and Setting Up Android WMS (Model: TC21) section below)

  1. From the device apps/activities list, select com.Deacom.wmsinterim
  2. From the app activities list, select asterisk (*) to associate al app activities with the Profile
  3. From the Decoders screen (accessible from the Input screen), make sure the following bar codes are checked off in addition to the default options already checked:
    1. Datamatrix
    2. All EAN bar codes
    3. Grid Matrix
    4. All GS1 bar codes
  4. Back on the Profile menu, under Keystroke output ensure ‘Enabled’ is NOT checked
  5. Next, under the Intent output section, verify the following:
    1. Enabled is checked
    2. Intent action: com.Deacom.wms.ACTION
    3. Intent delivery: Broadcast intent
  6. Under Profile menu, navigate to the Barcode input section > Click ‘Configure scanner settings’:
    1. Click Decoder params > Code128 > Un-check ‘ISBT Table’ and ‘ISBT128’

Installing and Setting Up Android WMS (Model: TC20)

  1. Setting up the Installer
    1. Navigate to the Deacom application folder (e.g., \\server8\QA\Customer Test Systems\QA - 16.04)
    2. Open the ScannerMultiPlatform folder
    3. Open the Android folder
    4. Double-click Deacom.WMS.InstallerSetup.msi to begin the install process > The WMS Android Installer Setup window opens
    5. Hit ‘Next’ > Choose your install location > Hit ‘Next’
    6. Hit ‘Install’ > Select ‘Yes’ to the administrator prompt > See that the installation completes
    7. Check ‘Launch Deacom WMS Android Installer’ and hit Finish
    8. A DEACOM logo should appear in your icon tray indicating that the WMS Android Installer is running
  2. Installing Android WMS on your Android scanner
    1. Connect the TC200J Android Scanner to your laptop
    2. A notification for WMS Android Installer will appear saying that the installation process has begun
    3. After a few seconds, another notification will appear saying the installation completed
    4. Unlock the Android WMS scanner and swipe up from anywhere on the home screen
    5. Scroll to the bottom of the list of applications and you should see an app called WMSAndroid.Android (the app logo has a white ‘X’)
  3. Configuring the DataWedge profile on your Android WMS scanner to allow for barcode scanning
    1. To install the DataWedge profile, follow the instructions at this link: (https://techdocs.zebra.com/datawedge/8-1/guide/createprofile/) (Note - an alternate set of instructions for setting up the DataWedge is included in step 2 of the Installing and Setting Up Android WMS (Model: TC21) section below)
      1. From the device apps/activities list, select com.deacom.wmsinterim
      2. From the app activities list, select asterisk (*) to associate al app activities with the Profile
      3. From the Decoders screen (accessible from the Input screen), make sure the following bar codes are checked off in addition to the default options already checked:
        • Datamatrix
        • All EAN bar codes
        • Grid Matrix
        • All GS1 bar codes
      4. Back on the Profile menu, under Keystroke output ensure ‘Enabled’ is NOT checked
      5. Next, under the Intent output section, verify the following:
        • Enabled is checked
        • Intent action: com.deacom.wms.ACTION
        • Intent delivery: Broadcast intent
      6. Under Profile menu, navigate to the Barcode input section > Click ‘Configure scanner settings’:
        • Click Decoder params > Code128 > Un-check ‘ISBT Table’ and ‘ISBT128’

Installing and Setting Up Android WMS (Model: TC21)

  1. Installing Android WMS on your TC21 scanner
    1. Connect your TC21 scanner to your laptop (Note: the scanner needs to be undocked and plugged into the computer directly using the USB cord)
    2. On the scanner, swipe down from the upper left corner of the device
      1. Expand the ‘Android System’ dropdown
      2. Hit ‘Tap for More Options’
      3. Set ‘USE USB FOR’ to ‘File Transfer’
    3. On your laptop, navigate to the Deacom application folder (e.g., \\server8\QA\Customer Test Systems\QA - 16.04)
    4. Open the ScannerMultiPlatform folder
    5. Open the Android folder
    6. Copy and paste the "com.deacom.wms.apk" file to your scanner’s Internal shared storage drive
    7. On the scanner > Swipe up from the Home Screen to bring up a list of applications > Open ‘Files’ > Click the hamburger icon in the upper left corner > Click ‘TC21’ > Scroll down and you should see the APK file you copied
    8. Click the APK file > Hit ‘Continue‘ > Hit ‘Install’ > The app should now be installed and ready to connect to an automation console or service
  2. Configuring the DataWedge profile on your Android WMS scanner to allow for barcode scanning
    1. To install the DataWedge profile, download the software from the following and follow the instructions listed below: (https://techdocs.zebra.com/datawedge/8-1/guide/createprofile/)
    2. On the scanner > Swipe up from the Home Screen to bring up a list of applications > Open ‘DataWedge’.
    3. Click the hamburger icon in the upper right corner and click ‘New Profile’.
    4. Enter a name for the new Profile and click ‘OK’.
    5. Tap on the newly created profile to show the Profile screen
    6. Ensure ‘Profile Enabled’ is checked.
      1. Click ‘Associated apps’
      2. Click the hamburger icon in the upper right corner and click ‘New app/activity’
      3. Select ‘com.deacom.wms.apk’.
      4. Select ‘*’ from the Activity list.
      5. Click the back arrow/button to return to the Profile screen.
    7. On the Profile screen, click ‘Scanner selection’ under Barcode Input.
      1. Select the desired scanner.
      2. Click the back arrow/button to return to the Profile screen.
    8. Click ‘Configure scanner settings’
      1. Click ‘Decoders’.
        1. Ensure the following options are checked:
          • Datamatrix
          • All EAN barcodes
          • Grid Matrix
          • All GS1 bar codes
      2. Click on ‘Code128’.
        1. Uncheck ‘Check ISBT Table’.
        2. Uncheck ‘Enable ISBT 128’.
        3. Click the back arrow/button to return to the Decoders screen.
        4. Click the back arrow/button to return to the Scanner Configuration screen.
      3. Click the back arrow/button to return to the Profile screen.
    9. Under Keystroke output ensure ‘Enabled’ is NOT checked
    10. Under Intent output, ensure ‘Enabled’ is checked
      • On the ‘Intent Action’, enter “com.deacom.wms.ACTION”.
      • Click ‘OK’.
      • Choose “Broadcast intent” for ‘Intent delivery’.

