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Getting Started

Introduction

The Warehouse and Stock Application (WAS) is a powerful tool designed to assist warehouse operatives with stock management.

Companies of all sizes can benefit from using the app, whether you operate a manned or unmanned warehouse, or store stock within a retail shop. WAS makes stock management easy and efficient.

The current version of the app supports the following stock management processes:

  • Goods In – capturing images, item condition, and serial numbers.
  • Supplier Collection – tracking supplier returns and marking them as collected.
  • Manual Store – storing items in barcoded locations.
  • Bulk Move – moving multiple items between locations.
  • Stock Take
  • Load Vans – picking stock for in-house vans and external carriers.
  • Picking Jobs
  • Unload Vans – tracking unloading of collections and failed deliveries.
  • Order Collection – completing customer collections with image and signature capture.
  • Stock Count
  • Stock Management – assign images, store serial numbers, change retail prices (configuration controlled), and reprint labels.
  • Useful Tools

Stock Swapping

Stock swapping is a feature that can be enabled on a per-user basis and is turned off by default.

When picking stock for vans, this feature allows the operator to pick the most accessible stock number, provided the model number matches.

If stock swapping is disabled, the operator must pick the exact stock number allocated to the sale.

Pallet Management

The pallet feature allows multiple items to be stored under a single pallet number.

Each item within the pallet still retains its own unique stock number, but individual labels are only printed if the pallet is split.

This feature is turned off by default and should only be used when items are stored on pallets or within outer cartons.

Automatic Transfers Within Branch

New Feature

This feature must be enabled in NCompass configuration.

When enabled, stock will automatically transfer between stock rooms and branches. For example:

  • If an item is stored in a location locked to Stock
  • And is then scanned into a location locked to Display
  • The item will automatically move to the Display stock room

Warehouse Mapping

As part of the initial setup, an Implementation Engineer will typically visit your warehouse to advise on the best way to map your warehouse into stock locations.

They will:

  • Create stock locations within NCompass
  • Provide a document containing barcodes to print and place around the warehouse
  • Advise on barcode design depending on storage type (e.g. floor labels vs racking labels)
Example warehouse mapping diagram

Stock Location Management

You can create your own stock locations; however, it is strongly recommended that you consult the Implementation or Support Team before making changes.

From NCompass, navigate to:

Administration > Stock Locations

Stock Locations administration screen

Creating a Stock Location

  1. Tick Autogenerate to automatically build a barcode.
  2. Enter a Description for the barcode.
  3. Enter a Stock Row.
  4. Enter a Stock Shelf.
  5. Enter a Stock Box.
  6. Enter a Warehouse Prefix.
  7. Enter a Unit Capacity (if required).
  8. Lock the location to a Stock Room if applicable.
    • This is required for Automatic Transfers within branch.
  9. Click Check to confirm the barcode is unique.
  10. Click Save.

Starting the App

  1. Press the power button on the top of the handset to turn on the screen.
  2. Swipe up on the lock icon to unlock the device.

No PIN or pattern is required by default, although this can be configured in device settings.

Ensure the device has Wi-Fi or 4G connectivity, otherwise the app will not function.

The app icon is blue and displays a warehouse symbol.

WAS app icon

Logging In

You must log in at least once per day for security reasons. It is recommended to log out at the end of each day.

Login screen

You will be provided with QR codes for login. Scan your QR code to log in.

New Feature:

In the latest release of NCompass, staff selection and PIN entry can be enforced. This ensures:

  • All actions are logged against the signed-in user
  • Improved auditing and accountability

Please contact the Support Team if you are interested in enabling this feature.

User login confirmation screen

After a few seconds, you will be logged in and taken to the home screen displaying your company name.

Tip: You can return to the home screen at any time. If another user needs to log in, simply scan their QR code to fast-switch users — no logout required.

Navigation

Access the full application menu by selecting the menu icon.

Main menu icon

Tip: You can open the menu at any time while using the app to quickly switch processes.

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