US20100308975A1 - Rfid receiving process for use with enterprise resource planning systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) receiving method for use with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is provided. The method includes reading, at a receiving point, information from RFID tags included on delivered items, which are not recorded on an Advanced Shipment Notification (ASN). An item arrival journal including item arrival lines is generated. By calling a mapping form, the item arrival lines are displayed along with RFID tag information indicative of delivered items. Then, mapping form logic is used to automatically map at least some of the delivered items corresponding to the RFID tags to item arrival lines to thereby match delivered items with ordered items.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• The present application is a continuation of and claims priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/101,062, filed Apr. 7, 2005, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and systems for utilizing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags with ERP systems.
• Enterprise resource planning (or ERP) is a phrase used to describe a broad set of activities supported by multi-module application software that helps a manufacturer or other business manage the important parts of its business, including product planning, parts purchasing, maintaining inventories, order tracking, interacting with suppliers, providing customer service, finance, human resources, etc. Often, an ERP system uses or is integrated with a relational database system. An example of an ERP system is Microsoft® Business Solutions-Axapta®. Axapta provides functionality to support many needs of a business, for example including: manufacturing; distribution, supply chain management, project management, financial management, human resource management, business analysis, enterprise portal, commerce gateway, etc.
• There is an ongoing effort to introduce transmitters, such as RFID tags, into consumer goods. In particular, RFID tags are being used to identify products. An RFID tag is energized when it is placed in the proximity of an RFID tag reader. This causes circuitry within the RFID tag to transmit digital data which is received by the tag reader and stored in memory. The data can be used to identify the goods associated with the RFID tag. RFID tags can be placed on the individual goods themselves, and/or they can be placed on pallets or containers used to ship the goods. Ideally, RFID tags can be used to assist in automating the inventory and supply chain processes.
• With a wide range of capabilities, RFID tags are a growing area in tracking technology. Unlike barcodes, RFID tags can be read through thick packaging and are unaffected by moisture and heat making them highly effective in manufacturing and distribution environments. RFID tags enable automatic identification with no physical contact. Depending on the specific type of RFID tag employed, the read range extends from a few inches to hundreds of feet.
• In general terms, RFID is a means of identifying an object using a radio frequency transmission, typically 125 kHz, 13.56 MHz or 800-900 MHz. RFID has been extensively used in applications such as toll collection, access control, ticketing, and car immobilization devices (also called immobilizers). In recent years, the technology has received increased attention due to a confluence of actions including technology advancement, heightened security concerns, supply chain automation, and a continuing emphasis on cost control within industrial systems.
• The AIDC (Automatic Identification Data Capture) industry is moving rapidly towards the use of RFID in a number of high-value and high-volume market segments. The primary benefit of RFID tags over barcodes is their ease of use and reliability. RFID tags can be read or written at distances up to several feet, while in motion, in any orientation, regardless of dirt or smudges, and through intervening objects. Perhaps most significant is the fact that many RFID tags can be read at once automatically, while barcodes have to be scanned manually, one by one.
• An RFID tag will only communicate when it is in range of a read/write device (a transceiver, a transmitter/receiver, or a reader) and can be accessed at anytime. RFID tags are durable and have a long life span, no battery requirement with most tag types, and large data memory capacity. RFID tags are available in a variety of different shapes and sizes.
• In construction an RFID tag has a microchip attached to an antenna. RFID tags are developed using a frequency according to the needs of the system including read range and the environment in which the tag will be read. Tags are either active or passive. Active RFID tags are powered by an internal battery and are typically read/write devices. Active RFID tags are more expensive and larger than passive RFID tags. However, they are also more powerful and have a greater read range. Passive RFID tags are powered by the field generated by the reader. Passive tags are typically much lighter than active tags, less expensive, and offer a virtually unlimited operational lifetime. However, they have shorter read ranges and require a higher-powered reader than active tags.
• An RFID reader, usually connected to a personal computer, serves the same purpose as a barcode scanner. It can also be battery-powered to allow mobile transactions with RFID tags. The RFID reader handles the communication between the information system and the RFID tag. An RFID antenna connected to the RFID reader, can be of various sizes and structures, depending on the communication distance required for a given system's performance. The antenna activates the RFID tag and transfers data by emitting wireless pulses.
• While RFID tags can be used to collect additional data related to a supply chain process, fully using this data can present problems, particularly in existing ERP systems. For example, while an RFID tag can provide information which identifies the particular goods associated with the tag, it does not provide information which would allow a purchaser to know which of multiple like or identical products a particular received item corresponds to. For instance, in a supply chain when a manufacturer regularly orders (through purchase orders) the same item, when a shipment including a pallet containing that item arrives, if an Advanced Shipment Notification (ASN) is not received as well, it is not readily apparent which purchase order the received item corresponds to. Other obstacles exist which may prevent the RFID tag information from being fully utilized to improve the process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Using RFID tags to streamline business processes requires integrating the information into business software such that the information us useful as well as is not disruptive to the existing functionality of the software. The invention provides formats, schemas and processes to enter the information into business software supply chain and inventory control software without affecting other functionality.
