1. PROLAG®World Basic
Block storage with FIFO range
Relevant module: PROLAG®World Basic (100-01)
Benefits:
The FIFO range specified in the article master can be used to ensure that only stock to which a specific expiry date range applies (for example 100 days) is stored together. Stock handling can be optimally structured and organised using this feature. In addition, efficiency is enhanced and waste due to expiry or spoilage is avoided.
Description:
Once the first stock items have been put away in a block storage row, the maximum and minimum FIFO dates for this row are calculated based on the FIFO range specified in the article master. Once this setting has been made in the article master, only items with a FIFO date in the appropriate range can be put away in the row. A new block storage row is created for items with FIFO dates outside of the specified range.
Example:
A pallet containing article 1111 with a FIFO range of 10 days and an expiry date of 10/10/2021 is put away in a block storage area.
The following limit values are applied to the block storage row: min. expiry date: 30/09/2021 / max. expiry date: 20/10/2021
A second pallet containing article 1111 with an expiry date of 20/10/2021 is put away in the block storage area. The limit values are updated: min. expiry date: 10/10/2021 / max. expiry date 20/10/2021.
A third pallet containing article 1111 with an expiry date of 21/10/2021 is put away. A new block storage row is created because this date is outside the specified range. Limit values: min. expiry date: 11/10/2021 / max. expiry date 31/10/2021.
Re-reserve delivery item – quantity to be reserved is smaller than originally reserved quantity
Relevant module: PROLAG®World Basic (100-01)
Benefits:
This module can be used to subsequently adjust quantities if the quantity to be reserved is smaller the quantity that has already been reserved. This feature means that the process remains flexible at all stages.
Description:
If the module is active, the reservation can be changed to a quantity which is smaller than the quantity ordered. The status of the delivery item then changes to "partially reserved". If partial delivery is allowed for the delivery order, the order status changes to "released". This new feature has been implemented for the re-reserve delivery item and re-reserve delivery note item functions.
Example:
Stock is reserved for an order, with PROLAG®World rounding up to full pallets as appropriate. Should the stock have been delivered in the meantime, it may be necessary to change the reservation to a smaller quantity.
Extension of stocktaking configuration for SSCCs and full pallets containing homogenous articles
Relevant module: PROLAG®World Basic (100-01)
Benefits:
The stocktaking process using mobile devices has been simplified even further. This allows the user to act quickly and process orders in an extremely short time.
Description:
A new option is available in the stocktaking configuration table. There is a "confirm quantity for full homogenous pallets" option which can be used to predefine the quantity to be entered for full pallets containing homogenous articles. Users need only confirm that the quantity is correct. If they do not confirm that the quantity is correct, it can instead be entered in the usual way.
2. Goods receipt
End criterion: filter for FIFO range
Relevant module: Retrieval strategy management 203-03
Benefits:
This new function provides a more flexible form of the First-In-First-Out principle. All stock within a FIFO range is deemed to be equivalent, thereby making it possible to reduce the number of retrievals required.
Description:
The new end criterion can be used to only reserve stock within a configurable FIFO range. The "FIFO range for block" field in the article master is used to define this range.
Example:
Look for the stock with the latest FIFO date (for example 01/01/2021)
Add the "FIFO range for block" from the article master to the FIFO date (assuming that a value of 9 days has been entered, this means 01/01/2021 + 9 days = 10/01/2021)
Remove all stock outside of this range (all stock with a FIFO date >= 11/01/2021, so that only stock within the range 01/01/2021 to 10/01/2021 remains)
Reserve delivery items separately
Relevant module: Assembly and packaging 203-21
Benefits:
Goods can be assembled and packaged during the picking process.
Description:
Using this new function, it is possible to define that delivery items for specific articles must be reserved separately. This means that goods belong to a delivery item as soon as they have been reserved. They do not have to be assigned at a later stage, for example at the consolidation or packing area.
Example:
This module is useful for articles for which quantities are managed in units of length, such as hoses. If a delivery order includes items in lengths of 60 m, 20 m and 20 m of a particular article, three separate stock units should be delivered in these different lengths as opposed to one stock unit with a length of 100 m.
Order analysis
Relevant module: Order analysis 203-30
Benefits:
The order analysis module groups and analyses delivery orders according to predefined criteria so that similar orders can be picked and packed more quickly. This allows for more efficiency and accuracy, which is an important factor in the e-commerce sector, for example, for retailers dealing with promotional products.
The process is started manually using the order control centre functionality, for example. The analysis filters the orders and the number of orders is displayed in the result. A proposal is also made regarding reservations in the relevant wave pick (the proposal can be adjusted manually if necessary). If the proposal is confirmed, the picking settings are conveyed to the orders and the first wave pick is started.
