Carton Planning
Carton planning determines how items are packed into boxes for shipping. Good carton planning maximizes space usage and ensures items are protected during transit.Where to Find It
Location: Shipment Detail → Cartons tab → Plan Cartons Or click Carton Planning button in shipment header.Setting Carton Dimensions
Each carton needs dimensions set before adding items.Creating a Carton
1
Go to Cartons tab
Shipment Detail → Cartons
2
Click Add Carton
Opens new carton form
3
Enter dimensions
Length, Width, Height in centimeters
4
Enter max weight (optional)
Weight limit in kg
5
Save
Carton created and ready for items
Dimension Fields
| Field | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Length | cm | Carton length |
| Width | cm | Carton width |
| Height | cm | Carton height |
| Max Weight | kg | Maximum allowed weight |
| Tare Weight | kg | Empty carton weight |
Standard carton sizes are often pre-configured. Check if a template matches your needs before creating custom dimensions.
Adding Items to Cartons
Method 1: Drag and Drop
1
View unassigned items
Listed in “Unassigned Items” section
2
Drag item
Click and hold on item
3
Drop into carton
Release over target carton
Method 2: Add Items Button
1
Click on carton
Select the carton to add items to
2
Click Add Items
Opens item selection
3
Select items
Check items to add
4
Confirm
Items assigned to carton
Moving Items Between Cartons
1
Find the item
In current carton
2
Click Move or drag
Drag to new carton, or use Move button
3
Select destination
Choose target carton
Efficiency Percentage
Efficiency shows how well carton space is being used.How It’s Calculated
Efficiency Indicators
| Percentage | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 90%+ | Green | Excellent - well packed |
| 70-89% | Yellow | Acceptable |
| Below 70% | Red | Poor - wasted space |
Overall Shipment Efficiency
Displayed at top of Cartons tab:Target: 90% or higherHigher efficiency means:
- Lower shipping costs (fewer cartons)
- Better protection (less movement inside)
- More professional presentation
Improving Efficiency
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Low efficiency (large carton, few items) | Use smaller carton |
| Can’t fit more items | Items may be bulky - check dimensions |
| Many partially-filled cartons | Consolidate items into fewer cartons |
Weight Limits
Setting Weight Limits
When creating a carton, enter the Max Weight field.Weight Warnings
| Warning | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Approaching weight limit (80%+) |
| Red | Over weight limit |
Checking Carton Weight
Each carton displays:- Current Weight: Sum of item weights
- Max Weight: Weight limit set
- Remaining: How much more can be added
Generating Carton Labels
Printing Labels
1
Complete carton planning
All items assigned to cartons
2
Click Print Labels
Button at top of Cartons tab
3
Select cartons
All or specific cartons
4
Labels ready for printing
Label Contents
Each carton label includes:| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Carton Number | 1 of 5, 2 of 5, etc. |
| Shipment Reference | Shipment ID |
| Customer | Customer name |
| Dimensions | L × W × H |
| Gross Weight | Total weight |
| Contents Summary | What’s inside |
Carton Planning Interface
Layout
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Unassigned Items | Items not yet in any carton |
| Carton List | All cartons with contents |
| Efficiency Display | Overall and per-carton efficiency |
| Actions | Add Carton, Print Labels, Save |
Carton Card Display
Each carton shows:- Carton number
- Dimensions (L × W × H)
- Item count
- Weight (current / max)
- Efficiency percentage
- Expand to see items
Common Scenarios
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Need another carton | Click Add Carton |
| Item in wrong carton | Drag to correct carton or use Move |
| Efficiency too low | Use smaller cartons or add more items |
| Carton overweight | Remove items or split across cartons |
| Need to delete empty carton | Click Delete on the carton |
| Print labels for specific cartons | Print Labels → Select cartons |
Troubleshooting
Items won't fit in carton
Items won't fit in carton
Cause: Item dimensions exceed carton dimensions.Solution:
- Check item dimensions
- Use a larger carton
- If item is oversized, it may need its own carton
Efficiency showing very low
Efficiency showing very low
Cause: Carton is too large for the items inside.Solution:
- Use a smaller carton
- Add more items to the carton
- Consolidate with other partially-filled cartons
Can't add item to carton
Can't add item to carton
Cause: Item already assigned to another carton, or weight limit exceeded.Solution:
- Check if item is in Unassigned Items list
- If in another carton, move it first
- Check carton weight limit
Weight shows as 0
Weight shows as 0
Cause: Item weights not set on source records.Solution: Go to source sample or production order and enter item weights.
Carton labels won't print
Carton labels won't print
Cause: Browser blocking popup, or print dialog issue.Solution:
- Allow popups for this site
- Try Download instead of Print
- Check printer connection
Deleted carton by accident
Deleted carton by accident
Cause: Clicked Delete.Solution: Items return to Unassigned. Create new carton and reassign items.
Changes not saving
Changes not saving
Cause: Network issue or session expired.Solution:
- Click Save manually
- Refresh page and re-login if needed
- Redo changes if lost