Fishbowl Mobile
From Fishbowl Inventory
| User Manual | |
|---|---|
| Fishbowl Mobile User Manual | |
| Training Videos | |
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Fishbowl Mobile Overview Move Inventory ScanWedge Setup Upgrading Fishbowl Mobile | |
| Related Pages | |
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Fishbowl Mobile FMW Picking FMW Packing FMW Shipping FMW Receiving FMW Move FMW Cycle FMW Part Information FMW Work Order |
Fishbowl Mobile Warehouse (FMW) is a wireless inventory solution that significantly reduces human error while increasing efficiency and inventory accuracy. Fishbowl Mobile was designed to be very simple while still providing the ability to perform complex inventory functions. Fishbowl Mobile can run on a variety of hardware devices and requires the Windows Mobile 5, 6, or 6.1 operating system.
Modules 
Fishbowl Mobile Warehouse currently features the following modules: Pick, Pack, Ship, Receive, Move, Cycle, Part, and Work Order.
Key Concepts
- When installing FMW, the mobile device should be plugged into a desktop computer. Microsoft ActiveSync or Windows Mobile Device Center should also be installed and running on this same computer. Alternatively, the device installer can be used without the need to connect to a desktop computer.
- Fishbowl Mobile Warehouse (FMW) acts as a client user when connected to the Fishbowl Server. Because of this, the same User Rights will apply with FMW as they do in the Fishbowl Client.
- FMW has real-time functionality so a network connection is necessary for FMW to connect to the Fishbowl Server. Fishbowl does provide a basic store and forward feature, meaning if the network connection is temporary lost, the device will store the last transaction until connectivity is restored and then will forward the information to the Fishbowl Server.
Installing Fishbowl Mobile Warehouse
There are two ways to install Fishbowl Mobile Warehouse (FMW) on your Windows Mobile device: Connect the device to a computer and perform a Desktop Installation, or place the installer directly on the device and perform a Device Installation.
Desktop Installation
Microsoft ActiveSync or Windows Mobile Device Center is required to connect a mobile device to a Windows computer. Which application is used depends on the version of the Windows operating system.
- ActiveSync is used on Windows computers prior to Windows Vista. Typically, ActiveSync must be installed using an installer that came with the device. A search for the installer can also be performed here.
- Device Center is used on Windows Vista, and Windows 7 computers. Typically, Device Center will automatically be installed when connecting the device. A search for the installer can also be performed here.
Below are the steps to install FMW using the desktop installer:
- Connect the Windows Mobile device to the computer. This is usually accomplished with a cradle or a USB cable.
- Make sure Microsoft ActiveSync or Windows Mobile Device Center has established a connection to the device.
- In ActiveSync, choose to either create a Standard partnership or a Guest partnership.
- In Device Center, choose to either Setup your device or Connect without setting up your device.
- Download the FWM desktop installer here.
- Open the desktop installer on the desktop computer.
- Click the Deploy button. This will install FMW onto the device.
Device Installation
The device installer can be run directly on the device, making it possible to install FMW without connecting the device to a desktop computer. The device installer is available at http://www.fishbowlinventory.com/support/updates. Use any of the methods below to get the installer onto the device.
- Copy the installer to the device using a memory card.
- Visit the above URL on the device and download the installer directly onto the device.
- Connect the device to the computer and copy the installer onto the device.
After the device installer is on the device, open the installer on the device to complete the installation.
Initial Login and Application Approval
Initial Login
When logging into Fishbowl Inventory Mobile, you will use the same Server Number, Port, User and Password that are used in the Client Login screen you use in Fishbowl Inventory. This will allow you to have access to all information in the Fishbowl Inventory Server just as if you were on your Client computer.
Fishbowl assigns a default password for the Example database. If this password has not yet been reset, it can be done so under the User Module. Until that time, the default username and password is:
- Username: admin
- Password: admin
Application Approval
The very first time a user tries to login to Fishbowl Mobile, the login will fail because the Fishbowl Server has not yet given permission for Fishbowl mobile to connect. To give the Fishbowl Mobile program these permissions, right click on the Fishbowl Server icon located in the System Tray and select Show. You will then need to select Integrated Applications. You will see Fishbowl Mobile Warehouse as a Pending Application. Highlight the application and select approve 
from the toolbar. The application status will change from Pending to Accepted.
