Configure automatic packaging

Make sure the Automatic packaging functionality is enabled in the Enable/disable functionalities (CS100000) window.

Start by compiling a list of the units of measure used in your system to measure weights and volumes for different stock items that are usually shipped via carriers.

Then make sure that all these UoMs are defined in the system in the Units of measure (CS203100) window.
If any UoM is not listed among the predefined UoMs, define it.
For details, see: Define weight UoMs.

Decide on the base unit of measure (UoM) to be used for weight and the base unit of measure to be used for volume in your system.
For more information, see: About units of weight and volume.
After you have created the UoMS that you planned to use as the base UoMs for weights and volumes, you use the Inventory preferences (IN101000) window to select these UoMs as the base weight and volume UoMs as follows:

1. Go to the Inventory preferences (IN101000) window.
2. In the Weight UoM field, specify the UoM to be used to measure the weights of the stock items.
3. In the Volume UoM field, specify the UoM to be used to measure the volumes of the stock items.
4. Click .

If integration with any carrier system is configured in your system, notice the UoM (in the UoM field in the Carriers (CS207700) window) selected as the unit that is equal to the UoM specified for the carrier in the Carrier unit of weight field.
Make sure that the conversion rules from the base weight UoM to the UoM (which is equal to the carrier unit of weight) are defined in the Units of measure (CS203100) window.

To make it possible for the system to make packaging suggestions for sales orders, in the Packaging types (CS207600) window, list all the available boxes with their own weights (which may include the weight of all packaging materials) and their capacities for weight and volume.
For each box that will be used for the integrated carrier, you must specify the box's linear dimensions (height, width, and length) because dimensions may affect the rates.

For carriers that are not integrated with your system, linear dimensions for boxes are optional, and because they can be used for information purposes only, the UoM for measurement can be selected arbitrary.

For details, see: Define a box.

For each delivery service used by your organization, create a ship via code by using the Ship via codes (CS207500) window, specify the freight calculation method and freight rates, and create a list of boxes on the Packages tab.
The rates of different carriers or different delivery services for boxes of the same capacity may vary significantly, and some services may be available for only packages with specific weights, volumes, or dimensions.
For more details, see: Create a ship via code.

If your system is integrated with any carrier, also create a ship via code for each service method of each carrier that your organisation uses, and assign the boxes.

For each stock item, on the Packaging settings tab of the Stock items (IN202500) window, specify the weight and volume of the base unit and the packaging option that defines how this stock item should be packed:

• By quantity, separately from other items
• By weight, separately from other items
• By weight, not necessarily separately from other items
• By weight and volume, generally with other items
• Manually

For detailed instructions, see: Configure a stock item for automatic packaging.