Data Collection System

Executive
Overview

For SAP™ R/3®

 dcLINK Executive Overview for SAP™ R/3®

Contents

4 The TOTAL Solution

4 The dcLINK Advantage
4 Software Solutions
4 Device Solutions
4 Server Solutions
4 Printing Solutions
4 Host Solutions
4 Integration Modules
4 Implementation
4 Hardware Solutions
4 Total Business Solutions

©2001 Data Systems International, Inc. dcLINK is a registered trademark of Data Systems International, Inc. SAP is a
trademark, and R/3 is a registered trademark of SAP AG. Windows is a registered trademark, and NT is a trademark of
Microsoft Corporation. All other applicable company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners. No part of this publication may be duplicated by any means without permission from Data Systems
International.

2 ©
Data Systems International, Inc.
 dcLINK Executive Overview for SAP™ R/3®

The TOTAL Solution

What is dcLINK?
dcLINK is a multitiered, network-ready, data collection system that delivers a
high performance, online, real-time link to your SAP™ R/3® applications. With its
open systems design, dcLINK delivers data from various collection devices directly
to your SAP application, creating an information “link” from your plant floor or
warehouse to your host computer.
dcLINK also enables you to tailor your daily data collection activities to make
them fit your exact business needs. This streamlines the process, simplifies data
entry and collects data in the most convenient and efficient manner possible.

What dcLINK does for you

R Fully automates data collection.
R Supports open systems architecture.
R Updates your SAP R/3 system in real-
time.
R Integrates fully and seamlessly to SAP
R/3.
R Supports many types of data collection
devices.
R Enables directed warehouse activities
in a paperless environment.
R Allows for user-defined processes; lets
you easily tailor data collection
activities before and after
implementation.
R Provides Windows®-based transaction
entry.
R Provides integrated bar code label
printing.

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Data Systems International, Inc. 3
 dcLINK Executive Overview for SAP™ R/3®
The dcLINK Advantage
Designed with the future in mind
L
et Data Systems
International (DSI) give
you the supply-chain
tools you need to give your
company the competitive edge.
dcLINK Data Collection System
is a data collection tool that
extends SAP R/3 software. Its
“tiered” architecture design
allows flexibility in platform
selection and in future decisions
regarding equipment and
technologies. dcLINK uses a
multitiered approach to achieve
optimum results:
• Data collection devices
• Data collection servers
• Host computers
Each dcLINK component
works in its own environment,
and these environments are
tightly integrated. Each
component uses the advantages
of its own platform, resulting in
a combination that is more
effective than the individual
parts. Multitiered architecture
also brings you these
advantages:
• Greater independence from
host system response time.
• Allows data collection to
continue even if host or
server is not available.
• Less costly incremental
growth – upgrade without
costly rewrites and easily add
new modules.
4 ©
• Built-in safeguards and
backup features.
• Wide choice of platforms and
equipment.
Allows tailoring
dcLINK has user-defined
tables that you can configure
without programming. These
tables control the way your
system looks and operates. They
also contain the parameters,
variables, names, codes, controls
and values that define the rules
upon what your users see on
their devices.
Some of the items you can
tailor to meet your own
specifications are:
• Scripts – You define each
script’s prompts, sequence,
processes and defaults. You
can have multiple versions of
scripts based on the data
collection device and user.
• Screen contents –
Streamline SAP R/3 data
entry to contain only the
fields you want to use, name
the fields using your
company’s terminology or
support multiple languages.
• Default values – You
define default values, such as
plant, that save input time,
provide tighter control and
increase data integrity.
• Security levels – Control
access by data collection
device; control script access
by group or user ID.
• Operator feedback –
Messages display at the
device, prompting the user to
correct data.
Updates in
real-time
dcLINK offers online, real-
time seamless updates to SAP
for the following applications:
• Materials Management
• Purchasing
• Inventory Management
• Sales and Distribution
• Shipping
• Warehouse Management
• Shop Floor Control
• Human Resources
Management
• Time and Attendance
Management
Data Systems International, Inc.
 dcLINK Executive Overview for SAP™ R/3®
Optimizes
productivity
dcLINK reduces the amount
of time your employees spend
with paperwork, error correction
and repetitive tasks. It:
• Minimizes entry errors by
reducing or eliminating need
for keying of data.
• Reduces paperwork and time
required for data entry by
automatically approving data,
fitting your business
processes.
• Reduces the time currently
spent on error correction,
reducing frustration and
costly data corruption.
• Reduces repetitive data entry
by using default values that
you determine.
• Provides detailed tracking
information for management
reporting and better decision-
making.
• Allows daily data collection
tasks to continue even if your
host computer or server is not
available.
• Streamlines data entry,
automatically updating all
appropriate SAP R/3
applications.
• Provides complete and timely
visibility of shop floor
activities.
• Provides up-to-date
information, resulting in
faster, more informed
decision-making.
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Data Systems International, Inc.
Reduces costs
Using dcLINK as your
automated data collection system
results in many cost advantages.
Studies have shown that keyed
data entry results in one error per
300 entries. Bar-coded data entry
reduces errors to just one in
3,000,000 entries. dcLINK:
• Reduces paperwork and
other processing costs.
• Reduces input errors
dramatically and the time spent
making corrections.
• Reduces costs associated
with decisions made with old,
inaccurate information.
• Allows the same number of
people to process greater
volumes of data.
• Reduces costs required to
implement multiple vendors’
products. DSI offers a total
solution including hardware,
software, training and the
resources to implement them for
you.
Promotes
customer
satisfaction
dcLINK helps you achieve
increased customer satisfaction,
which positively affects your
company’s bottom line. It:
• Allows immediate response
to customer inquiries with
up-to-the-minute product
status.
• Dramatically reduces data
entry errors, thereby
reducing the frustration and
lost business that often
accompanies errors.
• Streamlines the entire
process so your customer
has a better product, faster.
Tightens
controls
dcLINK provides systems
that you tailor so you can more
tightly control data that is
collected and how it is
processed. It:
• Increases security by
controlling access at group,
user and process levels.
• Provides the ability to use
default values you define,
such as plant or user
identification.
• Allows you to dictate
acceptable variances for each
script.
• Ensures accuracy of
inventory transactions with
directed activities.
• Reduces shrinkage associated
with poor records.
• Allows you to direct
employees to specific
locations, items and
quantities to be picked.
5
 dcLINK Executive Overview for SAP™ R/3®

