How UniScan connects to SAP Business ByDesign
Cloud add-on (SAP partner listing)
UniScan runs as a cloud add-on that talks to the tenant. Scanner screens post goods receipts, picks, transfers and counts into ByDesign. Exact transaction coverage and API method are vendor-defined, so confirm against the Univers AP documentation.
What data moves
| From | To | Data | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| ByDesign purchase order | UniScan | Expected receipt lines, items, quantities | Operator opens a receipt |
| UniScan | ByDesign | Goods receipt with lot or serial numbers | Scan confirmed |
| ByDesign sales order or delivery | UniScan | Pick list lines and locations | Release to warehouse |
| UniScan | ByDesign | Pick confirmation, stock transfers, count results | Scan or count complete |
Setting it up
- 1Define warehouse structureConfirm locations and storage structure in ByDesign before adding scanners.
- 2Enable lot and serial trackingSet tracking on the products that need it; changing it later on stocked items is painful.
- 3Install UniScanProvision the add-on for the tenant and create scan users with matching ByDesign roles.
- 4Print barcodesLabel items, bins and documents with the codes the scanner expects.
- 5Choose devicesSelect Android or mobile computers and test the camera or laser scan on your label stock.
- 6Pilot one flowStart with goods receipt, then picking, then counts.
- 7Reconcile stockCompare scanned stock to ByDesign inventory after a cycle count.
What usually breaks
- !Serial or lot tracking turned on after stock exists, creating untracked balances.
- !Unreadable or inconsistent barcodes, especially supplier labels that encode different data.
- !Scan users with broader ByDesign roles than needed.
- !Unit of measure mismatch between the label and the document line.
- !Weak Wi-Fi in racking aisles causing duplicate or lost scans.
- !Partial receipts against purchase orders not handled as the process expects.
A private AI layer across both systems
Stock discrepancy triage
A private assistant compares scan history to ByDesign balances and lists items where counts, lots or serials disagree, with likely causes.
Lot trace in plain language
Ask which customers received a lot and get the path from receipt to delivery, shown with the query.
Receiving exception digest
Summarise daily receipts that differ from purchase orders and draft supplier queries for a buyer to review.
When something else fits better
- ByDesign native warehouse functions with manual entry for small, low-volume stores.
- A broader WMS from another SAP partner if you need wave planning or multi-site slotting.
- Standard mobile apps from SAP if your needs fit what is delivered.
Frequently asked questions
Does UniScan manage serials and lots?
The partner listing says it supports end-to-end warehouse processes with serial and lot management. Confirm which transactions are covered, such as receipts, picks and counts, with Univers AP.
Is it on-prem?
It is a cloud add-on for a cloud ERP, so there is no on-prem version. Scanners and local network quality still matter on site.
Where can AI help in a warehouse?
Mostly in reading scan and stock data to explain discrepancies and trace lots. It should not post stock movements by itself; a person confirms any adjustment.
Pairing documented at www.sap.com/products/erp/partners/univers-ap-uniscan.html . UniScan is a product of Univers AP; Netray is independent and not affiliated with either vendor.