Order Release
ORDER RELEASE
The Order Release module of DATASCOPE WMS includes all aspects of releasing orders into a distribution center. This module includes the following functionality:
- selects which orders to release,
- releases them in logical picking waves, and
provides all the stock allocation rules to pick the most optimal inventory to ensure the warehouse is as efficient as possible.
Auto Reservation Rules
The Order Release module includes several tools to release sales orders into the Distribution Center. A key aspect of releasing orders is reserving the stock that will be picked. This is very important for two reasons:
- We cannot release picking slips to the warehouse where there is insufficient stock and
- Where the stock is taken from is vital to how the software optimizes the picker movements.
A simple example of a reservation rule is to reserve all full carton picking from a bulk location and fine picking from a pick face location. Allocating the stock like this is important as it optimizes the picking efficiency and keeps the warehouse clean.
A complex example of a reservation rule may include hundreds of lines of code. These complex rules are managed through the DATASCOPE WMS plug-in architecture, where custom reservation rules can be written and embedded into the software.
The rule can programmatically calculate the most optimal stock to pick and calculate and allocate the cartons into which the product must be picked.
Sales Order Release
This module is a simple to use screen where SYSPRO sales order and SCT’s can be reviewed and released to the warehouse for picking. The module includes the Auto reservation logic as described above.
Sales Order Wave Release
This module extensively reviews orders and releases them in logical waves. The module has a wide range of filter options that the user selects to build up the required picking wave. This is a highly configurable screen that allows a wide range of selections.
Once the desired sales order lines have been found, the software allows the user to auto-reserve the lines, using the Auto Reservation Rules.. This is done across all selected sales orders and lines and caters for lines loaded in any unit of measure. Lines are colour-coded to indicate their line fill rate – red vs green, line type (such as non-stock) or sales kit type.
Lines on the sales order can be replaced from within DATASCOPE WMS, if there is insufficient stock and an alternate SKU is available. Additionally, lines can be flagged for urgent replenishment if the order clerk wishes to prioritize certain items.
Now, the data can be sorted and dragged up to examine customer fill rates and minimum order values. Where possible, the orders can be released in single MSNs (Master Shipment Numbers). This allows us to check out and ship those orders together to save on freight costs.
The program then releases the picking slips into the warehouse as printed sheets, barcoded labels or without any printed documentation. In this environment, the user can “fetch work” or be assigned picking slips from the PC.
SYSPRO Pane Releasing
Another way to release orders which is more applicable to trade counter environments is the used the DATASCOPE WMS SYSPRO releasing Pane. This is a software pane that is installed and imbedded into the SYSPRO sales order maintenance screen. As new orders are loaded the operator working in SYSPRO releases the DATASCOPE WMS picking slips from within the SYSPRO screen. This still applies the DATASCOPE Auto Reservation rules settings.
Master Shipment Numbers (MSN)
Orders can be grouped and linked to common Master Shipment Numbers to optimize freight costs. The individual picking slips flow separately through the warehouse during picking but are consolidated at the checkout stage.
Pick Slip Review
This screen gives the user a great overview of all picking slips in various statuses. The data is shown in a grid that can be sorted, filtered, and pivoted. The screen is used extensively in the warehouse to monitor progress. DATASCOPE WMS picking slips can flow through the following statuses:
- Created (pick slip created)
- Printed (pick slip printed or released for picking)
- Assigned (pick slip is linked to a pickers name)
- Started (at least one item has been picked)
- Picked (all items have been picked)
- Checked (the picking slip has been through a packing and checking station)
- Invoiced/DNote (the order has been invoiced or a dispatch note released)
- Dispatched/Shipping (pick slip has left in a shipment)
- Complete (complete)
- Loaded and Unloaded (used in client runs their own delivery vehicle fleet)
Non-stock Picking
DATASCOPE WMS includes a module to manage SYSPRO non-stock order lines. This can be set to automatically prompt the user at the time of receiving a purchase of a non-stock product that is linked to a sales order. A label or set of labels is printed and placed on the product. This label identifies the product, the customer, and the sales order to which it belongs.
The labeled product is moved directly to the dispatch area and placed into a dispatch cage.
The balance of the sales order is released to the warehouse for picking. This takes place like any other pick until it gets to the checkout. At checkout, the software reminds the user that a non-stock line is waiting in dispatch. The check consolidates the order and confirms the stock before releasing the invoice or dispatch note.
