Pick Category Configuration
The Pick Category Configuration page allows users to define and manage the types of pick tasks available in the WCS Pick Workflow. These categories determine what kind of work users at the port can select and are essential for routing tasks through the Wave Configuration process.
Overview
Section titled “Overview”Pick categories serve as the foundation for task routing and workflow management. Once created, these categories appear as selectable options in the WCS interface for port users and can be linked in the Wave Configuration page to control how and when tasks are sent to Voyager WCS.
Configuration Fields
Section titled “Configuration Fields”Category Information
Section titled “Category Information”- ID: Unique numerical identifier for the pick category
- Pick Category Name: Descriptive name that appears in the WCS interface (e.g., “Standard Pick Pack”, “Premium Pick Pack”)
The category names are displayed to port users as selectable work types in the WCS Pick Workflow interface.
Key Functions & Actions
Section titled “Key Functions & Actions”Create Pick Categories
Section titled “Create Pick Categories”Users can create new pick types by:
- Assigning a unique numerical ID
- Providing a descriptive name (e.g., 100 – Standard Pick Pack)
- Saving the configuration
These names will appear in the WCS interface for users to select when choosing their work type.
View Existing Categories
Section titled “View Existing Categories”The page displays all configured pick categories showing:
- Category ID numbers
- Corresponding category names
- Current configuration status
Delete Pick Categories
Section titled “Delete Pick Categories”To remove a pick category:
- Select the category using the checkbox (turns blue when selected)
- Click the delete button in the Page Options menu
- Important: There is no validation - deletion is immediate
If a category is accidentally deleted, you will need to reconfigure any associated wave configurations.
Search and Filter
Section titled “Search and Filter”- Search Bar: Search by ID or Pick Category Name
- Filter: Filter by specific IDs or Pick Category Names
- Hide/Show Columns: Customise displayed information based on user preferences
Export Data
Section titled “Export Data”Download pick category data in CSV (Comma Separated Values) format.
Integration with Wave Configuration
Section titled “Integration with Wave Configuration”Linking to Waves
Section titled “Linking to Waves”Once pick categories are created, they can be integrated with Wave Configuration to control:
- How tasks are sent to Voyager WCS
- When tasks become available to port users
- Which algorithms are used for task prioritisation
- How shipments are grouped and batched
Workflow Impact
Section titled “Workflow Impact”Pick categories directly influence:
- Port User Experience: Categories appear as work type options in the WCS interface
- Task Routing: Determines how work is distributed through the system
- Resource Allocation: Influences how work is assigned to different ports
- Performance Monitoring: Enables tracking and analysis by category type
Configuration Process
Section titled “Configuration Process”Creating New Categories
Section titled “Creating New Categories”- Navigate to WMS Admin > General Autostore Management > Pick Category Configuration
- Click “Create New Pick Category” (if available)
- Enter a unique numerical ID
- Provide a descriptive category name
- Save the configuration
- Configure associated wave settings if needed
Managing Existing Categories
Section titled “Managing Existing Categories”- Use search/filter functions to locate specific categories
- Review existing ID and name assignments
- Delete categories that are no longer needed
- Export data for analysis or backup purposes
Best Practice Setup
Section titled “Best Practice Setup”- Descriptive Names: Use clear, meaningful names that port users will understand
- Logical IDs: Assign ID numbers in a logical sequence (e.g., 100, 101, 102)
- Operational Alignment: Ensure categories match actual operational requirements
- Wave Integration: Configure corresponding wave settings after creating categories
Operational Impact
Section titled “Operational Impact”Port User Interface
Section titled “Port User Interface”Pick categories appear as dropdown options in the WCS Pick Workflow, allowing users to:
- Select appropriate work types for their current assignment
- Filter available tasks based on their training and capabilities
- Focus on specific operational priorities
System Integration
Section titled “System Integration”Categories enable the system to:
- Route work appropriately through different processing paths
- Apply category-specific allocation strategies
- Monitor performance by work type
- Generate operational reports and analytics
Best Practices
Section titled “Best Practices”Category Design
Section titled “Category Design”- Clear Naming: Use names that clearly indicate the type of work (e.g., “Premium Pick Pack”, “Batch Cross Pick”)
- Operational Relevance: Ensure categories match actual operational workflows
- User-Friendly: Choose names that are easily understood by port operators
- Consistent Numbering: Use a logical numbering scheme for easy management
Configuration Management
Section titled “Configuration Management”- Documentation: Keep records of what each category represents
- Regular Review: Periodically assess whether categories still meet operational needs
- Change Control: Implement careful procedures for modifying or deleting categories
- Backup: Export category configurations regularly for backup purposes
Integration Planning
Section titled “Integration Planning”- Wave Coordination: Plan category creation in conjunction with wave configuration
- Training Alignment: Ensure categories match user training and capabilities
- Performance Monitoring: Set up tracking for each category type
- Operational Feedback: Use operational feedback to refine category definitions
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”Common Issues
Section titled “Common Issues”- Missing Categories: Verify categories are properly created and saved
- Wave Integration Problems: Check that categories are properly linked in Wave Configuration
- User Interface Issues: Ensure category names are clear and appropriate for port users
- Performance Problems: Review whether categories are properly aligned with operational workflows
Recovery Procedures
Section titled “Recovery Procedures”- Accidental Deletion: Recreate deleted categories and reconfigure associated wave settings
- Configuration Errors: Use export/import functions to restore previous configurations
- Integration Issues: Verify category linkages in Wave Configuration settings
- Operational Impact: Coordinate with operations team when making category changes