Setting Up Packaging and Packaging Rules
Effective packaging management ensures that the correct dimensions and weights are communicated to your logistics carriers, optimizing shipping costs and operations. You can manage packaging by importing items from your procurement inventory or adding them manually.
Adding Packaging Inventory
You can populate your packaging list by importing existing items from GelatoConnect Procurement (GCP) or creating new manual entries. Please go to the Packaging page under Catalog section. You would see a blank page if no packaging items have been setup.
Importing from GCP
Select Import: Click on "Import packaging from GCP" to view items currently in stock.
Choose Items: Select one or multiple packaging items from the list to add them to your packaging inventory.
Configure Details:
Nickname: Assign a descriptive nickname (e.g., "Triangle poster packaging 440") to help your team easily identify the box.
Dimensions: The system automatically calculates inner dimensions based on assumptions (like cardboard thickness), but you should verify these. Accurate internal and external dimensions are critical for carrier calculations and ensuring the right box is selected.
Weight: Supplier data often lacks weight information, so you may need to update this manually (e.g., in grams) using a scale or AI estimation.
Images: Upload a photo of the packaging to assist operators at the packing station.
Adding Packaging Manually
If you use packaging that is not tracked in GCP (e.g., standard corrugated boxes bought externally), you can add them manually.
Create New Item: Select the option to add a box and provide a name.
Input Data: Enter the dimensions (internal and external), material, color, and weight.
Automatic Integration: Manually added items are automatically linked to your GCP inventory to track stock consumption.
Setting Up Packaging Rules
Packaging rules tell the system which box to suggest based on the products in an order.
Defining Priorities
Priority Level: Assign a priority number to your rules. The system checks higher numbers first.
Strategy: Use high priorities for specific requirements (e.g., "1-10 t-shirts in a specific polybag") and lower priorities for generic "catch-all" rules (e.g., "any poster fits in this tube").
Configuring Product Models
Select Products: Identify which product models (e.g., posters, frames) the rule applies to.
Set Constraints: Define the quantity range (e.g., 1 to 6 items) and specific attributes like size (e.g., up to A3 or 700x1000).
Volumetric Calculations
Automatic Checks: By default, the system volumetrically checks if the ordered items fit within the box's dimensions.
Ignore Volume Calculation: You can choose to ignore this calculation to force items into a package. This is useful for apparel (which can be compressed) or to override strict dimension checks.
Operations at the Packaging Station
Visual Aids: Operators see the box's nickname and image to ensure the correct packaging is used.
Manual Overrides: Operators can override the system suggestion and select a different box from inventory or enter custom dimensions if a non-standard box is used.