This program is used in both RF controlled warehouses and non RF controlled warehouses and allows for the opening and closing of containers for returns.
Any devices defined with permanent containers may also be opened and closed here. Opening and closing a device opens/closes all permanent containers on that device. In fact, permanent containers (attached to a device) cannot be opened individually. The device itself must always be used.
Containers can be dummy or theoretical where the goods are to be placed directly into a location. To facilitate this procedure control file TMSWH/AUTO-LOC needs to be setup with the container numbers and their related locations. A container could be a trolley. For example all returns could be placed on a specific trolley from where they will be putaway into locations. A theoretical container could be a hold location into which returns are putaway.
When opening an auto-location container,
- default the putaway zone for the container from the auto-location.
- make sure it is non-pulp containers (ie. container with putaway).
When closing an auto-location container,
- reduce reserved for putaway quantity on Warehouse File.
This program ensures that a container that is “re opened” does not change the destination zone from “non blank” to blank and visa-versa.
When closing returns containers, the system will pass a blank device so that it can default to *SYSTEM device. And it will not check the device limit when using the method.
Returns tote can be opened with the tote de-consolidation zone as defined on TMSWH/ZONE-RDC for tote de-consolidation into remainder sales containers for pack makeup and sale.
Based on control file TMSDS/RCT-CLMT, upon reaching a container’s limit (based on its type and user defined quantity which can be determined by the item levels or putaway category), the container can be automatically closed by presenting the user with the Container open/close function and a new container of the same container type opened. The full container will default to the current container (pallet) and destination zone and container type will default to those of the current container. The new container will default but must be confirmed by the user. When confirmed the container type will be used to update the default location set up in control file TMSDS/RCT-ACTN for the condition set up in TMSWH/RCT-RDFT and all subsequent returns will be directed to the new container.
When containers are closed, the Warehouse Movements file updates if a destination zone has been entered on open. This checks control file TMSWH/AUTO-LOC automatic location transfer from a container. However, when a returns tote is closed warehouse movements is not generated, but allows de-consolidation of the tote to remainder sales containers for pack makeup for sale.
The movement also uses control file MSDS/RCT-ACTN to check for all combinations of the selected container type (for example: full container, new container, and destination zone). The system decides whether the putaway should be by item or container, but this decision can be overridden by the operator when closing a container for returns or receipt. This override is only allowed for an RF warehouse (TMSWH/USE-RF Putaways = Y).
When closing a container the status is updated to:
- M if the container is ‘O’pen and has a destination zone and if there is stock on the container.
- C if the container is ‘O’pen and has a destination zone and there is no stock on the container.
- C if the container is ‘O’pen and does not have a destination zone.
When a seconds container is closed, based on control file TMSDS/CNR-PACK a pack is created with the container’s name and the current contents as its components. This becomes available for discounted sale.
Returns Registration and Loading and Consignment Return programs allow variables which are determined by the entered ISBN. The variables are as follows.
- &ILCC – displays the location category from DSIM00P
- &PUTCAT – displays the putaway category from file DSIM00P
- &PUTGRP – displays the putaway group from control file TMSWH/PTWY-CAT
- &RETGRP – displays the returns group from control file TMSWH/PTWY-CAT
Returns locations unassigned
If paper device is to be used for pick or putaway, system will assign a paper device (*SYSTEM) rather than the device from the first entry on control file TMSDS/PRT-SMRY and assign putaway location for the movements. For non-RF movements, it assigns ‘*SYSTEM’ device to the movements rather than the device from the first entry on control file TMSDS/PRT-SMRY. This is because if the device on control file TMSDS/PRT-SMRY does not exist on the warehouse for the movements, device allocation is dropped in the process.
When assigning a device to movements for a certain container, if a device is not given then device is set to ‘*SYSTEM’ and does not check device limit. This is required because when putaway movements are to be done by paper, there is no specific device.
Open/close containers for returns
- In the menu, expand Base Modules > Distribution > Inventory Management > Warehouse Management > Warehouse Control > Returns > Returns and double-click WH Open/Close Container. WHE120 Ctnr opn/cls selection panel appears.
- Enter a valid Warehouse. It will default to the main warehouse but can be overridden; this is the warehouse where container is to be opened.
- Click OK. WHE120 Ctnr opn/cls main panel appears.
| Field | Description |
| Ful ctr | In Open/Close Container this field is used to close a full container. Once all items are scanned go to the option to return containers and close the container (as full). This is applicable when all returned items have been scanned and the putaway process is to be generated. Based on control. file TMSDS/RCT-CLMT upon reaching a container’s limit (based on its type) the container can be automatically closed and a new container of the same type opened. |
| New ctr | Enter the new container number for the returned goods. For example, this could be a trolley number. A new container can be opened automatically if the previous one reaches its limit depending on the setup in control fileTMSDS/RCT-CLMT. The new container that defaults must be confirmed by the user. |
| Dst zne |
If a destination zone is entered on open, then when closed the system creates a movement transaction to move this container to the designated destination zone. If no destination zone is entered on open, when the container is closed no movements are produced and the container needs to be moved using ad-hoc movements. If left blank a warning message asks if you want to write off the container contents. Note: The destination zone and container type must be scanned or entered when opening a new container. |
| Ctn typ |
If a container type is entered when processing returns this container number is displayed for returned stock that falls into the category defined for this container type. Note: The destination zone and container type must be scanned or entered when opening a new container. In Open/Close containers this is an optional entry field used to key a container type for the category that the returned stock falls into. For example damaged goods, etc. If set up to do so a new container could automatically be opened when the container in use reaches its limit (based on its type). The container type will be used to update the default location set up in control file TMSDS/RACT-ACTN for the condition set up in control file TMSWH/RCT-RDFT and all subsequent returns will be directed to the new container. |
- Scan or key in a new container number, destination zone and container type. Click OK to confirm the selection.
- Click OK to confirm the selection.
The next step is Returns Receiving. When all the returned items have been scanned, the container can be closed as full. A write off confirmation message is displayed.
Containers can be automatically closed based on control file TMSDS/RCT-CLMT, if their limit is reached while processing then a new container of the same container type is opened. Closing the container either creates a new putaway run number or adds to the existing putaway run number (run status T).
- Enter the warehouse where the container is to be closed and number of the container that is full and requires closing.
- Click OK to close the container. Once the container is closed a returns putaway list is generated.
Open/close containers for returns using RF
- In the menu, expand Base Modules > Distribution > Inventory Management > Warehouse Management > RF Menu > RF Main Menu > and double-click RF Returns Receiving. DSE121 Rtn Reg/Load panel appears.
- Enter Returns Authorisation number.
| Note | To add a new Returns Authorisation number click Add and refer to Returns registration & loading. |
- Complete header information and click OK to access the line details.
- Click Ct for the container to be opened.
- Follow the steps as outlined in Open/close containers for returns.
