Outbound Execution

Outbound Execution covers the process from the point when pick tasks are released for an outbound shipment up to the point when the packages are loaded into trailers.

The seamless and flawless execution is an integral part of how reduced order turnaround time and inventory accuracy is achieved. The ability of a system to mirror the routing of inventory in order to comply with the customer and item requirements are the key to reduced turnaround time. The following figure illustrates the relationship between Order Pipeline, Shipment Pipeline, and Container Pipeline.

Figure 1. Order Shipment Container

Shipment specific attributes further define the process to be followed during picking and packing. For example, shipments are loaded in stop-off fashion demanding that the picking and packing process be done in a certain sequence. LTL and TL require pallets to be built from individual containers. Parcel shipments are shipped at an individual carton or container level.

Shipments requiring additional VAS activity are routed through the appropriate departments. Items that require assembly referred to as 'physical kits' are also routed through the VAS department. VAS activities, such as customer specific labeling, monogramming, price ticketing and gift-wrapping deferred till the last minute are part of "postponement" strategies employed. The diverse nature of the VAS requirements enforces the need to track each individual process.

The complex and shipment specific nature of the processes enforces the need to have visibility to a shipment at a granular level.

Outbound execution in the is a result of the strategies employed during the release of shipments. The flow of activity in a warehouse is modeled through business process configuration at a shipment attribute level in a warehouse.

An activity in a warehouse is modeled through a task type. Additional constraints are defined at a task type level to control the execution. Task Management manages and monitors all tasks. Shipment selectors that are defined allow a warehouse to group shipments by attributes including 'Pack & Hold' or 'VAS.'

A task is completed through Radio Frequency (RF) Mobile Terminal, batch sheet or interfacing with appropriate MHE. The allows the deployment of different pick strategies including "sort while pick," "pick and sort," "pick and pass" in a warehouse. Also, a warehouse can choose to have batch picking in the shelves, RF Mobile Terminal picking in bulk and put to light systems in active zones.

Picking, packing and shipping procedures also adhere to the compliance requirements at a customer, carrier level. Customs compliance is also enforced for international shipments. The requirements include appropriate labeling and documentation. The generation and printing of these documents is modeled through events in the business process configuration against a transaction. The Event Management then dispatches these prints through the application's print infrastructure.

The business process configuration at both a shipment and container level allows quality control processes to be enforced. This improves the inventory accuracy of shipments, thereby improving customer satisfaction.

Parcel shipments are processed through a manifesting console. The Parcel Carrier Adapters (Carrier Adapter) provides integration to carrier-specific services, including FedEx Ship Manager, and other external carrier servers.

LTL and TL shipments require creation of BOL. The provides the VICS standard BOL. Trailer manifests or Master BOL is also provided to carriers, if necessary.

The provides complete control over the execution process at a granular level. A shipment can be monitored, managed and processed through consoles. The provides complete control over modifications done at a shipment line level.