Description:
Order analysis functionality is used to analyse orders according to specific filter criteria and to assign them to pick waves for reservation within configurable groups (by scheduled task).
The user starts order analysis manually (in the order control centre, for example). The analysis result indicates the number of filtered orders in certain groups. Users can modify the results. However, the system is configured to make a proposal for reservation in the wave pick. The user then confirms the proposal. Depending on configuration, different picking settings are applied to the orders and the relevant pick wave is started.
Example:
50 delivery orders in the system consist of 1 delivery item containing 1 piece of article 10001. The user initiates order analysis, which shows that there are a total of 50 delivery orders consisting of 1 item of article 10001. The system makes a proposal in line with delivery order priorities and other pending delivery orders. The user can confirm the proposal and add it to the wave pick. The picking type indicates that two step-reservation applies to these orders.
Cover address and billing address in delivery order
Benefits:
It is now easy to send an order on behalf of another company in PROLAG®World. A cover address can be entered in the delivery order and is printed by PROLAG®World on the shipping labels and shipping documents, indicating that the order has been shipped directly by a customer. It is also possible to specify an address other than the recipient’s address as the billing address.
Description:
The cover address and billing address are entered in the delivery order as references to the "address" table. The relevant fields for these two addresses have been added to the record types used for transmitting delivery orders to PROLAG®World. Existing addresses are used for the address data transmitted by the host, or new addresses are created. New addresses are identified as "temporary" and are automatically deleted when the last order that refers to them is deleted. The mechanism used to determine the sender address first takes the cover address into account and only then examines the other sender address settings.
3. Global processes
Temporary skipping of serial number entry in goods issue for AUSB (OUTB)
Relevant module: Serial number administration 205-04
Benefits:
In certain circumstances, mobile devices such as narrow aisle forklifts can skip serial number scanning at goods issue. Instead, load units must be set down at a meeting area. This can be an advantage for warehouse environments where serial number scanning is not possible. A second mobile device collects the load unit from the meeting area and enters the serial numbers later.
Description:
The different mobile device types can be configured so that serial numbers are not registered at retrieval. Instead load units are set down at the meeting area.
Scheduled task: Automatic Excel export to CSV or XLS(X) file
Relevant module: Excel export 205-24_1
Benefits:
Automatic Excel exports can be initiated regularly at configurable times and either saved in a directory or transmitted by email.
A scheduled task can be used to automatically export specific values. The file can be assigned a dynamic name or filed under a dynamic folder name. The generated file can be transmitted by email and saved as a .csv file.
The new file format can also be used for the existing Excel export function.
Description:
The (*.csv) file format can also be used for Excel exports. The format for the download function is configured in the "Excel-ini".
In addition, users can make settings in the "configuration of automatic Excel export" table. For example, the table specifies which filters and fields are to be written to the file and whether or not the generated file is to be transmitted by email. Once the user has selected a specific configuration, a scheduled task is automatically defined for this configuration. The scheduled task can be activated and modified at will (for example the starting time). The generated file format is defined in the configuration table of the relevant entry.
Two-step crossdocking
Relevant modules:
Two-step picking 204-04-1
Secondary picking 203-11
Shortage item processing - Crossdocking 205-15
Benefits:
Two-step crossdocking means shorter routes through the warehouse and faster processing times. A full incoming load unit (LU) can be taken straight to the goods receipt area. This is useful if all of the stock on the load unit is required to fulfil shortage item orders.
Description:
It is possible to configure the system so that "crossdocking for two-step reservation" takes place directly at putaway.
Once the quantity has been entered at the I-point (browser), the system checks whether the entire quantity is required to fulfil shortage item orders.
A message appears to inform to user if this is the case and the strategies and special two-step crossdocking storage group are optionally applied at the I-point (browser).
The entire load unit is booked to a special area for two-step crossdocking.
There, two-step reservation can be applied to the stock automatically using a scheduled task. The load unit then goes straight to goods issue.
This means that putaway and the usual wave reservation steps are skipped.
Example:
The starting point is as follows:
A project has been configured so that "one-piece orders" are always reserved in a two-step wave reservation process.
There are 217 "one-piece shortage item orders" for string lights that could not be processed because there were no string lights in stock.
String lights are always delivered in ready-to-ship outer packagings, with 100 pieces on each pallet. Five pallets of string lights are delivered to goods receipt.
4. PROLAG®Go
PROLAG®Go - Unloading for android
Relevant module: PROLAG®Go extension modules - Shipping 40X
Benefits:
As an alternative to the HTML template, this process can now also be carried out on mobile android devices using the ‘PROLAG®Go - Unloading’ menu item.
