Flexible template - virtual handling unitsThe bottom-level node of a handling unit template can be virtual. This means that the quantity of bottom-level handling units and the quantity of items contained in them can vary, but the total item quantity of the bottom-level node cannot exceed the quantity of the parent node. Consequently, the quantity of bottom-level handling units and items can differ every time handling units are generated based on the template during the shipment process. If the bottom-level node of a handling unit template is virtual, LN selects the Virtual check box in the Handling Units (whwmd5130m000) session for the generated bottom-level handling units. The advantage of using virtual handling units is that fewer handling unit templates are requited to create efficient handling unit structures for different ordered quantities, provided that the generated bottom-level handling units need not exactly reflect the handling units actually used. Note Restrictions such as multi-item and single reference apply to both virtual and nonvirtual nodes. See the example in Sequencing. Setup To set up virtual bottom-level handling units:
Note The Virtual Node check box is unavailable for validated package definitions. If the package definition is validated, you must undo the validation before you can select the Virtual Node check box. Example of non-virtual template
node This handling unit template is defined for package definition PCKD10:
These outbound order lines are created:
For order SLS001, this handling unit structure is generated:
Because a Box cannot contain more than 20 items according to the template, item 1012 is put in two Boxes. The second crate and Box HU007 is created because a crate cannot contain more than three Boxes, and the Box level is single-item. In everyday practice, the picker is bound to put all boxes in one crate anyway. For order SLS022, this handling unit structure is generated:
Example of virtual template node If the handling unit template of package definition PCKD10 has a virtual bottom-level node, these handling unit structures are created for orders SLS001 and SLS022:
Because the Box-level is virtual, LN can put as many items in a Box as required to build an efficient handling unit structure, as long as the maximum quantity allowed for the Crate node is not exceeded. Consequently, 30 items 1012 are all put in Box HU016 and all Boxes can be put in one Crate. Items 1011 and 1013 cannot be put together in one box because the Box level is single item.
The use of a virtual bottom-level node results in a more efficient handling unit structure for SLS001, whereas the resulting structure for SLS022 is identical for both templates. If the virtual bottom level node is not used, an additional package definition is required to create equally efficient handling unit structures for both orders.
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