Using the Order Release Request Run Control

The Order Release Request process can release orders in the unfulfilled and releasable states to the released state in order to start the picking process. With the auto-processing feature, the Order Release Request run control can send the order farther downstream to the confirmed, shipped, or depleted states. The picking process can involve generating:

  • A picking plan (SQR) report.

  • A picking extract file for downloading into an electronic data collection system that allows bar code-driven picking.

  • The Shipping Order Release EIP to send order data to a third-party system.

  • Shipping carton labels which can be applied to each carton and provide shipping information for shipping personnel and carriers, build shipping containers, and provide customer-specific information identifying items within the cartons.

  • Item usage labels to aid in the tracking of material usage.

The Order Release Request process can take the following actions on the selected demand lines:

  • Create Allocations: The order release process uses the specified picking rules to determine the most appropriate material storage location from which to pick each item, then creates an allocation to reserve the requisite quantity in the storage location. This is known as a push or system-defined picking plan.

  • Make Suggestions: The order release process suggests storage locations from which to pick each item but does not make an allocation. Because there is no allocation of quantity, the picker is not limited to a specific location, nor is the item necessarily excluded from other order release processes or picking plans. When picking is complete, the picker enters the actual storage location information using the Material Picking Feedback page, the Shipping/Issues - Picking Feedback page, or an electronic data collection device. This is known as a pull or user-defined picking plan.

  • Release Only: The order release process puts the selected demand lines in the released state and assigns a pick batch ID but does not allocate or suggest storage locations for picking.

    This action can improve system performance when using the Shipping Order Release EIP.

  • Regenerate Output: The order release process reprints one or more pick plans that have already been created.

  • Return to Releasable: The order release process returns the selected demand lines in the Releasable state and can remove any allocation of stock to the lines.

    You have the option to keep any allocation by using the Keep Lot Allocations, Keep Pre-Allocations, and Keep All Allocations check boxes in the Selection Criteria group box.

  • Return to Unfulfilled: The order release process returns the selected demand lines in the unfulfilled state and removes any reservation and allocation of stock to the lines. You have the option to keep any reservation or allocation by using the Keep Reservations, Keep Lot Allocations, Keep Pre-Allocations, and Keep All Allocations check boxes in the Selection Criteria group box.

The Order Release Request process page uses the default parameters defined at the SetID level, inventory business unit level, and unit/item ID level. Most options for order release are defined on the Setup Fulfillment component and the Setup Item Fulfillment component. To use the Order Release Request, you need to establish the following default parameters:

  1. Define fulfillment engine default values at the SetID level for the Order Release Request process using the Fulfillment Engine Options page.

  2. Establish default order release options for the business unit.

    Define order release defaults, including picking rules and selection criteria, on the Setup Fulfillment page, the Setup Fulfillment-Order Release page, and the Setup Fulfillment-Fulfillment Task Options page. These options govern basic picking operations for the entire business unit.

    If you are using an electronic data collection system, define defaults for creating picking extract files and labels on the Setup Fulfillment-Electronic Fulfillment page and the Setup Fulfillment-Pick Plan Label page.

    If you are using an external materials management system that receives the Shipping Order Release EIP, select the Use External Warehouse Control option on the Inventory Definition - Business Unit Options page.

  3. Define any criteria particular to a specific item in the business unit.

    To set up different order release options for a specific item, override the business unit defaults on the Setup Item Fulfillment page.

  4. Establish parameters for an individual order release process.

    Using the Order Release Request process page and its subsidiary pages change the default values and add additional parameters for a specific run control. These parameters determine which orders appear on the report, how orders are sorted, and whether the Order Release Request process generates a picking plan (SQR) report with a full picking plan or just a location summary. To pick a subset of the eligible orders, select individual orders on the Order Release Selection group box.

    If you have an electronic data collection system, use the links from the Order Release Request process page to the File Overrides page to change the default information for the picking extract file and any labels that you want to generate.