After the application has been accepted, you will need to go back to your PDA and login again. The login will be successful now that the mobile application is approved. As stated earlier, approving the mobile application is only necessary at the first initial login, and will not be required hereafter.
Uninstalling Fishbowl Mobile Warehouse
When uninstalling Fishbowl Mobile Warehouse (FMW), first cradle and plug your PDA into a computer (whichever client computer you are uninstalling FMW from). The following directions will provide step-by-step instructions on how to uninstall the FMW software:
- On your PDA device, go to remove programs. With the Symbol MC-90, this is found by going to Start | Settings | System Tab | Remove Programs.
- Highlight the program Fishbowl Inventory FMW and click Remove.
Fishbowl will be removed from your device, but may be re-installed when necessary.
Primary Tracking
Primary Tracking has been created within Fishbowl to replace the use of Tag tracking in both the Fishbowl Client and Fishbowl Mobile Warehouse. Primary Tracking has been designed to provide functionality similar to tags and offers many of the same features tags provide; however, Primary Tracking utilizes part custom tracking rather than auto assigned numbers.
What is Primary Tracking?
Primary Tracking is found in the part module, located on the details tab of each inventory type part. Primary Tracking is used to identify inventory and when selected on a part becomes the key data when using Fishbowl Mobile Warehouse.
Fishbowl Mobile Warehouse (FMW) uses Primary Tracking for functions like picking and moving and is designed to be a key data point when there are multiple tracking fields being used. For example, imagine a company that uses Primary Tracking maintains a lot number, best by date, country of origin, and tag for all raw materials. Rather than having to specify each field when picking or moving, etc. they are able to mark the tag as the Primary Tracking and utilize this field exclusively in FMW. The difference in required data can be seen in the images below.
Lot Number, Best by Date, Country of Origin, and tag are all fields that the company cares about and wishes to track. The tag is something that is used as an internal number and in this case was chosen by the company as the Primary Tracking method to be entered when dealing with the part (such as moving, picking, etc). Primary Tracking’s main purpose is to easily and precisely identify inventory by using one preferred tracking method (as opposed to using all of the tracking methods) to be responsible for the part.
How does Primary Tracking replace tags?
Fishbowl Inventory used to require the use of ‘Tags’. A tag was an auto-assigned number that held inventory. Every time inventory was received, moved, picked, etc. it required the user to choose the inventory from a specific tag. Many companies were not correctly implementing the use of tags, and therefore were creating problems within their inventory system. Primary Tracking allows a specific field to be used as a key identifying piece of data and is tied to all other tracking methods for a specific part. Because the Primary Tracking is tied to all other tracking methods, when a part is moved, received, picked, etc. the user is only required to enter in the Primary Tracking field as opposed to entering all of the tracking fields. For those companies who may have been properly implementing the former use of ‘Tags’ within Fishbowl, you may still use those tag numbers by creating a Custom Tracking field labeled ‘Tag’ and setting that as the Primary Tracking field. The two differences you will notice between the old way of ‘Tags’ and the new Primary Tracking method is that tags were mandatory and automatically assigned, while Primary Tracking is optional and needs to be manually entered like any other tracking field.
Note: If the part is serialized it automatically becomes the Primary Tracking for the part. Because the purpose of tracking is to identify a part, and because serial numbers can identify on the item level it becomes the Primary Tracking field. If multiple serial numbers are used, a Primary Tracking field may be selected within them.
When and how should Primary Tracking be implemented?
The first thing to know is that many companies who implemented the old Tag system may already have another type of tracking (like a lot number) that, if so desired, could be used as the Primary Tracking identifier rather than their Tags. Some companies may not even use tracking and because of the old Tags process were forced to conform to Tags. As a company, you will need to evaluate the inventory tracking needs within your business to determine if Primary Tracking is the right approach for you.
If a company desires to keep their Tag numbers and set them as their new Primary Tracking method, Fishbowl Inventory has a tag utility tool that will create a custom tracking called “tag” and automatically assign the current Tag number in the database as the Primary Tracking field for each part. This makes the conversion process from Tags to Primary Tracking a very simple and seamless process and allows a company to continue using existing labels on parts. Please contact Support for additional information regarding the Tag Utility Tool. At Fishbowl Inventory we feel that Primary Tracking is a simplistic and effective solution to proper inventory control and look forward to the positive effects this feature provides.
