For years, the packing process in D365 was only possible by using the pack station on the front end of D365. Since the release of 10.0.36, we are able to perform the Packing functionality via the Mobile device.

This blog will present our views on this functionality and describe operational considerations when implementing the mobile device packing functionality.

Microsoft has provided documentation of the setup required for the mobile device packing functionality as well as an example, which can be found here. We will list some of the configurations driving the mobile device's behavior.

Mobile device container packing policies

One of the main configurations that drives the mobile device packing behavior is the Mobile device container packing policies. This form allows the user to define the mobile device packing behavior.

The following parameters can be defined:

• Capture tracking dimensions – This field determines how to handle the tracking dimensions either by skipping the capturing and the information will be defaulted or by capturing it one by one and the user will need to specify the tracking dimensions for each item.
• Starting step - This setting defines whether the user starts the packing process by scanning the License plate ID or the Shipment ID first.
• Pack inventory on-hand based on – When the starting step is specified to scan the License plate ID first, this field defines whether the items will be packed based on the License plate or the Shipment.
• Item selection – Here, we can define whether all items need to be scanned one by one to pack into the container, or all remaining items for the license plate or shipment will be packed at once.
• Close container automatically - When all remaining items are packed, the container can be automatically closed after packing the items. In this case, the user does not have to close the container manually.
• Create container automatically - When all remaining items are packed, the container can be automatically created, the user does not have to manually create the container.

Mobile device menu items

The mobile device packing flow is built up from multiple different mobile device menu items, which are connected via the detour functionality.

• Create Container – Menu item to create a new Container ID.
• Container closing – Mobile device menu item to close a container.
• Pack inventory into Container – Mobile device menu item to define the items to pack into the created containers.
• Print container label (if required) – Menu item to be able to (re)print the container label.

The menu items are connected through the detour functionality, which can be set up using the Mobile device steps.

Mobile device process

To best demonstrate the process, take a look at the video below:

Operational considerations

When deciding to use the packing functionality via the mobile device, some operational considerations need to be made to determine what packing functionality to use. Of course, each business will have its unique requirements, but we are listing some of them below:

• Does the physical packing space have room for dedicated packing benches with a full screen? The D365 pack station requires full-screen devices, whereas the mobile device packing can be used in areas where these physical pack stations are not used.
• Are we scanning or specifying the items packed in the container, or are all items put in the container without any specification?

The mobile device functionality offers both options. Depending on the Mobile device packing profile settings, the user can automatically pack all items at once or individually. When packing via the pack station, the user must manually pack items individually or select the Pack all function manually.

• When identifying the items, does each item need to be individually scanned and packed? The Pack items into container will pack the total quantity of each item located on the packing location for the specified License plate or Shipment ID. The user must manually adjust the quantity via the mobile device if this needs to be updated. Hence, the piece-by-piece scanning that we know in other flows of the mobile device is not supported for the Pack items into container
• Do we want to create and close a container automatically? When packing items at once, the user has the option to create and close a container automatically. This is only possible via the mobile device app; the pack station does not offer this functionality. Please note that if multiple containers need to be used for a single license plate or shipment, this functionality cannot be used, and the user must create the containers manually.
• Are container labels required for processing within the warehouse? Container labels can be printed at the opening of a container and ad hoc via the Print container label MDMI via the mobile device. Using the dynamic printer selection, the user can print the label using their default label printer.
• Do we need to see Customer information or any other delivery information? The packing functionality via the mobile device does not show as much information as the pack station. When this is required for the user to see, the pack station is a better option, or the mobile device needs to be modified to show all the necessary information.
• Is there a need to use Container or Shipment Manifesting? Mobile device packing does not support the Manifesting of containers and shipments. When this is required during the packing process, the pack station must be used, or the mobile device's behavior needs to be modified.

To see a more detailed view of all processes that are (un)supported, please read the Microsoft documentation, which can be found here.

Conclusion

The mobile device packing flow is a good alternative to the D365 full-screen packing station and is very beneficial for companies looking for a more simplified packing process, especially those that would like to pack all goods at once.  

We believe the item-by-item packing process is not as efficient as the full-screen functionality. The mobile device flow requires a lot of “unnecessary” manual interaction on the mobile device, including the use of mobile device detours, which requires the user to perform a lot of clicks that could be avoided by a more streamlined flow.

Next, we think that the functionality of packing all items by license plate or shipment can be very beneficial, especially the functionality to create and/or close a container automatically.

All in all, when considering implementing the Mobile device packing functionality, consider the business requirements and see if it will be suitable for your company.