• A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) receiving method for use with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is provided. The method includes reading, at a receiving point, information from RFID tags included on delivered items, which are not recorded on an Advanced Shipment Notification (ASN). An item arrival journal including item arrival lines is generated. By calling a mapping form, the item arrival lines are displayed along with RFID tag information indicative of delivered items. Then, mapping form logic is used to automatically map at least some of the delivered items corresponding to the RFID tags to item arrival lines to thereby match delivered items with ordered items.
• Other features and benefits that characterize embodiments of the present invention will be apparent upon reading the following detailed description and review of the associated drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one computing environment in which the present invention may be practiced.
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an environment in which methods of the present invention can be implemented.
• FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration showing an example Electronic Product Code (EPC) number.
• FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) receive process, used with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a screen shot of an example embodiment of an arrival form used in the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a screen shot of an example embodiment of an arrival lines form used in the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a screen shot of an example embodiment of a default values form used in the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is a screen shot of an example embodiment of a mapping form used in the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing steps of a RFID receiving method for use ERP system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 10 is a screen shot of an example embodiment of a pallet table.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
• Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a technology which can aid manufacturers and distributors to gain improved visibility into their supply chain, by increasing the number of data capture points in their supply chain. The aim is to put RFID tags on pallets, cases or items so they can be uniquely identified and tracked in the supply chain. The tracking can be done by collecting the data about when a unique pallet/case/item was registered at a specific location. This data can then be collected by an RFID middleware application (an RFID server) and fed to an ERP system, where it will be processed accordingly using methods of the present invention.
• By introducing RFID into ERP systems such as Axapta®, processes related to receiving and shipping items and pallets will be more streamlined and optimized. Using RFID tags to streamline business processes requires integrating the information into business software such that the information is useful as well as is not disruptive to the existing functionality of the software. The present invention provides formats, schemas and processes to enter the information into business software supply chain and inventory control software without affecting other functionality.
• FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a suitablecomputing system environment100 on which the invention may be implemented. Thecomputing system environment100 is only one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the invention. Neither should thecomputing environment100 be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in theexemplary operating environment100.
• The invention is operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with the invention include, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, telephony systems, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like.
• The invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The invention is designed to be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules are located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.
• With reference toFIG. 1, an exemplary system for implementing the invention includes a general-purpose computing device in the form of acomputer110. Components ofcomputer110 may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit120, asystem memory130, and asystem bus121 that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit120. Thesystem bus121 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus also known as Mezzanine bus.
• Computer110 typically includes a variety of computer readable media. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed bycomputer110 and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed bycomputer110. Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer readable media.
• Thesystem memory130 includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM)131 and random access memory (RAM)132. A basic input/output system133 (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements withincomputer110, such as during start-up, is typically stored inROM131.RAM132 typically contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated on by processing unit120. By way of example, and not limitation,FIG. 1 illustratesoperating system134,application programs135,other program modules136, andprogram data137.
• Thecomputer110 may also include other removable/non-removable volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only,FIG. 1 illustrates ahard disk drive141 that reads from or writes to non-removable, nonvolatile magnetic media, amagnetic disk drive151 that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatilemagnetic disk152, and anoptical disk drive155 that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatileoptical disk156 such as a CD ROM or other optical media. Other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in the exemplary operating environment include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM, and the like. Thehard disk drive141 is typically connected to thesystem bus121 through a non-removable memory interface such asinterface140, andmagnetic disk drive151 andoptical disk drive155 are typically connected to thesystem bus121 by a removable memory interface, such asinterface150.
• The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed above and illustrated inFIG. 1, provide storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for thecomputer110. InFIG. 1, for example,hard disk drive141 is illustrated as storingoperating system144,application programs145,other program modules146, andprogram data147. Note that these components can either be the same as or different fromoperating system134,application programs135,other program modules136, andprogram data137.Operating system144,application programs145,other program modules146, andprogram data147 are given different numbers here to illustrate that, at a minimum, they are different copies.
