Note
The functionality described here is available to you if you are using Xentral in version 25.29.4 or higher and if you have a Business or Pro plan.
The Packaging unit functionality in Xentral allows you to process packaging units (e.g. boxes with several copies of a product) directly in the dispatch center without having to scan each product individually. The goal an accelerated packing process as well as reduced errors – especially for products that are stored in solid bundles or bulk packs. These packaging units can be scanned just like cartons or trays at the packing table.
To define packaging units in Xentral, you start by saving the desired number of packaging barcodes and the respective product quantity per packaging unit in the Packaging unit tab of the product master data. As soon as you scan such a packaging unit at the packing table, Xentral automatically identifies the respective product as well as the quantity contained and books them into the shipping process.
Example:
A sales order contains 10 copies of a product. In the warehouse, this product is stored in boxes of 4. Instead of scanning the individual product ten times, you scan the barcode of the packaging unit twice (2 × 4 = 8 copies) and add two individual products. This process is faster, less prone to errors and increases efficiency.
Note
While you are scanning, Xentral automatically checks if the packaging unit barcode is identical to a packaging unit that is defined in the product master data. Then, the product quantity is multiplied accordingly.
By using the packaging unit functionality, the packing process at the packing table becomes a lot more efficient.
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Time saving process: You save time by scanning packaging units containing several pieces at once instead of scanning each product individually.
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Reduced errors: The risk of errors during manual entry is minimized since the system automatically applies the correct quantities from the product master data.
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Flexibility for the sales order process: You can react flexibly to the quantities ordered by your end customers by scanning both packaging units and individual products.
These optimizations do not only lead to faster shipping processing, but also serve to increase customer satisfaction due to faster and correct deliveries. By using your resources at the packing table more efficiently, you may effectively lower your operating costs.
Important
As of now, the packaging unit functionality is only available in the dispatch center, meaning after completion of the picking process. The functionality is not available for incoming goods, the Mobile Picking App, multi-order picking or within other logistics processes.
To use the Packaging unit function, you need to carry out the required settings once in the product master data. This way, you determine which barcodes are assigned to the packaging units and how many copies of a product are contained in one packaging unit.
Important
By default, only users with admin access to Xentral are able to carry out the packaging unit setup in the product master data.
If you want to grant users without admin access the right to carry out these settings, you need to give them separate permissions. Use the Smart Search to open the User module. Then, open the desired user by clicking on the pencil icon. Open the Rights tab and go to the Packaging_unit section to activate the rights edit and list. Finish by clicking on Save.
Proceed as described below to carry out the required settings for the packaging unit in the product master data.
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Go to Sell > Products.
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Click on the pencil icon on the right to open the desired product.
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Open the Packaging unit tab.
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In the Actions section, click on + New packaging unit.
Add one or more packaging units for the product.
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Packaging unit item number: Enter the barcode of the packaging unit in the Barcode field.
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Number of products per packaging unit: Use the Quantity field to define how many products are contained in the packaging unit.
Note
Those settings are necessary so that Xentral can automatically identify and book the correct product quantity whenever a packaging unit is scanned.
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Click on Save.
Caution
Each packaging unit number saved in the product master data must be unique so that the functionality works as intended. You are not allowed to use this number more than once per product (also, do not use this number as a regular product number for another product).
Always use unique and separate number ranges for products and packaging units.
This is mandatory to make sure that the correct product quantities are assigned and booked.
After you have saved a packaging unit in the product master data as described above, click on the pencil icon to the right of the entry to carry out the required settings.
Those settings are important to save the weight and the size of the packaging unit correctly in Xentral.
The following chapters contain more detailed information on the settings in each sections.
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Field name |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Quantity |
The product quantity contained in the packaging unit. |
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Barcode |
The barcode that is assigned to the specific packaging unit and that is only used for identification by scan. |
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Description |
A detailed description of the packaging unit containing information on the packaging type, its usage and possible characteristics. NoteExample: This box contains 4 drinking bottles and is optimized for usage on regular Euro pallets. With its dimensions of 30x30x40 cm, it allows for 8 boxes per layer and up to 5 layers per pallet, which corresponds to a total of 40 boxes or 160 bottles per pallet. The configuration is ideal for efficient transport and storage. |
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Field name |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Length |
The length of the packaging or the box in the corresponding measurements. |
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Width |
The width of the packaging or the box in the corresponding measurements. |
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Height |
The height of the packaging or the box in the corresponding measurements. |
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Tare weight |
The tare weight applies to the weight of the packaging itself (in grams), without the content that is transported in it. Thus, it is the empty weight of a box or another kind of packaging material. In logistics and shipping, it is important to know the tare weight so that the gross weight (total weight including the contents) and the net weight (weight of the content only) can be calculated correctly. |
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Net weight |
The net weight is the weight of the content only, excluding the packaging weight. This value is entered in kilograms. |
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Gross weight |
The gross weight is the combined weight of content and packaging. This value is entered in kilograms. |
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Field name |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Boxes per layer |
The number of boxes that can be placed individually to form a layer on the pallet. |
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Layers per pallet |
The number of layers that are stacked on a pallet. |
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Additional boxes |
The number of boxes that can be placed on top of the upper layer in case the default pattern does not make use of the full pallet capacity. |
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Pallet height |
The total height of the pallet including all layers and the pallet itself, usually indicated in centimeters or meters. |
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Boxes per pallet |
The total number of boxes that can be stored on a pallet, taking into consideration all layers and additional boxes. |
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Pcs per pallet |
The total number of pieces or units that are contained in all boxes on a pallet. |
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Net weight |
The total weight of all products on the pallet, excluding the weight of the pallet itself. |
To create a good pallet stacking pattern for your drinking bottles that are stored in boxes with the dimensions 30x30x40 cm, we start by assuming that each pallet has the dimensions 120 cm x 80 cm by default. We also assume that each box contains 4 drinking bottles. Here is an example on how you could plan the pattern:
Pallet stacking pattern for drinking bottles in boxes
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Boxes per layer: Since each box has a width of 30 cm and a length of 30 cm, you can place layers of 4 by 2 boxes on the pallet which is 120 cm long and 80 cm wide. This results in a total of 8 boxes per layer.
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Layers per pallet: If each box has a height of 40 cm and you do not want to exceed a maximum pallet height of approximately 220 cm (default height including the pallet), you can place 5 layers on the pallet.
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Additional boxes: Since the boxes are specifically aligned with the pallet measurements, you will not need to place additional boxes.
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Pallet height: The total height of the pallet would be 200 cm (5 layers × 40 cm per box).
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Boxes per pallet: 8 boxes per layer and 5 layers per pallet result in a total of 40 boxes per pallet.
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Pcs per pallet: Since each box contains 4 drinking bottles, you would have 160 drinking bottles on the entire pallet (40 boxes × 4 drinking bottles per box).
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Net weight: Let’s assume that each bottle weighs 150 grams. The total weight would then come to 24 kg (160 bottles × 150 g). The weight of the empty boxes (let’s assume 500 g per box) would then be an additional 20 kg (40 boxes × 500 g). The total weight of the pallet would then be 44 kg.
Proceed as described below to scan packaging units correctly at the packing table.
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Open the sales order: Open the dispatch center and then open the tab Open deliveries. Then, select the desired sales order to be packed.
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Scanning the packaging unit: Instead of scanning the product barcodes individually, scan the barcode of the packaging unit (e.g. box containing 4 copies). Xentral automatically identifies the corresponding product and books the product quantities (in this case, 4 drinking bottles) in the sales order.
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Repeat the process: Scan additional packaging units and individual products with their regular product numbers whenever required, until all products of the sales order have been registered.