Host system (ERP system)

The host system (usually an ERP system) is a central data processing system that can be accessed simultaneously by different computer systems and programs. Furthermore, in most cases the database(s) is/are also installed on the host. A host can be used both for local users and for remote applications (remote access).

A network host is a computer or other device connected to a computer network. A host may work as a server offering information resources, services, and applications to users or other hosts on the network. Hosts are assigned at least one network address. Host are often also a mainframe computer, which controls and monitors all network activities and makes computing time and processed data available to the other devices (clients) connected to the network.

Important: A host always works network-independent.

It can happen that different databases are made accessible on one host using different operating systems. Such operating systems are called virtual hosts. They require much more computing power than non-virtualized operating systems and specialized hardware (processor, RAM memory).

The host system in the warehouse management

A host system is particularly effective when it is used exclusively for data processing. Everything that has to do with transmission-related tasks is then managed by a separate network controller. For example, network tasks such as address management, routingand transport protocols (TCP/IP) are then implemented on independent computer systems. They manage all jobs in a queue and provide participating computers with tasks/jobs.

In intralogistics, a host is equivalent to an ERP system, which manages the following data, among others:

  • Article master data / customer master data
  • Orders
  • Stocks / reconciliation
  • Goods receipt (correction upstream, returns)
  • Outgoing goods (correction downstream, sent)

It communicates with the underlying warehouse management system and other ancillary systems (customs, transport management system) and coordinates all corporate and business tasks in order to efficiently use existing resources (personnel, equipment) and the above-mentioned warehouse information (inventory management, disposition).

For more information on data transfer, see Communication in the Information System.

Image source: © photocrew –

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