Behind the Software: Agent Framework — The Flexible Software Development Platform

As we discuss in our white paper “Warehouse Execution Software Breathes New Life into DC Operations,” the wide range of legacy software systems and hardware installations that exist at FORTE’s clients demands that our warehouse execution software (WES) is able to handle anything - seamlessly.

Here again, it’s what’s behind the scenes that matters, and flexibility is baked into our WES through the use of the Agent Framework development platform.

Agent Framework is the innovative and dynamic development environment that gives the FORTE WES platform the power and flexibility to provide high-value, targeted warehouse functionality while seamlessly integrating upstream with any WMS or ERP system and downstream with automation.

Unlike other WMS software packages that require laborious uninstall/reinstall sequences, cumbersome add-in packages or complex code changes to activate new functionality, Agent Framework uses fully autonomous agents, which function independently of existing systems and other agents.

Agents handle discrete functionality requirements and are deployed as needed to implement a specific interaction, task or function. It’s this flexible use of agents that provides the seamless integration with other systems and the various functions that comprise the Smart Warehouse Suite™ modules.

By utilizing the proper agents to correspond with the existing systems and the needed functionality, the FORTE WES modules can be quickly and cost-effectively configured and deployed to match the specific needs of a customer’s warehouse - without ever touching the code in the existing system.

Software Agents: Filling Gaps and Optimizing both WMS & WCS Operations

With the elegant simplicity and robust capabilities that the Agent Framework supplies at its core, the Smart Warehouse Suite WES delivers targeted, value-driven warehouse execution at a fraction of the time it would take larger software packages to achieve. Communication protocols are quickly configured to interface with a variety of development architectures and other FORTE WES modules to orchestrate specific distribution center workflows.

Additionally, since the Agent Framework is an instruction-driven platform, it does not consume unnecessary resources when functions are not in use. In short, Agent Framework is lean, nimble, resource-light and system-unobtrusive.

What this means is that FORTE is able to provide its clients with limitless expandability, low-risk upgrades, low-cost implementations and greatly accelerated access to the functionality they need. The Agent Framework also protects a customer’s investment as the system can adapt more readily to business change when, not if, it occurs.