VSM Automation

VSM Automation allows MIL-Comply users to make VSM-controlled shipments without having to access the DLA Vendor Shipment Module web site. Instead, VSM-required data is collected by MIL-Comply during the container labeling process. MIL-Comply communicates with DLA's VSM server to get shipping instructions, TCN numbers, and small parcel transportation labels. This eliminates the need for routine access to the DLA VSM web site, speeding up the shipping process and eliminating the transcribing of data between systems.

Getting VSM shipping instructions is easy with MIL-Comply. Simply enter the weights and dimensions of the containers as Mil-Std-129 labels are created. MIL-Comply communicates with the VSM server to get the TCN and Ship-To address for the shipment, ready for printing Military Shipment Label(s. FedEx and UPS labels are retrieved with just another click. All of this happens without the need to log into the VSM web site.

Shipments can be created manually, using MIL-Comply's built-in address and parts database tables to make it simple. Even simpler is the use of electronic (EDI-850) purchase orders from DLA (DIBBS).

MIL-Comply provides VSM Automation with two ways, which differ by the extent to which VSM is integrated into your shipping process:

•VSM Integration plugs into Comply/Labeling to provide a streamlined method of preparing Mil-Std-129 container labels and Military Shipment Labels (MSLs). The communications with the VSM server are integrated to make it easy to request shipping instructions from VSM while simply generating container labels. The shipment's Ship-To address, TCN and other data flow seamlessly into MIL-Comply allowing for MSLs to be printed in a standard fashion. Small parcel service (e.g. UPS and FedEx) labels are retrieved from VSM for printing without the need to log into the VSM website, as are shipping documents for commercial carriers.

•VSM Pro extends VSM automation to the MIL-Comply DIBBS EDI solution, which uses DLA purchase order data in place of manual data-entry. VSM-integrated labeling is performed, as described above. Then, the submitted to WAWF for payment. All of this is performed within Comply/Shipper to create seamlessly integrated shipping.

oShipments are created from electronic (EDI-850) Purchase Orders sent to Mil-Pac by DLA/DIBBS

oEDI PO data drives Mil-Std-129 labeling using VSM Integration within Shipper

oElectronic Fast Pay Receiving Reports and Invoices are submitted to WAWF

The choices above differ only in the way features are bundled. Choosing one depends on your shipping process, volume and the need to automate non-VSM shipments. You could start with VSM Integration for Labeling, then scale up automation capabilities by adding either eAwards (EDI POs) or WAWF-Shipper. The combination of all four would be the equivalent of VSM Pro.

Distributed Processing

VSM automation may also be distributed amongst users in a work group, using Comply/Shipper and Comply/Labeling. EDI purchase orders from DLA can be downloaded in either Comply/Shipper or Labeling to create shipments. Comply/Labeling users would print container labels using VSM Integration to get shipping instructions. Comply/Shipper users would then submit Fast Pay Receiving Reports and Invoices to WAWF.

Printing Labels and Forms

MSLs can be printed directly using thermal-transfer printers, such as the one you might use for small parcel services like UPS and FedEx. Standard Windows printers (laser and inkjet) are also supported.

Required Version

Note that some features described in this document require VSM Library version 1.2.042 (MIL-Comply release 1.4.0220) or later.