Manage the Packaging Hierarchy
You create a packaging hierarchy to define the various pack configurations in which you can package a base item.
For example, you sell flash memory sticks (the base item, VI11416) in packs of 3 at retail stores, but ship 20 of the 3-packs in a case to the store. The packaging hierarchy looks like this:
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Case: Item = Case1_VI11416
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Pack or Inner Pack: Item = Pack1_VI11416, Quantity = 20 Each
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Base Unit or Each: Item = VI11416, Quantity = 3 Each
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A packaging hierarchy can have any number of levels. The pack type defines each level in a hierarchy. The pack types used in the above example are Case, Pack or Inner Pack, and Base Unit or Each. The pack type of any item above the base unit or each level is stored as the pack item's primary attribute Trade Item Unit Descriptor (TIUD). The base item defines the lowest level in a packaging hierarchy. A base item can belong to multiple pack hierarchies.
The following pack type validations apply.
|
Pack Type (TIUD) |
Description |
Parents |
Parent Instance |
Children |
Child Instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Transport Load (TL) |
The trade item above the pallet level used for transporting trade items. This level can be used to define truckloads, shipping containers, rail cars, ships, and so on. For example, a product is manufactured overseas and the manufacturer communicates that 10,000 units will fit in a container which is assigned a GTIN as it's a standard configuration. |
TL, None |
Single |
TL, PL, MX, CS, DS, PK, EA |
Single or Multiple |
|
Mixed Module (MX) |
A unit load that's a display ready pallet that may contain a single GTIN or several unique GTINs that's intended to go directly to the selling floor. For example, a configuration that consists of several related products; brooms, mops, brushes and cleansers as a spring cleaning display. |
TL, MX, None |
NA |
CS, PK, Setpack, Multipack, EA |
Single or Multiple |
|
Pallet (PL) |
A unit load that contains a single or multiple GTINs that's not display ready. Includes box pallet. For example, soap powder in standardized pallet quantities of 100 cases per pallet |
TL, PL, None |
NA |
DS, CS, PK, Setpack, Multipack, EA |
Single or Multiple |
|
Display Shipper (DS) |
A display which can contain a single instance of a GTIN or more than one unique instance of a GTIN. For example, a counter top display of lipsticks and nail polish. |
TL, DS, PL, None |
Single |
CS, PK, Setpack, Multipack, EA |
Single or Multiple |
|
Case (CS) |
A standard trade item shipping unit. Includes a 1/2 or 1/4 pallet and a 1/2 or 1/4 box pallet. For example, 1 liter orange juice bottles are packed in a standard 24 pack configuration within a cardboard case. |
TL, PL, MX, Display Shipper, CS |
Multiple |
CS, PK, Setpack, Multipack, EA |
Single or Multiple |
|
Setpack |
a consumer unit that contains multiple instances of lower level GTINs that are typically bar-coded. |
PL, MX, DS, CS |
Multiple |
PK, EA |
Single or Multiple |
|
Multipack |
A group of trade items (the same or different) that are intended to be sold as a single consumer unit at the point-of-sale For example, a three-pack of men's white T-shirts or a 12-piece set of glassware. |
PL, MX, DS, CS |
Multiple |
PK, EA |
Single or Multiple |
|
Pack or Inner Pack (PK) |
A logistical unit or a consumer unit between a case and each. This level can contain a single GTIN or multiple GTINs. For example, a pack consisting of three of the same canisters of potato chips with a unique bar code that represents the three pack. The canisters that are the components of the bundle pack are physically bar coded with the GTIN that represents a single canister. |
TL, PL, MX, DS, CS |
Multiple |
EA |
Single or Multiple |
|
Base Unit or Each (EA) |
The lowest level of the item hierarchy intended or labeled for individual resale. Such as an individual box of cereal. |
TL, PL, MX, DS, CS, PK, Setpack, Multipack |
Multiple |
NA |
NA |
Creating a Packaging Hierarchy
You can only create and update a packaging hierarchy in the item's master organization. Once you create the packaging hierarchy in the master organization, assign it to the child organizations.
To create a packaging hierarchy:
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Select Create Pack.
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On the Create Pack pop up, select an organization and select or search for your item.
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Select OK.
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On the Create Pack: Select Pack Type pop up, select a pack type and click OK.
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On the Edit Item page, Structures tab, Packs sub tab, review your pack and save.