Configuring cartons and cartonization

Cartonization overview

Cartonization is used for pick and pack operations. This feature allows you to coordinate all freight loaded into a carton, whether the carton is a box or an ocean-going container. If cartonization is integrated with manifesting software, this application becomes a one-stop parcel shipping system available for use with any commercial carrier.

Cartonization is based on the dimensions of the item (as defined in the Item configuration ) and the dimensions of the cartons. The application attempts to fit any order smaller than a full case or pallet into a carton. The application also cartonizes piece picks and innerpacks, as they do not make up a full case.

The logic used during cartonization reviews critical dimensions first, rather than liquid volume to identify eligible cartons. The cartonization process relies on data sent from the host with Shipment Order details to identify whether commodities must be in a separate carton, or the quantity of an item must be packed into a single carton.

When the cartonization function is activated, operations associates can use it to determine the optimal way to pack each order into cartons. After an order is allocated, the application cartonizes the order by assigning unique Case IDs to each line item that fits in a single type of carton, based on the carton group for that item. Each item is assigned to a specific carton group. Infor SCE Warehouse Management analyzes the order and selects the best carton based on the weight, cube, and number of pieces.

Before cartonization is activated, perform these tasks:

Define all carton types for weight, volume, maximum piece units, tare weight, length, width, and height as needed.
Configure all weight and cube measurements in the Item table.
Pack dimensions must be configured on the Pack screen. Without these definitions in place, cartonization does not work.
The Pack record identifies the dimensions of the item used during cartonization.

All three dimensions (Length, Width, and Height) are considered critical; the item dimensions must be less than or equal to the carton dimensions for the carton to be considered.

When new Pack records are created, the Cartonize checkbox is selected by default for the Master Unit, Case, and Innerpack tabs only; on all other tabs this field is cleared.

For additional information, see Configuring Pack Codes.

Because the required configuration is complex, it is recommended that the cartonization function be tested before releasing carton picks to operations to ensure that it is configured correctly.

Other uses for cartons

In addition to the cartonization process use of cartons to determine what to pick and pack together, use cartons to record the type of container to use for picking, packing, or loading.

During the RF pick process the operator will be given a prompt to select the type of container that is being used. The RF operator also has the ability to select the carton type from a list of available cartons during the pack process.

Load maintenance uses the carton type to define the various types of trailers that can be used for loading. The capacities defined for loads are then used to ensure trailers do not get over-loaded.

Shipment order details

Shipment order details sent from the host include values for carton break codes and break quantities, if applicable to the item. These values display on the shipment order detail after the Notes field. If no values are assigned from the host, these fields remain blank, but can be populated during manual order entry if required.

Carton break

Code that identifies items must be in a separate carton from other items that do not have the same carton break. The value in this field determines whether any of the detail items can be put in the same carton. For example, if a shipment order with five detail lines has two details with a P1 carton break code, these items can be put in the same carton. If the other three detail lines have a different carton break code (for example, P2), those items are put in a separate carton.

Break quantity

Multiples of this number is packed into a single carton until only leftover quantities remain. For example, if a shipment order detail is for a quantity of 12 each with a Break Quantity of 5, either 5 or 10 each can be packed into a single carton (depending on available space). The balance of 2 is placed in a separate carton. The value in this field is only used in the cartonization process during allocation.

Vertical storage

If it is required that an item be stored vertically, the Vertical Storage check box must be selected (checked) on the Shipping tab in the Item screen. This field indicates that the item must be stored vertically, addressing the This End Up requirement commonly seen on many packages. When this check box is selected for the item, the application ensures the height of the carton is greater than the height of the item for the carton to be considered.