SAP™ R/3®
Application
Host

Materials Shop Floor Sales & Shipping Warehouse H/R

Mgmt. Control Distribution Mgmt. Mgmt.

RFC Function
Module
Synchronous
“ALE”

IDOC IDOC
Call

IDOC
Receiver RFC Caller
Server

Database
TranServer IDOC
Device IDOC Temp Transmitter
TranBuilder Communication Builder IDOC
Transaction
Definition

TranPrint
TranCollector Label Printing

TranCollector Resides on Each Devices

Data Collection Device

dcLINK – SAP™ R/3® Components

6 ©
Data Systems International, Inc.
 dcLINK Executive Overview for SAP™ R/3®

Software Solutions
Device solutions

M
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

○
any of dcLINK’s

○
advantages are a result

○
○
of its tiered archi-

○
○
tecture. dcLINK software is

○
organized into three key areas:

○
○
device, server and host

○
Collection Devices Host

○
(Illustration A).
• •

○
Captures data from bar code label. Processes transaction records
TranCollector (for DOS,

○
• Validates data entered. from the server.

○
Windows NT®, Windows 2000® •

○
• Writes transaction records. Validates transaction records.

○
and Windows® CE-based •

○
• Communicates transactions to Routes data to appropriate
devices) runs on the data

○
applications.

○
server.
collection devices – such as RF

devices, fixed-station devices,
time clocks and PCs with bar
code scanners – and interprets
scripts that you tailor to your
specifications during setup. The
scripts display user-defined
prompts on the device. This
allows data collection device
users to be prompted for data
using familiar terms and
methods.
Server solutions
dcLINK’s server solutions
include: TranServer, TranBuilder
and TranPrint.
TranServer supports the
configuration and processing of
data collection transactions. This
module also provides basic data
collection security and monitors
communication with the data
collection devices.
○
• Directs transactions for work to
be done.
Data Collection Server
• Processes transaction records
from collection devices.
• Stores transaction records.
• Communicates transaction to host.
Illustration A (above)
Host solutions
dcLINK’s host solutions are
specifically developed to work
with SAP R/3. dcLINK provides
TranBuilder is a powerful, businesses with a number of
yet easy-to-use tool that gives features, ranging from validating
businesses the ability to design transaction records and
transactions to automate SAP processing them from the server,
R/3 business processes. to routing data to the appropriate
TranPrint integrates SAP applications.
R/3 data with bar code label
design and printing.

