Within Online Advantage you can set up a different bin tracking option per Stock Location. There are 3 bin tracking options available:
Option 1 – Optional Bin Tracking
‘Optional’ or ‘No’ bin tracking, allows for the entry of bin details when issuing and receiving stock but does not track the quantity on hand held in each bin. The system stores the last 6 bin codes used, but this information is purely for reporting purposes only. When using this Bin Tracking Option, the bin codes do not need to be established as they are not validated at entry.
Option 2 – Specific Bin Per Product
Specific bin tracking allows for the tracking of stock across specific bins for each product in a location. This allows for greater control over stock movements as all receipts and issues within the location are made to/from a specific bin. When using this Bin Tracking Option, the bin codes have to be previously established within the location as they are validated at entry. Use the Bins function to establish bins for a location.
Option 3 – Multiple Bin Tracking
Multiple bin tracking can be used to keep track of the quantity on hand in each bin used by a product or products. Therefore stock can be easily stored and retrieved from the warehouse. All receiving and issuing of stock requires the bin and the related quantity for that bin to be specified in transaction entries to enable the details of bin and quantity to be accurate. When using this Bin Tracking Option, the bin codes have to be previously established within the location as they are validated at entry. Use the Bins function to establish bins for a location.
Care must be taken when changing the Bin Tracking Option as existing details can be overwritten. It is recommended that when the code has to be changed you choose ‘yes’ to the re-building of the bin details on the Inventory file to avoid problems.
Bin Picking
One of the main uses of bins is to sequence picking dockets in a way that is suitable for the product (e.g. take the product that has been on the shelf the longest) and efficient for the picker (efficient picking means more orders can be picked per day). The bin picking order can be set per location. There are 3 options to choose from:
- First in, First Out (FIFO). Bins are selected for picking using the oldest bin first
- Bin Sequence. Bins are selected for picking in alphabetical ascending order (warehouse ‘floor’ sequence)
- Efficient Picking. Bins are selected for picking in alphabetical ascending order with the added condition that the bin contains the required quantity or more. The aim of this picking type is to have the picker go to the least number of bins to fill the order quantity