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:

• Case: Item = Case1_VI11416

  • Pack or Inner Pack: Item = Pack1_VI11416, Quantity = 20 Each

    • Base Unit or Each: Item = VI11416, Quantity = 3 Each

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. This level can contain a single GTIN or multiple GTINs.	TL, None	Single	TL, PL, MX, CS, DS, PK, EA	Single or Multiple
Pallet (PL)	A unit load that contains a single or multiple GTINs that's not display ready. Includes box pallet.	TL, PL, None	NA	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.	TL, PL, MX, None	NA	PL, MX, CS, DS, PK, 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.	TL, PL, MX, CS, DS, None	Multiple	CS, DS, PK, EA	Single or Multiple
Display Shipper (DS)	A shipping unit that's a display which can contain a single instance of a GTIN or more than one unique instance of a GTIN.	TL, PL, MX, CS, DS, None	Single	CS, DS, 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.	TL, PL, MX, CS, DS, PK, None	Multiple	PK, EA	Single or Multiple
Base Unit or Each (EA)	The lowest level of the item hierarchy intended or labeled for individual resale.	TL, PL, MX, CS, DS, PK, None	Multiple	None	None

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:

• Select Create Pack.

• On the Create Pack pop up, select an organization and select or search for your item.

• Select OK.

• On the Create Pack: Select Pack Type pop up, select a pack type and click OK.

• On the Edit Item page, Structures tab, Packs sub tab, review your pack and save.