©
Data Systems International, Inc. 7
 dcLINK Executive Overview for SAP™ R/3®

Device Solutions

T
oday’s data TranCollector
collection devices, functions
whether handheld
or vehicle-mounted, are Displays tailored prompts
actually PCs that run The script displays user-
defined prompts on the data
DOS, Windows NT®-, collection device screens during
Windows 2000®- or the collection process. Standard
Windows® CE-based transaction scripts can be
programs. tailored to your specific business
needs. The definitions assigned
to the transaction determine
TranBuilder creates the what information displays on the
required prompts to automate the collection device screen. This
SAP R/3 business process. These allows device users to be
prompts make up a “script,” prompted for data using familiar
which is downloaded over the terms and methods.
radio frequency network into the TranCollector software runs
reader, displaying only the on the data collection devices
prompts necessary for your and performs the scripts that you
employees to perform their jobs. designed using TranBuilder. You
only see information that is
pertinent to your data collection
activities. As you perform a
transaction, such as a Transfer
Order, prompts and input fields
will display on your collection
device directing you to input
information (Illustration B).
Collects data
dcLINK lets you collect data
in one of two ways: by scanning
a bar-coded label or by using the
collection device’s keyboard to
input data. Scanned entries are
consistently more accurate
because the collection device
reads and interprets the bar code
to create an entry, while manual
entry leaves room for human
error.

Device Screen Prompts

Collection This illustration shows the
Device ○ progression of a Transfer Order
○
○
○
○
Transfer Order transaction – beginning with a
○
○
Enter Item Number:
○
○
○
○
request for an Item Number
entry, through a request for a “To
○
○
○
○

○
Transfer Order Location” entry.
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
From Location:
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Transfer Order The first screen in the

Quantity: series displays. After
each entry, the next
The transaction screen displays.
Transfer Order
branches back to the To Location:
correct prompt so you
can continue entering
items. This progression continues
until the transaction cycle
completes.

Illustration B (above)

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Data Systems International, Inc.
 dcLINK Executive Overview for SAP™ R/3®

Server Solutions

d
cLINK server

○
solutions include: TranServer

○
○
• Communicates with the host,

○
• TranServer Host

○
including database synchronization

○
• TranBuilder

○
for online validation at data collection

○
• TranPrint devices.

○
○
• Processes and sends transactions to

○
○
These modules the host.

○
○
(Illustration C) work with

○
the host and device software TranBuilder

○
• Creates scripts for data collection at
○
to perform data collection ○
the device level.
○

functions. Server
○

TranPrint
○
○

• Prints bar-coded labels.

○
○

• Integrates with POs, WOs and

○
○

Illustration C (right) shipping data.

○
○

• Allows information necessary to

○
○

appear on a bar code label to be

○

printed through a network solution.

○
○

Device • Allows support of customer/vendor

○
○

compliance requirements.
○
○
○

TranServer
functions
Communicates with
devices and host
The TranServer module
serves as the communicator
between the devices and the
host. The module processes
transactions received from the
devices in real-time and
forwards each transaction to the
host.
TranBuilder
functions
TranServer communicates Using DSI’s Advanced
with devices and the host via a Scripting Technology™,
variety of LAN/WAN TranBuilder lets you control
architectures. The most common many aspects of your data
architecture uses TCP/IP collection process, allowing you
addressing for devices across an to tailor scripts to prompt for
Ethernet backbone. specific information in a precise
order on your data collection
devices.

