Expand Picking using Pack NC Active to Handle Multiple Outbound LPNs
We've expanded Pack NC Active (Non-Cubed Picking) to better support real-world warehouse workflows where pickers carry and build multiple outbound pallets/cartons (Outbound LPNs) at the same time. It improves productivity for operations using double-blade forklifts, pallet jacks that hold two pallets, or multi-compartment trolleys, and reduces time lost to unnecessary drop-offs or navigation errors.
PICK INTO MULTIPLE OUTBOUND LPNS IN A SINGLE RUN (MULTI-LPN MODE)
Pickers can now open and pack into multiple Outbound LPNs simultaneously during non-cubed picking, enabling them to:
- Pack multiple LPNs at once
- Build stable pallet/carton bases by placing heavy items first and lighter items on top
- Switch between LPNs on demand when the next item fits better on a different pallet/carton
- Create a new Outbound LPN as needed without closing the current one
Configurable Flow Options
A new screen parameter, multi_lpn_mode allows you to dynamically create multiple outbound LPNs, while there is an existing Outbound LPN still in-packing for the same task/order/destination.
The behavior is as follows:
| Parameter | Behavior |
|---|---|
| multi_lpn_mode |
|
| pallet_prompt |
Yes/No NOTE: pallet prompting will be allowed regardless of the multi-lpn mode.) |
Streamlined LPN Switching
A new RF control command (CTRL N - Switch OBLPN) allows the picker to scan and start packing into another Outbound LPN while keeping the current LPN available to return to (switch only when requested).
Close All LPNs at Once
In Multi-LPN Mode, the existing CTRL E command is invoked to close all OBLPNs processed in that session:
- CTRL-E closes all Outbound LPNs opened in the current session (tasked or non-tasked and order-based.)
- OBLPNs may also be automatically closed when all allocations are completed
- In only the multi-lpn mode, CTRL-E can display a confirmation showing how many LPNs will be closed before proceeding
- Also a drop location will be prompted for when Ctrl E is invoked.
Note that in case of partial picking user will have the option to Ctrl-W or Ctrl-X out of the oblpn scan screen and task being in-progress, system will prompt for a drop location here.
If outstanding picks remain when closing, the system will split remaining allocations into a new task while completing the current task and closing the associated LPNs. This reduces unnecessary travel and drop cycles, improving picker throughput and equipment utilization.
"UNDO SKIP PICK" TO RECOVER FROM ACCIDENTAL SKIPS
Non-cubed picking often requires fast navigation, and accidental skips can slow execution. This update introduces a way to reverse an unintended skip during active picking.
A new RF control command, (CTRL-U: Undo Skip Pick) lets users step backward through skipped picks, one skip at a time.
How It Behaves
Undo is available only when a forward skip occurred previously. If a picker skips multiple times, they can undo the same amount of times to return to the original pick.
Behavior aligns with the existing company parameter TRACK_INVN_ATTRIBUTES_IN_OUTBOUND_FLAG, meaning undo will reverse whatever the skip action applied to (single pick vs. all picks for an item.)
Steps to enable and configure
You don't need to do anything to enable this feature.