Packing Operations

Packing operations prepare picked items for shipment through boxing, labeling, and documentation. This guide covers packing station management and shipping preparation.

Overview

Packing operations enable you to:

• Manage packing stations
• Process pack tasks efficiently
• Generate packing slips and labels
• Handle multi-box shipments
• Verify pack accuracy
• Prepare shipping documentation

Accessing Packing

Navigate to Warehouse → Packing to access packing features.

Understanding Packing

Packing Process Flow

Picked Items Arrive → Scan/Verify → Select Packaging →
Pack Items → Weigh → Generate Labels → Stage for Shipping

Pack Statuses

Status	Description
Awaiting Pack	Picks complete, ready to pack
In Progress	Currently being packed
Packed	Packing complete
Shipped	Handed to carrier
Held	Issue preventing pack

Packaging Types

Type	Description	Use Case
Box	Cardboard boxes	Standard items
Envelope	Padded mailers	Documents, flat items
Tube	Poster tubes	Rolled items
Pallet	Pallet wrap	Large/bulk orders
Custom	Specialized	Fragile, odd shapes

Setting Up Packing Stations

Station Configuration

1. Go to Settings → Warehouse → Packing Stations
2. Click New Station
3. Configure station:

Field	Description
Station ID	Unique identifier
Station Name	Descriptive name
Location	Physical location
Equipment	Scale, printer, etc.
Assigned Worker	Default packer
Order Types	Allowed order types

4. Connect peripherals
5. Activate station

Station Equipment

Typical packing station includes:

• Computer/terminal
• Barcode scanner
• Label printer
• Shipping scale
• Box/supply storage
• Tape dispenser

Station Assignment

Assign orders to stations:

• By carrier
• By order type
• By size/weight
• Round-robin
• Workload balancing

How-To Guides

How to Set Up Packing Stations

Physical Setup

1. Workspace Design

   • Ergonomic height
   • Good lighting
   • Easy supply access
   • Scan-friendly layout

2. Equipment Installation

   • Position scanner
   • Connect scale
   • Install printer
   • Test connections

3. Supply Organization

   • Box sizes available
   • Packing materials
   • Labels and documents
   • Tools (tape, scissors)

System Configuration

1. Register station in system
2. Configure peripherals
3. Set up printer templates
4. Test label printing
5. Verify scale integration

How to Process Pack Tasks

Packing Workflow

1. Receive Items

   • Scan order/wave ID
   • Verify items match pick list
   • Report discrepancies

2. Select Packaging

   • System suggests box size
   • Override if needed
   • Select appropriate materials

3. Pack Items

   • Place items in box
   • Add void fill/protection
   • Include packing slip
   • Secure package

4. Weigh and Dimension

   • Place on scale
   • Record weight
   • Verify dimensions
   • System calculates shipping

5. Generate Labels

   • Print shipping label
   • Print packing slip
   • Apply labels
   • Stage for pickup

Pack Verification

Ensure accuracy:

• Scan each item
• Verify quantities
• Check for damage
• Confirm completeness

How to Generate Packing Slips

Packing Slip Contents

Standard packing slip includes:

• Order number
• Ship-to address
• Item list with quantities
• Special instructions
• Return information

Generating Slips

1. Complete packing verification
2. Click Generate Packing Slip
3. Review contents
4. Print slip
5. Include in package

Packing Slip Templates

Customize templates:

• Company branding
• Required fields
• Barcode inclusion
• Return label option

How to Handle Multi-Box Shipments

Multi-Box Process

For large orders requiring multiple boxes:

1. Plan Packaging

   • Review all items
   • Determine box allocation
   • Group logically

2. Pack First Box

   • Select items for box 1
   • Scan items
   • Record as Box 1 of X

3. Continue Packing

   • Repeat for each box
   • Track box count
   • Link all boxes to order

4. Generate Labels

   • System prints all labels
   • Each shows "Box X of Y"
   • Master tracking links all

Box Allocation

System can auto-suggest:

• Optimal box combinations
• Weight distribution
• Item compatibility
• Carton efficiency

How to Manage Packaging Materials

Material Tracking

Track packaging inventory:

• Box sizes and quantities
• Void fill materials
• Tape and supplies
• Label stock

Reorder Points

Set alerts:

• Minimum quantities
• Reorder triggers
• Supplier information
• Lead times

Material Cost Tracking

Monitor costs:

• Cost per package
• Material usage
• Waste tracking
• Cost optimization

How to Handle Packing Exceptions

Common Exceptions

Exception	Cause	Resolution
Item Missing	Short pick	Report, investigate
Wrong Item	Pick error	Return, correct
Damaged Item	Transit damage	Report, replace
No Label	Printer issue	Fix, reprint
Weight Mismatch	Scale/data error	Verify, adjust

Exception Handling

1. Identify exception
2. Place order on hold
3. Document issue
4. Escalate if needed
5. Resolve and continue

Advanced Features

Cartonization

Automated box selection:

• Analyze item dimensions
• Calculate optimal boxes
• Minimize void fill
• Reduce shipping cost

Pack Verification

Ensure accuracy:

• Weight-based verification
• Item-count verification
• Photo documentation
• Customer signature requirements

Gift Wrapping

Special handling:

• Gift wrap options
• Gift messaging
• Separate invoicing
• Special packaging

Hazmat Packing

Dangerous goods:

• Proper packaging
• Required labels
• Documentation
• Compliance checking

Kitting/Assembly

Light assembly:

• Kit components
• Assembly instructions
• Quality checks
• Component tracking

Best Practices

📦 Packing Quality

• Right-size boxes
• Adequate protection
• Neat presentation
• Secure closure

⚡ Efficiency

• Organized workspace
• Supplies within reach
• Batch similar orders
• Minimize movement

✅ Accuracy

• Verify all items
• Double-check addresses
• Confirm weights
• Document exceptions

🎯 Presentation

• Clean packaging
• Professional labels
• Branded materials
• Positive unboxing

Configuration

Packing Settings

Navigate to Settings → Warehouse → Packing:

• Verification Mode - Scan/count/weight
• Label Format - Size and type
• Auto-Box Selection - Enable cartonization
• Weight Tolerance - Acceptable variance

Printer Settings

• Printer Type - Thermal/laser
• Label Size - 4×6, custom
• Print Queue - Station assignment
• Backup Printer - Failover

Scale Integration

• Scale Type - USB/network
• Unit of Measure - kg/lb
• Precision - Decimal places
• Auto-Capture - Enable/disable

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Scanner not reading

• Check barcode quality
• Clean scanner lens
• Adjust scan angle
• Test with known good barcode

Scale not weighing

• Verify connection
• Calibrate scale
• Check platform clear
• Restart integration

Labels not printing

• Check printer status
• Verify paper/ribbon
• Clear print queue
• Test printer

Box suggestion incorrect

• Update item dimensions
• Verify cartonization rules
• Check available boxes
• Manual override

Next Steps

Learn about Warehouse Tasks to manage all warehouse activities efficiently.