Picking, Packing & Shipping

Manufacturing, Distribution, and Warehouse Management

Warehousing

Flexible picking options...

The picking process enables you to withdraw from stock the items needed for shipping. The WMS module offers many options for how picks are managed. For example, a global setting lets you choose whether or not picks are automatically issued at the same time that a related document is approved versus on-demand or via a stored procedure.

Available ‘Dynamic Allocation’ (hold picks) feature...

The system can place holds on specific inventory in the warehouse on a first-come-first-serve basis. The items remain in their stock locations, preventing warehouse personnel from accidentally picking the allocated pieces due to an inventory hold.

Only users referencing the specific pick number can process transactions for the items on hold. Once the items are picked, the hold is moved to the shipping location until the corresponding shipment is posted and the items leave the warehouse. This method ensures that the on-hand versus available inventory levels are always up-to-date.

An example of the hold functionality…

The following illustrates how the hold functionality can work when picking for a sales order (either imported or from the SOP module):

A sales order is entered for stock items, as well as for items on backorder. The customer has specified that the order must ship complete once all items are available.

When the order is approved, a ‘Hold’ status pick can be issued that creates inventory holds for the stock items. Pickers in the warehouse will not see ‘Hold’ status picks in their transaction queue. As stock arrives for backordered items (via purchase order receipts, warehouse transfers, or when combined with the SFC module, work order deliveries), inventory is automatically allocated to the hold picks based on the date the pick was issued (oldest picks are fulfilled first).

Once all the items on the pick are allocated, the status automatically updates to ‘Open,’ and warehouse personnel can view the document in their transaction queue.

‘First In First Out’ stock movement…

When combined with GBMS’ lot and serial tracking features, the pick transaction supports First In First Out (FIFO) stock movement. Items must have lot or serial number tracking enabled so that inventory can be stamped with a receipt date. The receipt date is then used to first allocate the oldest inventory to picks.

Authorized users can override pick defaults…

GBMS provides several manual options for overriding an initial pick setup. Users with the necessary system privileges can force a ’Hold’ status pick to an ’Open’ status, and then pick available inventory while automatically creating a new pick for backordered items.

Users can also choose to pick inventory from a different location than that which has been suggested by the system. Or, they can pick a different lot or serial number.

Perform picking in real-time via a hand-held device

You can perform picking from both the main graphical user interface (MGUI) and the GBMS data collection user interface (DCUI). However, since the preferred picking method is real-time in the warehouse, the pick transaction is typically performed via the DCUI on a hand-held device.

Efficiently pick items…

If a company is using barcoded pick list documents, the pick transaction begins by scanning the pick ID. Otherwise, from the DCUI, a filter screen begins the process by letting users query open and/or in-progress picks based on information, such as shipping method, carrier, required date, or creation date.

After the user selects a pick, he/she will then see a list of the items that need to be picked. The default order for displaying pick lines is determined by the location ID where the item resides. To pick an item, the user scans the barcoded location label and the barcoded item label (which may include lot or serial information) and quantity. As soon as a line is scanned, inventory is updated to show the item(s) moved from the stock location to the shipping location.

Each pick transaction is date and time stamped with the user ID performing the transaction. Using a negative transaction quantity, users can easily undo pick transactions and make corrections.

Optional pick-and-pack feature…

The DCUI application also offers an optional pick-and-pack feature for companies that box items for shipping as they are picking. As a pick line is scanned, the user simply identifies the box ID that it is being packed into, thus eliminating the packing step of the shipping process and allowing shipments to be posted right from the DCUI application.

Generate the pick list…

Generate a hardcopy document of the pick list. The standard pick list document includes shipping information, required date, pick location, item ID, description, and quantity to be picked. There is also a notes section where internal instructions can print from the corresponding sales order.

The pick header displays read-only information, such as the pick number, date created, status, related document, and warehouse. (Click here for more examples.)

See GBMS in action...

To learn about the picking step-by-step procedures, view the training videos. Training Videos

Picking:

· Optional, automatic pick generation based on customer, order priority and/or lead time

· Bulk pick generation can group picks into one master document

· Soft or hard allocation for picks

· One-step picking in the warehouse using portable barcode readers

· Pick loose items or containers (e.g., pallets, cases, etc.)

· Reduce shipping time by picking and packing in one step

· Merge to and from picks, and view associated details that are recorded in the picks’ document notes, including document ID, items, and quantities

Pack & Ship:

· Shipping Wizard that simplifies packing by automatically assigning items to shipping units based on pre-defined item and capacity information

· Automatically capture weight based on standard item weight and container tare weight—also supports interfacing to electronic scales

· Capture or generate serial numbers for each shipping container

· Quick Scan Shipping option that uses a bar code reader to speed packing when shipping from a pick list

· Increase customer service by instantly providing shipment information including carrier-tracking numbers by shipment box. Also provides full detail on what was shipped in each shipment container

· Automatically generate shipping documents (e.g., packing lists) and customer-specific labels and reports without user-intervention

· Available shipping interfaces to major carriers directly from the GBMS WMS or Clippership add-on

· ASN email upon shipment posting

· Compliance with EDI requirements

Key Features

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Image 1: Pick Header

Image 2: Picking (DCUI)

Use a hand-held device to pick inventory in real-time. (Click here for more examples.)

Image 3: Barcoded Pick List (sample)

Generate pick documents directly from the pick processing screen, such as regular pick lists, barcoded pick lists, and pick transactions. (Click here for more examples.)