Built-In SAP Applications

In addition to delivering market leading implementation services for SAP® solutions, Catalyst has also developed key add-on applications. These applications include XPS, a Cross-Carrier Packing and Shipping system and Yard Management Drag and Drop. Each application is seamlessly integrated with the SAP supply chain management (SCM) solution set and adds specific and beneficial functionality to the overall solution.

Cross-Carrier Packaging and Shipping System

Catalyst's Cross-Carrier Packing and Shipping System (XPS) is a comprehensive, powerful and easy to use solution that simplifies all aspects of packing and shipping. It seamlessly integrates with SAP as well as leading third party parcel carriers systems to deliver complete visibility and control over all aspects of order fulfillment from the warehouse to the customer.

XPS has been designed to increase the efficiency of the distribution process for SAP customers shipping large volumes of goods to retail outlets and end users. XPS is fully developed in the native SAP program language and provides an easy to manage, centralized view of all packing and shipping processes, across multiple distribution centers and multiple carriers.

As goods arrive in packing areas, XPS provides a series of clear and intuitive graphical screens that allows distribution managers to fully customize the packing process. From these screens, operators can facilitate the handling of products into the right packages and containers using a comprehensive range of pre-configured options. The system also generates detailed bar code labels covering specific customer requests and key information required by shipping companies.

Packages for dispatch are scanned with a bar code reader and this automatically updates XPS to ensure the availability of instant and accurate information. This information does not need to be re-entered into the carriers' own systems, removing the potential for errors through unnecessary data entry.

Complete Integration

XPS includes full integration with many of the leading distribution companies' parcel carrier systems, including FedEx, UPS, DHL and the US Postal Service, with integration to additional carriers being developed. It consolidates information on packages being distributed by one or more of these companies onto a single screen, allowing total visibility of all orders. This visibility allows companies to provide better customer service by enabling instant access to accurate information on delivery status and schedules. 

Key Benefits

  • Simplification of the Packing and Shipping process
  • Integration of all orders across multiple carriers
  • Complete visibility of delivery status across multiple carriers
  • Greater efficiency and accuracy 
  • Complete integration with SAP modules

    • Yard Drag and Drop

    Many organizations with large distribution and warehousing operations, are turning to SAP® Yard Management to improve supply chain efficiency and visibility. To help with this complex area, Catalyst has introduced a Drag and Drop Scheduling system that works with SAP Yard Management to deliver an intuitive, easy to use solution for SAP ERP yard management.

    SAP Yard Management provides the visibility and control needed to simplify and accelerate all yard activities, extending warehouse management outside the physical walls of the warehouse.
    With Catalyst's Drag and Drop Scheduling solution, the operator can allocate specific trailers to specific docks simply by dragging an icon representing the trailer to the desired docking area. The operator can see instantly which trailers are waiting to be allocated and which docking areas are available.

    Scheduling System Integration

    Through integration with scheduling systems and advance shipping notifications, operators know in advance what is on incoming trailers and what goods are becoming available for dispatch. This allows them to allocate resources in the most appropriate and efficient manner.

    Real-Time Visibility

    The Catalyst Drag and Drop Scheduling system for SAP Yard Management provides a real-time graphical view of the entire status of the yard at any time. Using this representative view, the Yard Manager can fully visualize what is occurring in the yard, survey and evaluate all situations and make proactive and critical management decisions directly. Operators can see at a glance what is being loaded and unloaded and where and at what stage they are in the process through easy to read, color-coded images.

    In today's highly competitive environment, a sophisticated supply chain solution needs to manage the flow of materials throughout the logistics and distribution process. Yard Management has rapidly become a critical component of an overall supply chain solution.