Description:
A mobile android device can be used to unload packing units and collecting load units from a transport vehicle which has not yet been closed.
PROLAG®Go - Individual scanning of weight at picking
Module: Smart glasses 301-01
Benefits:
This is a new function for entering the weight of non-standardised goods individually at picking.
Description:
Selecting the ‘enter weight at picking’ checkbox stipulates that the weight has to be scanned individually for each stock unit. A minimum and maximum weight can be defined. Using an adjustment method, the weight can be read from the barcode and entered automatically.
Evaluation of mobile device menu parameter for priority mode and retrieval
Relevant module: PROLAG®Go - mobile processes 300-01
Benefits:
Specific menu items can be configured and saved for the priority mode and for stock retrieval using a mobile device.
Description:
Search limits can be defined in the parameters of mobile device menu items.
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See parameters for mobile device menu item
Example:
Two priority mode menu items are displayed in the main menu. Only stock retrievals are processed under the menu item ‘priority mode (retrieval)’ and only putaways, additions to stock and additions to a load unit in the second men item ‘priority mode (putaway)’.
Action class CollectListsWithIdenticalCriteria (ListenMitGleichenKriterienAufnehmen)
Relevant module: PROLAG®Go - mobile processes 300-01
Benefits:
There are now configurable menu items for priority mode and retrieval using a mobile device so that specific attributes can be set in order to build lists with identical criteria.
Description:
Attribute or attribute strings can be defined in the parameters for this action class. This means that only lists which correspond to the specified attributes can be collected.
Example:
A mobile device is only authorised to collect lists for one haulier. If the first list collected is for DHL, it means that only DHL lists can be processed by the mobile device.
Assignment of list evaluation based on picking type
Relevant module: PROLAG®Go - mobile processes 300-01
Benefits:
Stock retrieval lists can be prioritised based on the picking type.
Description:
The list evaluation configuration has been extended by the picking type. This means that retrieval lists in priority mode can be prioritised according to the picking type.
Example:
Lists with the picking type ‘large orders’ have higher priority than lists with the picking type ‘individual orders’ and are therefore processed first.
Create collecting LU after picking
Relevant module: Management of collecting load units 403-18
Benefits:
As well as using collecting load units (LUs) at the packing area, collecting LUs can now also be created after picking in cases where the packing area is skipped. Another option is to add a load unit to an existing collecting LU at the dispatch area.
Description:
If the ‘collecting LU required’ option is activated in the retrieval control, the user must book the lists to a collecting LU when they arrive at the dispatch area.
New collecting LUs can be created at this point, or packing units added to existing collecting LUs. If the goods on a transport trolley have been picked and all lists are destined for the same staging zone, the transport trolley can be converted to a collecting LU.
Example:
Ten lists for the same haulier have been picked and the required goods placed on a transport trolley. When the trolley is taken to the dispatch area, three packing units are booked to an existing collecting LU at the staging zone. The other seven packing units are placed on a new collecting LU with the load unit ID of the transport trolley.
5. Shipping
Variable packing unit dimensions
Relevant module: Packing area 403-01
Benefits:
Provides greater flexibility for non-standard sized packages.
Description:
It was previously possible to specify a variable height in PROLAG®World for transport load unit types used as packing units. The height was entered at the packing area. You can now stipulate that the width and depth of a packing unit should also be entered for shipping. The packing unit template now includes fields for the measured width and measured depth.
All dimensions are entered at the packing area – either at a workstation or on a mobile device. If the packing area is skipped, there is an additional query for entering the dimensions when a list is booked using a mobile device (if a packing unit is created automatically). If a list is booked in the browser and the packing area is skipped, no dimensions are entered. In this case, the dimensions entered in the transport load unit types are also valid for the packing unit. The unit (cm, mm etc.) for entering the dimensions can be configured.
UPS: Quantum view
Relevant module: Parcel delivery service UPS 403-07
Benefits:
The UPS notification service Quantum View is now available to PROLAG®World users.
Description:
Users of PROLAG®World now have access to UPS’s Quantum View service. This lets you monitor the status of deliveries and configure status notifications for you and your customers via email and SMS. Configuration settings can be made to determine which notifications are sent to which recipient.
UPS, Dachser and Fortras: Neutral shipping (cover address)
Relevant modules: Parcel delivery service UPS 403-07, Forwarding interface for DACHSER 403-54, Standard forwarding interface FORTRAS 403-64
Benefits:
Neutral shipping is now possible for UPS, Dachser and all forwarding companies connected through the standard Fortras interface, that is, shipping on behalf of another company or sender.