©
Data Systems International, Inc. 9
 dcLINK Executive Overview for SAP™ R/3®
Scripts Give You Control
TranBuilder creates scripts
using GUI screens instead of
complicated programming
(Screen 1). Its “point-and-click”
environment allows you to
customize existing scripts and
create new ones to meet your
unique needs.
Besides its user-friendliness,
TranBuilder is a flexible tool that
allows each employee to have a
set of scripts depending on their
job requirements and authority
level. It even supports consistent
data collection in a multilingual
environment.
DSI provides several standard
“vanilla” transaction scripts with
the software. Many customers
require little modification to
these scripts, allowing automatic
data collection to begin as soon
as possible. However, if your
business has special data
collection requirements that are
unique to your organization or its
industry, DSI is available to assist
in the creation of scripts to meet
your specific data collection
needs.
TranBuilder also provides
programmable intelligence to
support a “paperless”
environment, with directed
functions such as transfer orders
or deliveries. For example, an
employee could be presented a
“paperless” pick. This would
display instructions on what and
how many items to pick, and
from where to pull the items. The
items’ “picker” confirms each
item by scanning the necessary
bar code to validate each step.
10
Example 1 (right) Cycle Count Batch Pick
shows the prompts for
two transactions: 1. Request cycle count 1. Request task number
Cycle Count (Inven- number 2. Request data from data
tory) and Batch Pick 2. Request location collection server
(Warehouse). You use 3. Request item number 3. Confirm data from the
TranBuilder’s Input 4. Request lot number server
Field Definition 5. Request count 4. Request quantity
window to define 6. Request unit of measure 5. Send data to server
prompts, how they 7. Send data to server 6. Mark record in process
display and how input is accepted and processed.
Screen 1 (above)
Using TranBuilder, input also possible. For example,
validation can be accomplished TranBuilder can disable the
by comparing SAP R/3 data device keypad and require that
from the host system to the user scan the actual bar code
information being collected by from the bin or shelf label, rather
the scanners on the shop or than manually type an entry that
warehouse floor. In addition, you may be inaccurate.
may use data identifiers (e.g., IT You can also use TranBuilder to
for item number and WO for instruct the devices to send your
work order) that have been SAP R/3 system or non-SAP R/3
incorporated into the printed bar data to the host, a PC database
code labels to ensure, for or a combination of both. You
example, that a work order can use this data to produce
number is not scanned into an reports or support other business
item number field. requirements.
Besides data verification,
physical bar code validation is
©
Data Systems International, Inc.
 dcLINK Executive Overview for SAP™ R/3®

Printing Solutions
Bar code label design Screen 2 (below)

TranPrint™ for
SAP™ R/3®

A
critical requirement
of any bar code data
collection system is an
efficient method of labeling
inventory (raw materials or
finished goods) to be scanned.
TranPrint lets you design and
print bar code labels for items
where appropriate in the supply
chain process.
TranPrint allows data to be
mapped from specified fields Bar code labels like the ones shown above and below are designed using
within SAP R/3 or from device dcLINK-supported label printing software such as Loftware. dcLINK Data
Collection Systems using Loftware help your business enhance produc-
transactions, to bar coded labels
tivity, and meet your specific labeling and data collection needs.
(Screen 2 & Illustration D). The
user determines exactly what
fields are on the labels, and can Item No.
print the correct quantity of (I)
labels when needed. And, 4738920
multiple label versions can be
created to allow for the printing
Quantity
of pallet, case, box, or “each” (Q) 48
labels for the same product.
For each transaction, the user
Supplier
selects and enters receipt, (S)
8554
shipment or work order data.
Once the user confirms the data, Purchase Order #
Acme Widget Systems
the labels automatically print (P) 4392 7801 W. 110th Street
using a predefined format in the Overland Park, KS 66210
913-696-4000
quantity indicated. The
transaction is sent to the host for Illustration D (above)
SAP R/3 updates.

©
Data Systems International, Inc. 11
 dcLINK Executive Overview for SAP™ R/3®

Host Solutions

T
he host solutions included in dcLINK
are specifically developed to work with SAP R/3
software.

dcLINK for R/3

Developed specifically for R/3

d
cLINK (Illustration
E) was developed
specifically for SAP R/3.
It provides native R/3
communications. This allows
direct access to SAP R/3,
providing real-time feedback and
editing using standard SAP R/3
functions.
Supports relevant Provides custom controls
features of R/3 Another major benefit of
dcLINK utilizes SAP R/3 dcLINK is the ability to tailor
communications protocol, and the system to match your unique
therefore can be deployed in any business processes.
approved SAP R/3
configuration.

