Barcode scanners – also called radio data terminals – are mobile devices used by storage workers to handle business processes in the IT system, e.g. SAP.
With SAP ERP scanners are connected online allowing dynamic implementation of tasks in the system, such as collecting pallets to release delivery, distribution of goods in the warehouse, etc. To enable communication between the scanner and the system, a proper translator is required which will “translate” the transaction screen from SAP ERP into the mobile device screen.
An advantage of barcode scanners is quick entry of data to the transaction by scanning barcodes (1d or 2d, so called QR code). Thanks to this, for example during the receipt of goods to the warehouse the user of the scanner does not have to manually enter the material number, quantity, batch, etc., but only scan the information from the barcode. Apart from saving time, we avoid mistakes while entering data. Additionally, operating a small and handy reader in the conditions of a warehouse is easier and more efficient. These devices are usually quite resistant to mechanical damage and reliable in their operation.
SAPConsole
SAPConsole is a technology integrated with the SAP system which converts SAP screens to text enabling display of their content on the screens of mobile devices. Because mobile devices have a lower resolution than monitor screens, terminal transactions must be specially prepared in this respect. By default SAPConsole cooperates with two types of screen dimensions – 16×20 and 8×40.
SAPConsole uses the telnet server for communication between the SAP system and wireless mobile devices. Mobile devices require access to the wireless network.
ITS Mobile
ITS (Internet Transaction Server) Mobile is a server allowing access to the SAP system through www browsers. It replaced the previously applied SAPwebconsole technology which is not supported or developed any more (therefore it was not discussed in this article). The ITS platform allows access to SAP not only through barcode scanners, but also through every device with a www browser, e.g. a computer or telephone.
Developing transactions for barcode scanners, similarly like in case of SAPConsole, limitations of the screen size of a mobile device should be taken into account. However, usually thanks to the possibility to manipulate the font size and other elements (such as e.g. buttons) more information can be displayed on the screen than in the case of the SAPConsole technology. Additionally the content is presented in color. The user also has a possibility to enlarge or reduce the content of the screen in order to dynamically manipulate the size of elements (it is a useful option for people with poor sight – when enlarging the font sliders to scroll the screen appear).
The ITS Mobile technology presents the content of a SAP transaction translating it into HTML. This task can be conducted fully automatically – screens will be generated “on the fly”. For this purpose the appropriate configuration of the Internet service is required from SAP. However, this option is used rather when we wish to have access to the system from the level of a browser through a computer.
Due to limitations of the screen size, creating terminal transactions for mobile devices, the automatic option of generating screens is not used. In such a case the programmer at the final stage of preparing a terminal transaction has to generate an appropriate HTMP template for each transaction screen. In the future each potential change of the terminal transaction screen by the programmer in SAP (e.g. as a result of new requirements) will require the HTML template to be updated, as well.
SAP ITS expands the client/server architecture by the Internet and it consists of two gateways – Web Server Gateway and Application Server Gateway.
What to choose?
The ITS Mobile technology gains popularity among companies using mobile solutions in warehouses. It has numerous advantages, among which the most important ones include greater legibility (colors), multiplicity of supported devices and a greater screen operating area.
While the enthusiasts of SAPConsole assume that terminal transactions are most of all supposed to work and not look nice. The economic aspect also favors this technology. The use of the SAPConsole technology implementing SAP WM is cheaper, even considering the costs of the mobile devices themselves.
Additionally choosing ITS Mobile it is important to remember about the higher costs of program implementation which result from a necessity of additional programming work – generating HTML templates for transaction screens – and additional works of the Basis consultant – configuration of the ITS service in the SAP system.