• A user may enter commands and information into thecomputer110 through input devices such as akeyboard162, amicrophone163, and apointing device161, such as a mouse, trackball or touch pad. Other input devices (not shown) may include a joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit120 through auser input interface160 that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port or a universal serial bus (USB). Amonitor191 or other type of display device is also connected to thesystem bus121 via an interface, such as avideo interface190. In addition to the monitor, computers may also include other peripheral output devices such asspeakers197 andprinter196, which may be connected through an outputperipheral interface195.
• Thecomputer110 is operated in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as aremote computer180. Theremote computer180 may be a personal computer, a hand-held device, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to thecomputer110. The logical connections depicted inFIG. 1 include a local area network (LAN)171 and a wide area network (WAN)173, but may also include other networks. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.
• When used in a LAN networking environment, thecomputer110 is connected to theLAN171 through a network interface oradapter170. When used in a WAN networking environment, thecomputer110 typically includes amodem172 or other means for establishing communications over theWAN173, such as the Internet. Themodem172, which may be internal or external, may be connected to thesystem bus121 via theuser input interface160, or other appropriate mechanism. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to thecomputer110, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. By way of example, and not limitation,FIG. 1 illustratesremote application programs185 as residing onremote computer180. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used.
• Referring now toFIG. 2, shown in block diagram is an environment in which the methods of the present invention can be implemented. InFIG. 2,ERP system server200 represents one or more servers or computing systems on which ERP system modules are run to implement ERP functions for a company or user. Amiddleware server205 couples ERP system server to anRFID reader device210.Middleware server205 interfaces withRFID reader210, and in some embodiments controls the functions of RFID reader.
• Pallet215 represents a container on which, or in which, goods oritems220 are received in response to one or more purchase orders. AnRFID tag225 is, in some embodiments, secured to pallet215 for identification purposes. In these or other embodiments, the individual goods oritems220 also each have theirown RFID tag230. Under the control ofmiddleware server205,RFID reader210 transmits electromagnetic signals towardRFID tags225 and230 in order to elicit a response signal from the tags.Tags225 and230 can be any desired type of RFID tag, including inductively coupled RFID tags, capacitively coupled RFID tags, battery powered RFID tags, etc. In some well known embodiments of RFID tags, the inductively or capacitively coupled RFID tags are powered by the magnetic field generated by the reader. An integral antenna on the tag receives the magnetic energy, and the tag communicates with the reader using RF communication. The tag modulates the magnetic field in order to retrieve and transmit data back to thereader210 and tomiddleware server205. The data encrypted on the RFID tag, which is retrieved and transmitted back to theRFID reader210, includes information indicative of the source or manufacturer of the item(s), a product code for the item(s), serial numbers for the item(s), etc. In some embodiments, this information is stored onmiddleware server205.
• In exemplary embodiments, the information read from the RFID tags is encrypted with an Electronic Product Code (EPC) number. The EPC is a product identification standard established by EPCglobal in an attempt to unify and standardize product identification techniques. The EPC is built around a basic hierarchical idea that can be used to express a wide variety of different, existing numbering systems. The EPC is divided into numbers that identify the manufacturer and product type. The EPC can also use extra digits, for a serial number, to identify unique items. An example EPC number is305 is shown inFIG. 3. While the present invention is not limited to this or any specific EPC configuration, for illustrative purposes, the EPC number shown inFIG. 3 contains:
• • 1.Header310, which identifies the length, type, structure, version and generation of the EPC;
  • 2.Manager Number315, which identifies the company or company entity;
  • 3.Object Class320, which is similar to a stock keeping unit or SKU (the object class is, or includes, the Global Trading Identification Number or GTIN); and
  • 4. Serial Number325, which is the specific instance of the Object Class being tagged.
• Additional fields may also be used as part of the EPC in order to properly encode and decode information from different numbering systems into their native (human-readable) forms.
• Referring now toFIG. 4, shown is a receiveprocess400 for receiving pallets, cases or other containers tagged with an EPC number which is encoded or encrypted on an RFID tag, and linking the information from the individual tags to anERP system200, for example such as Axapta inventory transactions. Theprocess400 is particularly applicable to situations where an Advanced Shipment Notification (ASN) is not received. Advanced shipment notifications are used to notify a customer of a shipment. An ASN will often include purchase order (PO) numbers, stock keeping unit (SKU) numbers, lot numbers, quantity, and pallet or container number information. Without an ASN, tracking the goods or items received against those ordered can be a difficult task. There are two strings to the flow ofprocess400, one regarding tag read, and one regarding ERP system registration.
• First the tag read steps are described. As illustrated at405 inFIG. 4, a pallet or other type of container is delivered to a receiving point, typically an inbound dock door. Atstep410, the RFID tag(s) from the pallet or container, and/or those from any smaller units of goods or items on the pallet or in the container, are read using an RFID reader. Then, from the tag read, the EPC number is identified and decrypted to obtain the information contained in the EPC number. This is illustrated atstep415. The decrypted information can include, for example, the Global Trading Identification Number (GTIN), such as illustrated at320 inFIG. 3. GTIN numbers (and other information stored in the EPC numbers) of the received goods have to be extracted from the EPC numbers in the tags. Generally, the Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) portion of the EPC is not applicable to this process in most embodiments. This assumes that the relevant GTIN numbers already exist in the ERP system database(s). Next, as shown atstep420, the extracted information is stored in an EPC table.
