SAP EWM add-ons (10.): Add-ons in Fiori packaging

Another of our SAP EWM extensions adds supplementary features to the standard Fiori packing application in shipping.

Business case

Packing in shipping is a crucial process that requires the proper coordination of many factors. It is necessary to have picked goods from various parts of the warehouse brought to one workstation at the same time.

At the same time, it’s essential to avoid bottlenecks, which often form in front of the packing station. The worker at the packing station needs clear guidance on which handling units to take specific quantities from and into which target packages to pack them. Various rules can be defined for this, often determined dynamically.

The standard reader or FIORI application offers only one method of the packing process, which may not be optimal for all business processes. Additionally, the system does not account for the prioritization of work at packing stations.

mib:solution

The packing process cannot be the same for all types of processes that the warehouse must support. That’s why we offer a configurable solution that can ensure unique behavior in the packing process based on selected criteria (route, Incoterms, etc.).

The variety of behaviors can be illustrated by two typical cases:

1. Packing for a parcel service.

• Each item must be scanned, similar to a checkout process
• The maximum weight of the package is checked during packing
• Once the last package is sealed and the completeness of the delivery is checked, the delivery is automatically posted
• Data can be sent to a parcel service or the universal ‘Balíkobot’ system (Mibcon Group offers the mib:Balíkobot product for communication with this system).
• Labels for the specific carrier are printed

In case of an abnormal process termination, an email is generated for the customer service department.

2. Packing for a wholesale customer

• It is possible to enter the quantity of items without scanning each individual piece
• It is possible to pack entire cartons (handling units) without verifying the contents by scanning
• Completeness of deliveries is not checked
• Palletization is required (placing completed packages on a pallet) with hierarchical printing of SSCC labels
• After packing, the posting does not occur automatically

Other customisation options

The described behavior can be further customized for a specific customer (e.g., always requiring a single delivery on a pallet or allowing combinations), for a shipping service (e.g., required type of pallet or packaging), or another involved entity (e.g., a different type of label). The specific options are always part of the analysis with the customer.

In addition to this type of customization, we often implement other modifications related to the smooth flow of goods through the warehouse. Customers frequently use preferences for individual packing stations for specific processes (e.g., prioritizing B2C orders at one station, and only moving on to B2B packing once all B2C orders are completed). We actively use information about deadlines (e.g., a parcel service collects packages at 2:00 PM, so we need to pack with high priority) or the priority for completing full deliveries.

As a result, our solution ensures high flexibility for your workstation and simplifies the entire packing process.

Consultation

Are you interested in a consultation regarding this solution? Feel free to contact us.