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 Warehouse Management System analyzes the order and selects the best carton based on the weight, cube, and number of pieces.

Cartonization applies the Zone Break and Break by Ship-To rules during carton creation. These rules ensure that the application separates items by zone before assignment-building. You can select the Zone Break and Break by Ship-To check boxes on the Assignment Rules tab of the Zone screen. The settings on the Assignment Rules tab apply at the case ID level to maintain each carton intact during assignment building.

For pooling cartonization, the Break by Ship-To rule prevents the application from combining items for different Ship‑To locations in the same case ID.

These system setting parameters ensure that assignment‑building does not split a case ID. If a case ID does not fit in the current assignment and the OPTIMIZEASSIGNMENTS parameter is enabled, the application validates the remaining case IDs in the wave and creates the best fit assignment to maximize use of space.

When the TMPICKZONE parameter is enabled on the System Settings screen, cartonization and assignment-building use picking zones instead of putaway zones.

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 check box is selected by default for the Master Unit, Case, and Innerpack tabs only; on all other tabs this field is cleared. 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.