Set a Tag as a Primary Tracking Field
If Customers who are currently using Fishbowl Mobile Warehouse desire to continue using Inventory Tags, they may do so by creating a Primary Tracking Field and assigning the Inventory Tag as that field. When creating a Primary Tracking Field for a part, the first step is to Create a Unique Tracking Method. This can be anything that associates the User with the new Tracking Method. For example, if a user is trying to continue using Inventory Tags with the new Fishbowl Mobile, they might create a new Tracking method named "Tag" and set it as Primary. The tracking information entered here would be the Inventory Tag number being used with Fishbowl Mobile 9.3 or older.
Once the new Tracking Field has been set as Primary, when the Part associated with that field is picked, the user will be asked to solely enter (or scan) the Primary Tracking information. In our example case, the user would be asked to scan the Inventory Tag number to pick inventory. When receiving, all tracking information for the Part will need to be entered. Note: Once a Primary Tracking method is created, each part WILL need to be assigned their Tag information individually in order for the inventory to be associated with that part and picked or received.
Set a custom order of modules on the home screen
Most of the users will likely not use the same modules when it comes to the warehouse functionality of Fishbowl Mobile. Fishbowl has now created a way to customize the order of modules shown on the software's Home Page.
- On the Home Page of Fishbowl Mobile, choose Options from the bottom right corner. The Module Order will be displayed
- Highlight the Module to be rearranged and choose the place for it by moving it up and down with the given blue arrows.
- When the Modules are in the desired order, choose the OK icon from the lower right module to save your changes.
Note: All of the changes made to the Module Order are user specific.
Configure Scan Wedge
Configuring Scan Wedge for the Symbol MC50
In order to scan barcodes with your mobile device you will need to enable the scan wedge or data wedge. The instructions shown below will configure the scan wedge for the Symbol MC50. The Symbol MC 50 uses a Scan Wedge, while the Symbol MC 70 and MC 9090-G use a Data Wedge.
- Turn on your mobile device and place it in the cradle.
- Click the start button in the top left of the device and select File Explorer
- Select the drop down box located just under the title bar and choose the item listed My Device
- Go into Application, which is typically the first folder in the list
- Scroll down to the bottom of the list and locate the Scan Wedge
- Using your stylus, click Scan Wedge, then select Launch so the application will run
- Hold the stylus on the Scan Wedge icon and copy it (to copy hold the stylus on the item until a menu appears, then select copy)
- Select the drop down box located just under the title bar once more and choose the item listed My Device
- Select the folder labeled Windows
- Select the folder labeled StartUp
- Paste the Scan Wedge into the Startup folder (to paste hold the stylus on a blank space until a menu appears, then select paste)
- On the Home Screen select the Scan Wedge in the lower right corner
- Select Config
- Select Setup
- Check the box that says Send ENTER key after suffix
- Select OK
Configuring Scan Wedge for the Janam XG100 and the XM66
In order to scan barcodes with your mobile device you will need to enable the scan wedge or data wedge. The instructions shown below will configure the scan wedge for the Janam XG100 and the Janam XM66.
- Turn on your mobile device and place it in the cradle.
- Click the start button in the top left of the device and select File Explorer
- Select the drop down box located just under the title bar and choose the item listed My Device
- Go into Windows
- Scroll down to the list and locate the Scan Wedge
- Hold the stylus on the Scan Wedge icon and copy it (to copy hold the stylus on the item until a menu appears, then select copy)
- Scroll to and select the folder labeled StartUp
- Hold the stylus on a blank space until a menu appears, then select Paste Shortcut
- Using your stylus, click Scan Wedge to launch the application
- Check the box that says Send ENTER key after suffix
- Select OK
Configure Data Wedge
Configuring Data Wedge for the Symbol MC70 and MC 9090-G
In order to scan barcodes with your mobile device you will need to enable the scan wedge or data wedge. The instructions shown below will configure the scan wedge for the Symbol MC50. The Symbol MC 50 uses a Scan Wedge, while the Symbol MC 70 and MC 9090-G use a Data Wedge.