• Next, the ERP system registration steps are described. As shown atstep425, an item arrival journal, and lines within the journal are created. The item arrival journal is created by calling an item arrival form. A screenshot depicting an example embodiment ofarrival form500 is provided inFIG. 5. A form in this context, includingarrival form500, is a window, a dialog, a page, or another UI element for viewing and/or entering data. In addition to a graphical user interface (GUI), forms include form logic which controls the mapping of data from a table or object to a field, text box, etc. on the GUI. The data mapping logic can also include data transformation logic which, for example, converts data from one format to another.
• Arrival form500 includes a journal ID display field orportion505 which displays an ID or name for the arrival journal, and in the case of creation of a new journal, allows the journal ID to be entered. A description field orportion510 displays a description for the journal, for example a name.Arrival form500 also includes a number of input control elements, for example in the form of buttons, tabs, check boxes, etc. Inarrival form500, alines button515 can be selected using an input device to call alines form600 as shown in the example screen shot ofFIG. 6. Using lines form600, item arrival lines can be created manually using information delivered together with the items (information like vendor number/name, purchase order number, item number etc.) For this purpose, default values are used in arrival form500 (using “Default values”screen700 shown inFIG. 7 which is accessible using tab520). As an example, the Vendor number can be entered in avendor field521. Then, clicking on or selecting the button Function/create lines (lines button515), results in the return of all outstanding deliveries from this vendor. The user must then select the line valid for this delivery. This process creates the item arrival lines. Selection/mapping criteria and methods, discussed further below in connection withmapping form800 ofFIG. 8, can also be used to select the ordered items. Arrival journal lines contain descriptive data, but essentially provide a list of ordered items.
• Lines form600 includes descriptive fields or portions such asitem number field605,warehouse field610,batch number field615,location field620,pallet ID field625,serial number field630 andquantity field635. Where applicable, the data for these fields is automatically mapped from purchase orders to lines form600. Lines are also created “manually”, as represented instep425 by the phrase “manual process.” As described above, this manual process utilizes, if known, details of the items received as default values entered in default values screen700 shown inFIG. 7. As can be seen, these default values can correspond to the descriptive fields shown inFIG. 6.
• Referring back toFIG. 4, shown at430 is a step of calling a match or mapping form. A screen shot depicting an example embodiment of themapping form800 is shown inFIG. 8. In the mapping form, the created itemarrival journal lines806 are inserted and displayed in afirst window805 on a left side of the form, and the RFID tag reads or EPC lines811 (i.e., the items identified by the decrypted EPC number components-such as GTIN numbers-from the EPC table) are displayed in asecond window810 on a right side of the form. With thearrival lines806 and the GTIN or other information shown inwindows805 and810, logic components ofmapping form800 can be used to automatically or manually match or map thearrival lines806 to the EPC lines811. This step is shown at435 ofFIG. 4. For example, if “Auto map”check box815 is selected the form logic to automatically match the received items (represented by EPC lines811) to the ordered items (represented by arrival lines811) using one or more criteria. For example, the GTIN number which is assigned to the item number will typically be used. If there is more than on possible “map”, the first EPC number will typically be mapped to the first item arrival that holds an item number with the right GTIN number. Then the second EPC will be treated the same, with the selection of the first suitable line. These mappings or matches are represented inmapping form800 by connectinglines825 extending betweenindividual lines806 andindividual lines811.
• Althoughmapping form800 facilitates automatic mapping as described, there is also a manual component to the mapping process when necessary or desired. This manual mapping is also carried out usingmapping form800. If the system cannot determine which arrival line806 aparticular EPC line811 should map to (for example due to multiple orders, conflicting quantities, partially filled orders, etc), manually mapping can be carried out. To create a manual mark the user has to select one of the item arrival lines in the mapping form, then select one of the tag reads and finally select the “Map”button820. Ifcheck box825 is selected, only unmatched lines will be available for manual mapping. Otherwise, ifcheck box825 is not selected, the automatic mappings can be overridden and manual mapping can be effected. When the mapping is complete, the EPC numbers are inserted on the pallet table. With the selection of a button such as an “OK” or “Apply” button, the match or mapping data is saved, as indicated atstep440. The EPC number is saved into the pallet table950 shown inFIG. 10. This is indicated atstep442 inFIG. 4.
• The pallet or container ID is either created upfront, before the mapping from is activated, or it is automatically generated when the OK/Apply button is activated. When saving the data, the pallet or container ID is saved into a corresponding field (i.e.,Pallet ID field625 shown inFIG. 6) on the appropriate item arrival lines, if none was already present. This is illustrated inFIG. 4 atstep445. When an OK/Apply command is given, the tag-read is linked to the Pallet ID in Pallet table950 shown inFIG. 10. As noted, if no pallet ID has been assigned to the item arrival line, the ERP system automatically generates one and inserts it into the item arrival line.ERP system200 can then post the arrival journal as a record of the now registered received items. This is illustrated inFIG. 4 atstep450.
• FIG. 9 is aflowchart900 showing steps of a RFID receiving method for use ERP system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Atstep902, information is read, at a receiving point, from RFID tags included on delivered items, which are not recorded on an ASN. Atstep904, a delivered items list is built based on the information read from the RFID tags. Atstep906, a mapping form is called to display item arrival lines and tag read information (delivered items list). Atstep908, logic of the mapping form automatically maps the tag read information (delivered items) to the item arrival lines. Different techniques, some of which are set forth above, can be employed to carry out the steps shown in the above flowchart while maintaining substantially the same functionality without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
• Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (7)

