Generate Structure

Explanation

This activity is used to automatically generate a package structure based on the connected order lines. Automatic generation of a structure is based on the connected order lines and the basic data for sales part, package types, and pallet types. You should note that without the basic data, generating a structure is not possible. The automatic generation of a structure is done by the Generate Structure right mouse button option in the shipment header or on the Shipment/Package Structure tab.

A package structure can be considered as a matrix being made up of different entities on different levels. The top level, the identifier of the structure, is the shipment ID. A shipment ID may consist of an unlimited number of handling units. Each handling unit may contain one or more package units and/or pallet accessories (e.g. rims). Note that pallet accessories can also be manually added to the structure of the shipment after it has been created.

The automatically generated structure will specify the total number and the types of packages needed to ship all the order lines included on the shipment. In addition, the structure will also specify the handling units that can be either homogeneous or simplified. Homogeneous will refer to handling units loaded with packages containing the same item. A simplified handling unit will be a pallet with the same item directly placed on the pallet. An automatically created package structure will not contain mixed handling units. If mixed handling units should be used they must be added manually.

You should note that making changes to the automatically generated package structure is possible. This can be done by adding, removing, or moving packages and handling units as desired within the structure, and also by modifying the calculated weight and volumes. Note however, that any new automatic structure generation will completely remove the existing structure.

When generating the package structure, it is useful to note the following:

• The sales part’s freight information must be setup with proper pallet/package information. If this information is missing it is not possible to use the Generate Structure option.
• When creating the structure, handling units will be categorized into homogenous and simplified. Packages will not be categorized.
• The sales part's freight information can be setup to include the sales part directly into packages when you are generating the structure, if you define package as its default container. In addition the proposed parcel quantity is used to identify the number of parts in the package.
• Furthermore, you can use a package type with a default pallet type connected. This is typically the case where the sales part should be packed in a package and the package itself then placed on a pallet. Note that this setup will result in generating a homogenous handling unit.
• You can also choose to only specify a pallet in the sales part fright information. This is typically the case where the sales part should be packed directly on a pallet, i.e. the pallet is the final wrapping and no inner packages are used. The proposed pallet quantity is used to identify the number of parts in a pallet. Note that this setup will result in generating a simplified handling unit.
• It is not possible to connect more than one order line to a package or handling unit. You can however connect one order line to several package or handling units as long as the total number of parts in all the units are not larger than what is stated on the order line. Note that this is true when generating the structure both automatically and manually.
• Depending on the setup on the Customer/Address/Order Address Info tab, it is possible to allow multiple lot/batches on the handling unit by selecting the check box Allow multiple lot/batch per pallet. This is true when generating the structure both automatically and manually.
• The revision number of the inventory parts are considered when generating the package structure. It is not allowed to connect parts with different revisions to the same handling unit. Note that this is true when generating the structure both automatically and manually. Parts with different revisions have the same form, fit and function but are not exactly alike, they might have different components inside. For this reason parts with different revisions are separated in different handling units to avoid misunderstandings on the receiving side.
• The customer order line quantities considered when generating the structure is based on the state of the order line as follows:
  • If the line is in Released state the structure is generate on buy quantity due of the customer order line.
  • If the line is in Reserved state the structure is generated on reserved quantity of customer order line.
  • If the line is in Picked state the structure is generated on picked quantity of customer order line.

Prerequisites

• To create a package structure automatically, at least one order line must have been connected to the shipment ID.
• The sales parts on the order lines must have a specified package type or pallet type, as well as a proposed parcel quantity. Note the following for required data setup:

• On the Package Type window, enter the packages along with the relevant weight and volume.
• On the Inventory Basic Data window, enter the applicable values on the Pallet Types, Pallet Accessory, and Pallet Type Accessory tabs.
• On the Sales Part/Freight Information tab, connect the package type and enter the proposed parcel quantity.
• On the Package Part/Freight Information tab, connect the package type and enter the proposed parcel quantity.
• On the Non Inventory Sales Part (Category GOODS) /Freight Information tab, connect the package type and enter the proposed parcel quantity.

System Effects

• As a result of this activity, the package structure will contain all the information needed to identify each unique package unit and content, the handling unit on which it is placed, and the shipment to which it belongs.

Window

Shipment 

Related Window Descriptions

Shipment
Shipment/Package Structure

Procedure

1. Retrieve the shipment for which you want to generate a package structure by using the Populate or Query function.
2. In the shipment header or the Package Structure tab, right-click and then click Generate Structure.