- Turn on your mobile device and place it in the cradle
- The device should have come with three DataWedge files: Datawedge.run, datawedge.cpy, and datawedge.exe, if not Download these files from the Motorola website to be used later in this process
- On the computer connected to the cradle - - Once the Device has finished syncing with the computer double click on the ActiveSync icon in the computer’s task bar, located in the lower right corner of the screen
- Once the ActiveSync window appears select Explore in the toolbar
- Select the icon My Windows Mobile Based Device and open by double clicking
- Select the Application folder by double clicking
- Select the Startup folder by double clicking
- Paste the Datawedge.run file into the Startup folder
- Return to the “Application” folder again and paste in the two remaining files, Datawedge.cpy and datawedge.exe
- On the Mobile Device – - Click the start Button in the top left of the device and select File Explorer
- Select the drop down box located just under the title bar and choose the item listed My Device
- Go into Application, which is typically the first folder in the list
- Scroll to the bottom of the list and locate the DataWedge application
- Hold the stylus on the Data Wedge icon and copy it (to copy hold the stylus on the item until a menu appears, then select copy)
- Select the drop down box located just under the title bar once more and choose the item listed My Device
- Select the folder labeled Windows
- Select the folder labeled StartUp
- Paste the Data Wedge into the Startup folder (to paste hold the stylus on a blank space until a menu appears, then select paste)
- Select the Data Wedge icon to launch the scanning software
- On the Home Screen select the Data Wedge in the lower right corner
- Select Barcode
- Select Prefix\Suffix
- Check the box that says Send ENTER key after suffix
- Select OK
Scan Wedge Modification
This article addresses how to modify the Scan Wedge when the UPC code does not match what is Registered in FMW. Some UPC codes include a Preamble and Report Check Digit (similar to a prefix and suffix) and the Scan Wedge must be configured to include the same information as the database stores.
To edit the settings:
- 1. Start Scan Wedge on the Mobile Device.
- 2. Select the Scan Wedge and select Config.
- 3. Select Codes.
- 4. Select the type of barcode being scanned.
- most UPC's are type UPCE0, UPCE1, UPCA, or if its Fishbowl Produced use Code128, be sure to verify the bar-code type with the customer.
- 5. Select the Param button at the bottom of the screen.
- 6. Set the Preamble to System to include the prefix digit OR to None if it should not be recognized by the scanner.
- 7. Set the Report Chk Dgt to True to include the suffix digit OR to false if it should not be recognized by the scanner.
- 8. Select OK to exit the setup.
- 9. Scan the barcode to verify the configuration is correct.
Using mobile Excel or WordPad may be the quickest way to see what the scanner is reading
(on the MC70, MC9090, and other devices using the Data wedge select the data wedge then bar-codes, then decoders, all other steps should be similar)
Wireless Troubleshooting
There are a number of wireless connection errors that can occur on a mobile device. These issues commonly relate to the setup of the company network and should be handled by an IT professional. This article lists several common areas that may need attention and should be provided to the IT professional working with the mobile device to help with troubleshooting.
- Wireless coverage is optimal when provided as a wireless access point or bridge access point that passes the DHCP server address to the device. The wireless router should not be assigning an IP to the device. Symptoms that occur when the wireless is not setup in this manner include, but are not limited to, no connection to the Fishbowl Server, problems connecting more than one mobile device to the server, and dropped connections during operation of mobile.
- Wireless coverage must be provided by an access point that offers the correct type of coverage for the device to handle. There are multiple wireless network types, and your devices must be compatible with the wireless network available to operate properly. Refer to the device specifications wireless data communications section to find the wireless type(s) that are supported by the device.
- The IP address displayed in the server window will pull the last IP address the computer has listed, meaning that if the server computer is connected to a mobile device which has a separate address then Java will pull the device address and not the server computer. There is an easy fix though, just open a command prompt (by typing cmd into the run bar), and then type "IPCONFIG" to see the computer's true IP address.
- FMW is designed to reconnect when wireless connectivity has been lost. If the reconnect window comes up test the wireless strength in the warehouse as it may be too weak of a signal to operate correctly.
- Sometimes the router will assign the same IP to multiple devices, if multiple devices are being used and as one connects the other loses connectivity check the assigned IP on both devices to ensure they are unique. If they are not different then the router needs to be reconfigured to assign or forward unique addresses to each device. Another issue that can occur is having the wireless setup in a way that the server is sent the gateway IP rather than the device IP. this will cause the server to think that the same device is connecting multiple times from the same IP, even though the devices have unique addresses.
