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Tutorial: Packing Process#

Estimated time to read: 3 minutes

Objective#

Learn how to execute the full packing process, including creating containers, adding/removing materials, and finalizing containers for storage or shipment.

Step 0: Validate Preconditions#

Before starting the packing process, ensure:

  • Feature is enabled:

    • /SMT/MaterialPacking/IsEnabled = True

  • The packing step has:

    • IsPacking = True

  • Container product is configured with:

    • IsPackingContainer = True

  • Materials to be packed:

    • Have a valid Flow Path
    • Are compatible (same product/context where required)

Step 1: Configure Packing Smart Tables#

1.1 Configure Packing Context#

  • Navigate to Administration > Tables > Smart Tables

  • Open:

    • SMTMaterialPackingContext

  • Define:

    • Product to be packed (e.g., Board)
    • Container Product (e.g., Packing Box)

This defines allowed packing relationships (e.g., Board, then Box, then Pallet)

1.2 Configure Name Generation#

  • Open:

    • SMTMaterialNameGenerationContext

  • Configure:

    • Step = Packing Step
    • Form = PackingContainer
    • Name Generator

1.3 Configure Labels (Optional)#

  • Open:

    • SMTMaterialPrintableDocumentContext

  • Configure labels for:

    • Open Container
    • Add Items
    • Close Container

Step 2: Open Packing Container#

  • Navigate to Resource View
  • Locate the material(s) to be packed and click Open Container

  • Confirm the operation in the wizard

Result#

  • A Packing Container Material is created
  • Container state = Open
  • Container is ready to receive materials

Step 3: Add Items to Container#

  • In Resource View, select the Packing Container and click Add Items

  • In the wizard select or scan materials to add and confirm

Result#

  • Materials are added to the container
  • Labels may be generated (if configured)
  • Container contents are updated

Step 4 (Optional): Remove Items from Container#

  • Select the Packing Container and click Remove Items

  • In the wizard select materials to remove and confirm

Result#

  • Selected materials are removed
  • Container may return to Open state if previously closed
  • Materials are available again for packing

Step 5: Close Packing Container#

  • Select the Packing Container and click Close

  • Review container details in the wizard and click Close Container or Close & TrackOut

Result#

  • Container state = Closed
  • No further changes allowed
  • Labels are printed (if configured)
  • Container is moved to next step automatically when Close & TrackOut is selected

Expected Result#

  • Materials are grouped into packing containers
  • Containers reflect correct hierarchy (e.g., Board, then Box, then Pallet)
  • Containers are finalized and ready for:
    • Storage
    • Shipment

Frequent Configuration Questions#

Why can't I open a container?#

Verify the following:

  • The product has the IsPackingContainer attribute enabled.
  • The packing step is correctly configured.

Why can't I add materials to a container?#

Ensure that the materials are compatible with the container according to the defined rules (for example, product, flow, and other applicable criteria). Also validate the SMTMaterialPackingContext configuration.

Why can't a container be closed?#

Check the container state. Only containers in the Open state can be closed.

Why are container labels not being printed?#

Validate that the SMTMaterialPrintableDocumentContext configuration is correctly set up.

Why is the container behaving unexpectedly?#

Review and confirm the Smart Table configurations associated with the packing process.

Why did the container become empty?#

The system may automatically terminate the container when all packed materials have been removed. This is expected behavior.