Features
○
○
○
for
• Provides real-time feedback and
○
○
○
SAP™ R/3®
editing using standard SAP R/3 ○
○

functions ○
○

•
○
Can tailor system to match unique ○

business needs ○
○

•
○
Uses the standard RFCs and IDOCs ○
○

of SAP R/3 to import and export data

○
○
○
○
○

○
○
Host

Device Server

Illustration E (right)

12 ©
Data Systems International, Inc.
 dcLINK Executive Overview for SAP™ R/3®
Implementation & Ongoing Support
D
SI provides complete
implementation and
consulting services to
SAP R/3 users. Our consultants
can help manage the process
from initial analysis to the final
“go live.”
The consultants work on-site
with your staff to configure and
test the software, as well as train
your users.
Strategic workshops
This one- to two-day process
identifies your needs and expec-
tations of data collection. It’s an
opportunity for our consultants to
understand your “vision” for data
collection, and to establish a
partnership to achieve it.
A DSI client manager who has
primary responsibility for project
deliverables, will conduct a
workshop. The first two deliver-
ables, a Project Workplan and a
Scope of Engagement, document
the results of this workshop.
Scope of Engagement
The Scope of Engagement
documents the timeline for the
Task Name
Project strategy workshop
Scope of Engagement & Project Workplan deliverables
Finalize project definition & design
Script design/development & custom development
TranBuilder class/on-site tech. & user document training
Data collection hardware procurement
Install/configure initial system & hardware
User script testing
Conference Room Pilots (CRP)
CRP acceptance & final adjustments
Pre-go live & go-live support
©
Data Systems International, Inc.
implementation process and
identifies high-level project-
related tasks and resources. This
process also identifies custom
requirements to meet your needs,
as well as the timeline and costs.
Project Workplan
The Project Workplan details
all necessary tasks to complete
the engagement. It also commu-
nicates accountability for tasks,
and provides milestones to be
achieved. The workplan is
dynamic and becomes the central
tool used to manage the project.
Design/configuration
Data collection processes are
now designed to meet your
specific operational needs. In
addition, each transaction is
configured to support the correct
SAP R/3 application.
User training
Our consultants perform
training either on-site or at the
dcLINK facility. Training may be
performed at various times
throughout implementation.
A Typical Timeline
Month 1
1 2 3 4
Hardware procurement &
installation
Prior to the Conference Room
Pilot, we determine the hardware
needs and bar code label
requirements. We often help you
to configure, order, receive and
install the hardware and labels.
Set up & data collection —
final testing
We work with you in final
testing at all levels to ensure a
successful implementation. We
perform tests to make sure that
all systems are working properly
and meet your expectations.
Go live
Our consultants are on-site to
assist as the software is
implemented into your
operations.
Product support
DSI works with you to
identify the appropriate resource
to solve any problem. As a DSI
customer, you receive ongoing
support whenever you need it.
Month 2 Month 3 Month 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
13
 dcLINK Executive Overview for SAP™ R/3®
Hardware Solutions
Experience counts
D
SI is committed
to providing you with
the best hardware
solution possible. Our
experienced staff can help
you manage all
hardware aspects of
your implementation
from selection, to
installation, to ongoing
post-sale support. In
addition, we have strong
alliances with many vendors,
so you get priority service and
competitive pricing.
As an industry leader in data
collection, DSI knows what it
takes to achieve a successful
installation. Our products have
been successfully installed in
more than 450 customer sites
around the world.
Dedicated
support
Our staff is dedicated
to helping you through
every phase of your
hardware implementation
including selection,
configuration,
purchasing, installation
and post-sale support.
As a DSI customer, you
receive ongoing hardware
support whenever you need it.
Part of this is DSI Product
Support, which is there to help
you resolve any hardware issues
14
that you may have. We want you
to contact the DSI Product
Support as a first line
of defense soon as a
problem occurs, so we
can determine its cause.
DSI works with you to
identify the appropriate
resource to solve the
problem.
With today’s complex
technologies, it is often
difficult to determine why a
problem may occur. DSI
looks forward to helping you
resolve your problems, no matter
why they occur.
Strong alliances
Because DSI has very strong
relationships with all of our
vendors, you immediately
become a priority customer with
a direct link to vendors when
you need it most.
When you have a problem
with hardware that requires
vendor attention, DSI has the
contacts to initiate immediate
action, so you can get back to
business as usual as quickly
as possible.
Many resources
DSI has alliances with
companies known for their
quality and technical expertise.
These companies are there for
DSI customers as a resource and
represent the best in today’s
automatic data capture
technology. DSI is a Value-
Added Reseller for:
• Intermec
• Symbol
• PSC (formerly Percon)
• Telxon
• Zebra
• O’Neil
DSI can help you find the
right equipment for your data
collection needs, including radio
frequency (RF), store and
forward, fixed-station and direct-
wired devices.
Total solution
DSI also provides the
technical expertise needed to
pull your entire system together.
As a systems integrator, you can
rely on DSI as a single resource
to meet all your hardware,
software and
implementation needs.
©
Data Systems International, Inc.
 dcLINK Executive Overview for SAP™ R/3®

