How to pack eCommerce/fulfillment orders using Pack-Time Label Generation (PTLG).
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The PTLG packing process is only available if it has been enabled for your reservation. If you’re not sure whether your warehouse uses this process, reach out to your Flexe Logistics Analyst. For guidance on the standard packing process, go to Standard Packing.
With Pack-Time Label Generation (PTLG) the shipping label for an order is created during the packing process, instead of when the order is confirmed or allocated.
The feature works by calculating the weight of SKUs in the shipment along with the weight and dimensions of the selected box/carton. It then uses this information to generate and print a shipping label from the specified carrier.
Note: You can use PTLG to pack batches dropped off at a pack station or staging location, or to pack shipments directly from a pick cart.
Before you start
To pack with PTLG, you'll need easy access to a Zebra label printer and 4" x 6" labels. You'll also need to make sure your Flexe mobile device is connected to the label printer.
Flexe mobile devices connect to Zebra printers via bluetooth. Connect your device to the printer at the start of each shift--just tap it on the printer's wireless button.
Note: For more guidance on how to set up and prepare everything you need for the packing process, go to Packing Prep & Setup.
Packing with PTLG
To pack orders using PTLG on Flexe mobile devices:
1. Select Pack from the home screen.
2. Scan the pack station or your pick cart.
If you're packing from a pack station or outbound staging, scan the location barcode. Or, if you're packing directly from a pick cart, scan the cart as your pack station instead.
3. Scan the batch or pick cart.
If you're packing from a pack station or staging location, scan the batch.
If you're packing from a cart, scan the cart. Keep in mind that if you used multiple carts to pick the order, you can scan any cart associated with the wave to proceed.
Note: Other packing process flows are also available on this screen; only use these options when directed.
4. Scan a SKU.
Once you scan a SKU, the screen will update to show the shipment details for that item.
5. Scan any additional SKUs for the shipment.
If additional SKUs are needed to pack the shipment, the Items Packed tracker at the bottom of the screen will show the number remaining. If no additional SKUs are needed, the screen will automatically proceed to the next step.
Note: If you're packing from multiple pick carts, you may be prompted to scan items from any of the carts associated with the wave.
6. Scan the box you're packing the shipment into.
After scanning and confirming all SKUs, select a box/carton for the shipment.
If you need packaging information, select the Back button once to return to the shipment details screen. Then, look for the PKG section at the top of this screen. This section includes guidance on the box/carton size and dimensions for the shipment, as well as the assigned carrier and service level.
Note: When selecting a box/carton, also make sure to follow any specified policies for your warehouse and/or reservation--including packaging weight restrictions. For more information, go to About Overweight Shipments.
7. Scan the shipping label and place it on the box.
After you scan the box barcode, a notification shows onscreen to confirm that the shipping label is printing. Once the label is printed, place it on the shipment box/carton and scan it.
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8. Check for the Shipment complete message, and repeat these steps as needed.
You'll be prompted to complete any additional actions for the shipment as needed (e.g. adding a hazmat sticker for hazmat items). To learn more, go to Additional Packing Steps.
You'll get a "shipment complete" notification once the shipment is packed and ready to ship.
The device then returns to the Scan a . . . screen (Step 3). Repeat this process as many times as needed, until all items are packed and ready for shipment.
About Overweight Shipments
A maximum packaging weight may be specified for shipments that use PTLG, based on specifications determined by the shipper.
Note: This is a setting that can only be configured by Flexe. If you're not sure whether max weight restrictions are in place, reach out to your Flexe Logistics Analyst for more information.
During the packing process, if you scan an item that would cause the shipment to exceed the max weight restriction, you'll get a warning message.
When you get this message, you can use the Split option to split items onto multiple shipments to avoid exceeding the maximum weight per box. To learn more, go to Split Shipments.
Additional Packing Options & Actions
Here are some additional actions and options you can use as needed during the PTLG packing process:
Remove Last Scan
You can use Remove Last Scan to undo an accidental/incorrect scan, or to "unpack" something already scanned.
To remove your last scan:
1. Expand Items Packed at the bottom of the screen.
2. Open the menu (three vertical dots) next to the SKU you need to remove.
3. Select Remove Last Scan.
Split Shipments
If a shipment needs to be split--for example, if a batch is picked short, or the requested quantities will not fit in one box--you can use the Split option.
Note: If you're splitting items from a shipment because they're not available/on-hand, the shipment should be canceled from the Flexe platform instead.
To split shipments:
1. From the Scan SKU screen, scan the SKU(s) you want to pack first.
You can split across individual SKUs (e.g. scan 1 of 2 requested), or you can split between different SKUs (e.g. scan SKU A, but split SKU B).
2. Select the Split option to create a new shipment for items not yet scanned.
3. Select Split Shipment to confirm.
After confirming, it may take up to a minute for the process to complete.
4. Scan and add a label for the split shipment.
Once the splitting process is complete, you’re prompted to scan and add a label for the split shipment.
After you scan the shipping label, the screen goes back to the Scan SKU screen, with details for the original shipment. You can then continue with the packing process, or split the shipment again as needed.
Skip Shipments
If you need to skip a particular shipment and proceed to the next one, you can use the Skip option. The device will then skip to another shipment that contains the same SKU.
Note: This will undo and remove any SKUs you scanned prior to using the Skip option.
Manually Confirm SKU
This option is not recommended and should only to be used as a last resort (e.g. if your mobile device scanner isn't working or a barcode is unreadable).
If you can’t scan a SKU barcode, open the menu (three vertical dots) next to the SKU, and select Manually Confirm. You can then enter the SKU number using the device keypad.
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