LVS´ core system is the underline software infrastructure including the definition and management of all logistics data such as item/stock/receipt/order attributes, units of measurements, packing types and hierarchies, resources (human, forklifts, RFs, machines, etc), warehouse location hierarchies, user interface, access rights and security mechanisms. In particular:

LVS Domain, Topology and Storage Systems

LVS includes unified centralized support of multiple sites (Distribution Centres-Factories, etc.) per LVS domain.

A DC consists of one or more buildings, operational units and zones which in turn consist of storage locations identified by the Racking System and the location geographical position (aisle / column / level / depth / etc).

Finally the system supports various storage systems (e.g. Back to Back, Drive In, Block Stacking, Bins etc.) and conditions such as temperature and humidity while at the same time includes storage location capacity calculation and management.

LVS Smart Logistics Attributes

• Support of unlimited user defined item attributes per item (Item Attributes) such as category, subcategory, temperature control, etc.
• Management and tracking of unlimited user defined stock attributes per item (Stock Attributes) such as expiration date, import date, colour, style, size, promotional label and upholstery.
• Management and tracking of serial numbers, lots and item variants.
• Support of many other attribute types such as Receipt, Order and Customer.

Inventory Management and Control

• Support of an unlimited number of pack type hierarchies (container, pallet, carton, inner-cartons, piece, etc.).
• Support of multiple measurement units (piece, m, m², kg, etc.).
• Support of many barcode ids per product and of all known barcode standards.
• Support of homogeneous and mixed pallets.
• Stock designation for predefined reasons such as picking, price change, and scrap.
• Management of inventory at a higher level for "soft allocating" goods to customer orders.

3-tier structure

LVS´ is based on a 3-tier structure (User interface, Business Logic and Data Access Layer):

User Interface Layer (RF, Windows & WEB)

Windows workstations, Radio Frequency (RF) terminals, WEB browser and Pick/Put-2-Light systems are the basic user interfaces supported by LVS depending on the application/user area.

Business Logic Layer

It is designed as a multithreaded native W200x process thus being optimized for the Microsoft 200x server environment.

Data Access Layer

LVS equally support both popular RDBMS systems:
• Microsoft SQL (2000 or later)
• Oracle (9i or later)

Technology Issues

• LVS´ 3rd generation (LV-III) is based 100% on Microsoft DOT NET technology, employing the latest object oriented design.

• It has been designed from the very beginning to support all demanding logistics execution activities in real time and for high transactional volume (medium and large multi-site enterprises).

• It is highly adaptable, being based on the latest business rule and scenario building techniques.

• Employs a superb personalisation mechanism resulting in a very user friendly interface.

• It is a true multi-lingual software not only allowing each user to run the application in his/her own language but also to enter key data (such as item descriptions, etc.) in as many languages as he/she wishes. This enables companies to use different set of languages inside than outside their organization (for shipping labels/documents, etc).

• Includes a sophisticated authorization mechanism and access control that covers all application areas.

• LVS being an open system can be easily integrated with 3rd party systems such as Workflow, Messaging/Fax and Electronic Archiving systems. LVS/Control Center "Operational Alerts" are already utilizing MS Exchange and Fax Servers to forward relevant Alert messages. Similarly workflow systems can be utilized for controlled escalation of such Alerts or other applications. Finally LVS data such as Transaction Log / Billing / SCI / etc. are usually stored outside the live LVS system according to Mantis customers´ individual archiving systems/policies (magnetic disks on non production servers, DVD-ROM juke-boxes, etc.).

• LVS maintains a detailed transaction log that can be utilized for audits. Furthermore there are additional logs (data universes), such as those maintained by LVS/Billing and LVS/SCI, that include whatever additional information the customer decides to keep for auditing, billing, business intelligence or other purposes.

RF Manager

RF Manager is a unique systems software engine that has been developed by Mantis especially optimized for the Microsoft 200x server environment. It is responsible for all communications between Logistics Vision applications and the RF terminals. It is a multithreaded native W200x process supporting all major RF manufacturers and models that are compatible to TCP/IP and Telnet protocols. RF Manager optimizes Logistics Vision´s interactions with RFs allowing the support of a very large number of RFs while at the same time preserving excellent (fast) response time. Furthermore this module allows the initiation of printing barcode labels through RF.

Transaction Broadcasting Engine

Transaction Broadcasting Engine (TBE) allows the broadcasting of RF events (scanning, etc.) to user/admin applications in real time. This engine allows the update of LVS/Control Center modules (VWM, WFS, etc.) in real time and without overloading the system (that is happening when similar tools are refreshing their info by polling the data base).

Barcode Printer Manager

Barcode printer manager is a standard LVS software tool developed by Mantis that allows the printing and management of barcode labels for the various warehousing activities. It supports all known barcode standards and all major barcode printer manufacturers such as Zebra and Datamax as well as standard laser printers.

Barcode Label Designer

It is a user friendly tool, allowing the design of barcode labels. It supports all known barcode standards and all major barcode printer manufacturers of both, thermal transfer and laser printing technologies.