Installing and Setting Up Android WMS via Manual Install (Model: CK65 & Zebra MC330K)

  1. Note: The steps below are essentially the same for the TC20, TC21, and MC9300 scanners with the exception of Step 2. This step does not apply to these scanners.
    1. Installing Android WMS on your Android scanner – Manual Install
    2. Connect the CK65 Android Scanner to your laptop
    3. Navigate to the Deacom application folder (e.g., \\server8\QA\Customer Test Systems\QA - 16.04)
    4. Open the ScannerMultiPlatform folder
    5. Open the Android folder
    6. Transfer the ‘com.deacom.wms.apk’ file to the Downloads folder on the scanner
      1. Internal Shared Storage > Downloads
    7. Launch the ‘Files’ app on the scanner and navigate to the Downloads folder
    8. Run the file by pressing it on the scanner
    9. Say Yes/Ok/Approve on the various prompts confirming your choice to run and warning you of the risks when installing external apps.
    10. When the manual install has completed DEACOM will launch and bring you to the host selection form.
    11. The shortcut for DEACOM is now available within the All Apps screen on the scanner.
  2. Configuring the DataWedge profile does not appear to be necessary for the CK65. The default profile allows for the scanning of GS1128, UPC, Code 3of9, and DataMatrix barcodes. If you are using the TC20, TC21, or MC9300 models, please defer to their install and setup instructions for DataWedge configuration process.

Disabling onscreen keyboard for Android scanners

Most users will utilize a barcode scan to input data on the scanners. However, in situations where the scanner keyboard will be used, users may opt to disable the onscreen keyboard. This keyboard usually displays in front of the Deacom WMS application and makes using the Deacom WMS application difficult. The onscreen keyboard can be disabled in Android settings.

Printing requirements

For WMS Printers that will be accessed from the scanners need to be installed on the machine that is running the WMS service or host console. Printing labels from WMS requires Microsoft Office and necessary barcode fonts to be installed on the machine running the WMS service or host console. If experiencing issues printing from the WMS service, run as a console to verify that printing works with that setup. If printing from the console works, the service needs to be run from a user with the correct permissions.

Note: If running in Windows 2008 Server 64-bit, the directories below will have to be added in order to enable printing

  • C:\Windows\SysWOW64\config\systemprofile\Desktop
  • C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\Desktop

Additional information as well as frequently asked questions regarding printer setups is available via the Configuring Printers page.

Individual User WMS printer setting

An individual user may be assigned to a specific WMS printer via the "WMS Printer" field on the edit user form via System > Maintenance > Users. If a user is assigned to a specific printer, and this printer is installed on the machine that is running the WMS Host, then this printer will be set as the default printer on the scanner anytime this user logs into the WMS application. Note that the "WMS Printer" field on the user record contains a "None" option. This allows users to move to different locations in a warehouse or plant and select different printers on the scanner as opposed to being restricted to the printer set on their user record in the system.

Networking in Deacom WMS and timeout issues

Deacom utilizes the standard TCP communication protocol for transferring data(packets). Since TCP guarantees the delivery of packets, the system does not have any special logic to ensure packet delivery. When troubleshooting timeout issues, be user to reference the recommended scanner settings on this page. Other points to consider are listed below. Is there a certain transaction that the users are seeing a dropped connection when completed on the WMS? For the wireless connection on the scanner, are they connecting on the 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHz?

Enabling Voice Recognition

The WMS application supports the use of voice commands for menu navigation and button selection on scanners. The features are set by configuring the "Voice Output" and "Require Voice Recognition" fields in System > Maintenance > WMS Form Layouts, and the "WMS Record Button", "WMS Record Key", and "WMS Show Record" fields on User records, in Inventory > Options, and in the settings on the scanner itself. When using this feature, the field captions and data populated in the fields will be read back to the user.

FAQ and Diagnostic Tips

Tips:

  • In situations where your scanner is closing the Deacom WMS application, users may wish to check to see if there scanner model has any CPU power settings that might be the cause. In some models, the path would be Start -> Settings -> System -> Power -> CPU Power. Changing the setting from say auto to max should resolve the issue.
  • If the Deacom software disappears from the scanner, dock the scanner to the original computer used to install Deacom and the software should install automatically. If that does not work, reference the Client Installation part of this page to reinstall the Deacom software.
  • The "Timeout Minutes" field in System > Options controls how many minutes of inactivity before the user is logged out. In this case, the user is prompted indicating they have been logged out and are taken back to the login form.

What do I do if the WMS Client disappears from the scanner?

Reconnect the scanner to a computer with Deacom on it. If the WMS Client does not begin installing immediately on the scanner, run the InstallWMSClient.exe as administrator from the Deacom Production Folder\Scanners.