1. An integrated RFID receiving system and an ERP system, comprising:

an RFID reader device configured to read, at a receiving point, information from RFID tags included on delivered items, which are not recorded on an Advanced Shipment Notification (ASN);

an ERP server, interfaced with the RFID reader via a middleware server, comprising software modules configured to:

create an item arrival journal including item arrival lines; and

generate a mapping form to display the item arrival lines and the RFID tag information indicative of delivered items, the mapping form including logic to automatically map at least some of the delivered items corresponding to the RFID tags to item arrival lines to thereby match delivered items with ordered items.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the software modules are configured to read information from the RFID tags by:

identifying an encrypted Electronic Product Code (EPC) number in each of the RFID tags; and

decrypting the identified EPC number to obtain information included in the EPC number.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein the decrypted information comprises a Global Trading Identification Number (GTIN).

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the software modules are configured to store information read from each of the RFID tags in a table on the ERP system.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the ordered items are manually selected from a purchase orders database included in the ERP system when creating the item arrival journal.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the ERP server comprises a software module configured to generate an arrival items form, which is a UI element that includes form logic to select the ordered items and to display the items arrival list.

7. A computer readable medium including information read from RFID tags included on delivered items, which are not recorded on an ASN, the computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing steps comprising:

creating an item arrival journal including item arrival lines;

generating a mapping form which displays the item arrival lines and the RFID tag information indicative of delivered items; and

automatically mapping, using mapping form logic, at least some of the delivered items corresponding to the RFID tags to item arrival lines to thereby match delivered items with ordered items.

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