What does Containerization in Dynamics 365 SCM refer to and what is a container in Dynamics 365 SCM?
A container in Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a type of packaging, e.g., a box or pallet. This feature is designed to pack items during the picking process and skip the packing station. D365 chooses the correct container based on the volume of the items. This solution also allows you to use the supplier box as a container.
In the follow example I will explain how the system can be configured to skip the packing station and utilize the containerization in the cluster picking process.
In the case of cluster picking, the containerization process helps picker to identify which box he should use for the picked items. When reusing supplier packaging, the picker can skip repacking, as the picked items are in the appropriate container already.
What are the benefits for a company?
- No need to repack items after picking.
- Guidance for the picker on which box to place the items in.
- Improved operational efficiency by reducing manual handling, leading to faster order completion and fewer errors in the packing process.
Configuration
1. A container type needs to be configured, for example, ‘Box-small’. It is also important to set up a corresponding unit of measure.
Path: Warehouse management > Setup > Containers > Container types
2. A wave step code needs to be configured. This code connects the wave template with the container build template.
Path: Warehouse management > Setup > Waves > Wave step codes
3. The containerization method, along with the wave step code, must be added to the wave template.
Path: Warehouse management > Setup > Waves > Wave template
4. A container build template needs to be configured. This template allows you to define the rules for the automatic creation of containers. An important parameter is ‘Pack by directive unit’, which determines whether containers should be created based on the unit of measure—in our example, ‘Box.’
Path: Warehouse management > Setup > Containers > Container build templates
5. A location directive needs to be configured with the ‘Restrict by unit’ option.
Path: Warehouse management > Setup > Location directives
6. A work template with a header break needs to be configured. The header break is necessary for creating work per container and for adding the container reference to the work header.
Path: Warehouse management > Setup > Work > Work templates
7. A unit conversion needs to be configured. For example, 1 box represents 10 mice.
Path: Product information management > Products > Released products
8. The unit of measure ‘Box’ must be included in the unit sequence group.
Path: Product information management > Products > Released products
Demonstration
1. A sales order with 20 Surface mice (black).
2. Release the order to the warehouse for picking.
3. Picking work has been generated and the container IDs are now displayed in the work header.
4. The containers are also visible through the load.
5. The requested items are picked by the worker using the warehouse app. The worker enters the order number.
6. The worker confirms the picked items and their quantities.
7. The worker brings the picked items to the outbound location and confirms the location in the Warehouse Management app. During the put-away step, the containers will be closed automatically.
8. Both the work and the containers are now closed.
9. Confirm the shipment.
10. Post the packing slip.
11. Sales order status has been updated to ‘Delivered’.