Description:
The delivery order template now contains additional fields for entering a cover address. If a cover address is specified, it appears as the sender on all shipping documents. The cover address and the actual sender address are both transmitted in the EDI message to Dachser and through the standard Fortras interface.
Dachser: Transmitting dimensions
Relevant module: Forwarding interface for DACHSER 403-54
Benefits:
A number of functional enhancements mean that shipping with Dachser is now even more flexible and easy to use in PROLAG®World: Dimensions, volumes and other data such as the weight of individual packages can now be transmitted to the forwarder. A cash on delivery service is also available for Dachser.
Description:
Transmitting dimensions and volumes:
Transmission of the package dimensions can be activated in the configuration file for Dachser. The packages are grouped by dimensions as well as package type, since the dimensions can only be transmitted at item level and not at package level. The volumes of the packages can also be transmitted.
Transmitting individual package data:
Settings can also be made in the Dachser configuration file to determine whether a separate item is created for each package. The item contains data such as weight, volume and dimensions. If each item contains one package only, the data can be assigned to this package. If one item includes several identical packages, the weights and volumes of these packages are added together to give a total.
Shipping with cash on delivery service including specification of currency:
A cash on delivery service is now available for Dachser. The stock value or COD amount is expressed in the currency of the shipment or packing unit. Partial delivery is not allowed for cash on delivery shipments. All packing units for the shipment must be closed and loaded at the same time.
Dachser: Transmitting individual package data
Relevant module: 403-54
See release note on Transmitting Dimensions
Dachser: Shipping with cash on delivery service and specification of currency
Relevant module: 403-54
See release note on Transmitting Dimensions
Fortras: Transmitting dimensions
Relevant module: Standard forwarding interface FORTRAS 403-64
Benefits:
A number of functional enhancements mean that shipping through the standard Fortras interface is now even more flexible and easy to use in PROLAG®World: Dimensions, volumes and other data such as the weight of individual packages can now be transmitted to the forwarder. A cash on delivery service is also available.
Description:
Transmitting dimensions and volumes:
Transmission of the package dimensions can be activated in the configuration file for hauliers. The packages are grouped by dimensions as well as package type, since the dimensions can only be transmitted at item level and not at package level. The volumes of the packages can also be transmitted.
Transmitting individual package data:
Settings can also be made in the configuration file for hauliers to determine whether a separate item is created for each package. The item contains data such as weight, volume and dimensions. If each item contains one package only, the data can be assigned to this package. If one item includes several identical packages, the weights and volumes of these packages are added together to give a total.
Shipping with cash on delivery service including specification of currency:
A cash on delivery service is now available for hauliers connected through the Fortras interface. The stock value or COD amount is expressed in the relevant Fortras ISO code in the currency of the shipment. Partial delivery is not allowed for cash on delivery shipments. All packing units for the shipment must be closed and loaded at the same time.
Fortras: Transmitting individual package data
Relevant module: 403-64
See release note on Transmitting Dimensions
Fortras: Shipping with cash on delivery service; stock value currency
Relevant module: 403-64
See release note on Transmitting Dimensions
Automatic fast packing
Relevant module: Packing area 403-01
Benefits:
The new automatic fast packing functionality speeds up your shipping process even further, since homogenous transport load units containing one-piece shipments can be packed with just one click.
Description:
Lists picked in a two-step picking process without consolidation are not split when they are set down at the packing area. The list can be called up in the packing area template. By clicking the fast packing button, all packing units are automatically allocated to the relevant shipments and registered as packed. The shipping labels are printed automatically.
Example:
100 customers each order a copy of the same book. A Euro pallet containing 100 books is transported to the packing area. The employee at the packing area scans the Euro pallet and clicks on the fast packing button. 100 shipping labels are printed automatically. The employee can pack the books into individual boxes without further delay and affix the relevant shipping labels.
6. Transportation
Reorganisation of free stock in automated storage areas
Relevant module: Cross-sectional occupancy - article 201-10
Benefits:
PROLAG®World ensures that the stock for an article or owner distributed as evenly as possible across multiple aisles or storage groups in the warehouse. This enhances your delivery reliability since if there is a malfunction in one storage area or aisle, identical stock can be accessed in another area.
Description:
A new scheduled task has been developed which can be used to redistribute your articles across multiple aisles or storage groups in order to achieve cross-sectional occupancy: PROLAG®World checks which aisles/storage groups contain the most articles and distributes the surplus among the other aisles/storage group. After PROLAG®World has carried out the analysis for one article, any necessary stock relocations are triggered. Only once these relocations have been made does PROLAG®World continue with the analysis and relocation of further articles.