Total Business Solutions

D
ata Systems Headquartered in Overland • 1998 Telxon top business
International has a Park, Kan. U.S.A., DSI serves partners “Gold Revenue
strong reputation for its its clients from offices in key Award”
consulting, training and metropolitan areas throughout • Two-time IBM® top iSeries®
programming services, and North America, the United (AS/400) Solution Provider
offers a single source for all your Kingdom, our Asia/Pacific • 1999 IBM® Netfinity® Top
data collection needs. division in Melbourne, Australia, Business Partner
and through a network of • Two-time Intermec
business alliances throughout the “McKinley Award” for
Established world. We can respond to you no Outstanding Sales
partnerships matter where you are. Performance
• 1999 Intermec Platinum
We have long, productive Level Recognition
relationships with many industry Outstanding • 1998 PSC (formerly Percon)
leaders. DSI is: reputation Partners Program Platinum
• A mySAP.com Partner Recognition.
• An IBM DSI’s
Premier commitment to
Business providing quality Dedicated
Partner. data collection services
• A Microsoft solutions is
Certified recognized Our experienced staff
Solutions throughout the manages all aspects of your
Provider. industry. DSI and information systems needs, from
• A Value-Added Reseller for dcLINK have received numerous hardware to software, from
Intermec, PSC, Telxon, awards and recognition: programming to networking.
Symbol, Zebra and O’Neil. • Three-time Midrange
• A Hewlett-Packard Channel Systems “Buyers Choice Technical services
Partner. Award for Data Collection” DSI’s Technical Services
• A Vision Solutions Vision team provides a wide range of
Industry Partner. information systems assistance
• A Datatel Strategic including software
Alliance Partner. modification, custom
• An Innovative programming, network
Computing Corporation planning and configuration,
business partner. client/server expertise, file
• A SolCom®, Inc. conversions, technical
Strategic Marketing documentation and
Alliance partner. comprehensive consulting
• An E3™ Corporation services.
business partner.

©
Data Systems International, Inc. 15
 dcLINK Executive Overview for SAP™ R/3®

Products and
services
Strong relationships
An IBM Premier Business
Partner, DSI is endorsed by
IBM as a source of IBM
hardware, services and
financing.
DSI is also a full-line
reseller for Hewlett Packard
and offers complete financing/
leasing and sizing/
configuration services in
partnership with HP.

Training support
DSI offers a variety of
seminars to support both the
hardware and software products
we provide.
dcLINK users can learn more
about the many benefits and
features of their data collection
hardware and software by
attending one or more of the
dcLINK seminars. These
seminars are conducted on a
regular basis. Topics may
include:
• TranBuilder for SAP R/3
• dcLINK management and
configuration planning
• Other subjects as identified.

For more information about DSI and the total solutions

that we offer, visit our Web site at www.mydcLINK.com.
OVRSAP00015 (01/01)

16 ©
Data Systems International, Inc.