Non-Cubed Picking
WMS supports four allocation types for non-cubed picking:
- Full LPN: When the ordered quantity matches the LPN’s quantity.
- Cases: When the ordered quantity is a multiple of the Item’s “Standard Case Quantity”.
- Packs: When the ordered quantity is a multiple of the Item’s “Standard Pack Quantity”.
- Units: When allocation occurs in ‘eaches’.
Although each of these UOMs have similar picking processes, there are some differences.
RF Execution - Full LPN Picking
Full LPN picking occurs when the ordered quantity matches the LPN’s quantity. Because the LPN, SKU and quantity is known prior to picking, WMS will not require you to scan the LPN’s details during picking. Instead, by simply scanning the IBLPN, WMS will recognize its contents – this uses what is called a “smart label”.
- Go to the “Execute Task” screen and select a Full LPN Task.
- The Mobile device will prompt you to scan an OBLPN. This OBLPN will be the container used for shipping. If the wave template used for this allocation had the “Reuse LPN nbr” flag set to yes, this OBLPN prompt will be automatically filled in.
- Because this is a Full LPN task, WMS will recognize the LPN’s contents. The
mobile device will display the LPN’s contents. Press ctrl-A to proceed.Note: You can view specific task types by pressing the Ctrl-T button and selecting the desired task type. This will refresh the task in the mobile device with the task type filter.
- Begin the pick by scanning the IBLPN.
- When all the LPNs have been picked, the mobile device will direct you to a destination zone (if one was configured in the Task Template). You must scan a location with that task zone to end the task.
RF Execution - Units, Cases, and Packs
Overall, the picking process for units, cases, and packs are similar; the only difference occurs when you have to input the item quantity during the pick.
- Go to the “Execute Task” screen and select a Full LPN Task.
- The mobile device will prompt you to scan an OBLPN. This OBLPN will be the
container used for shipping.Note: Users can view specific task types by pressing the Ctrl-T button and selecting the desired task type. This will refresh the task in the mobile device with the task type filter.
- Begin the pick by scanning the IBLPN and the quantity. This process is similar for cases, units, and packs.
- When all the LPNs have been picked, the mobile device will direct you to a destination zone (if one was configured in the Task Template). You must scan a location with that task zone to end the task.
Cartonization during Picking
WMS also has the capability to cartonize LPNs during picking (Reserve locations only). During this process, the system will automatically generate LPN numbers for each LPN, Case, Pack, or Unit that is allocated.
To configure these UOMs for cartonization, go to the “Allocation Mode” in the “Wave Template” screen:
Select the UOM for the “Allocation” and “Cartonize UOM” columns – make sure they match. Once this configuration is set up, the system will begin cartonizing.
Caveat:
Currently, the system cartonizes at different points depending on the UOM allocated.
- For FULL-LPN allocations, the system will cartonize with the wave.
- For Case, Pack, and Unit allocations, the system will only cartonize when the Task is completed (i.e. when the users finish scanning the “Drop Location” prompt at the end of a Task).
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
Use the multi_lpn_mode screen parameter 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
The (CTRL N - Switch OBLPN) RF command 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 Undo Skip Pick 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.)