Enabling and Optimizing Pallet Usage
Pallet handling in WMS+ groups inventory under license plates to improve traceability, reduce scanning steps, and streamline movement across workflows, such as receiving, transfer and shipping. These license plates are treated as pallets within WMS+ and are created, scanned and tracked as unique units.
Pallet usage is optional. However, for route-based distribution, regulated product handling or cold chain separation, enabling pallet handling significantly improves accuracy and operational control.
Configuration Overview
Administrators enable and configure pallet behavior in:
Admin Panel → Common Configuration → Process Settings
Each enabled workflow includes pallet configuration parameters. There are three inbound parameters and two outbound parameters.
Inbound Parameters
Toggle Palletizing: Activates or disables pallet handling for the selected process.
Pallet Prefix: Defines the prefix for the 18-digit SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) license plate number. The system auto-generates the remaining digits.
Start with New Pallet: If enabled, each new document starts with an active pallet. If disabled, users must create one manually.
Outbound Parameters
Pallet Pick Mode: Indicates the default pick mode for existing pallets:
Pick Whole Pallet: The pallet is picked as a whole; contents are read-only.
Pick Items from Pallet: Shows the pallet as a bin location, allowing items and quantities to be picked. This removes the items from the pallet.
Ask User: Prompts the user to choose a mode when picking each pallet.
Remember User Pallet Pick Mode: Indicates whether WMS+ should remember the user’s selection for the duration of the operation to avoid repeated prompts.
Once pallet handling is enabled, WMS+ displays New Pallet and Pallet Contents options on the handheld device.
Pallet Behavior in Workflows
The system behavior varies depending on how pallet handling is configured. Admins should be aware of the following:
New Pallet: Allows the user to generate a new license plate during a workflow.
Multiple Pallets: Users can create several pallets per document. Each receives a unique license plate ID and is tracked independently.
Pause Pallet: Temporarily suspends the active pallet without clearing contents. Used when awaiting product availability or staging interruptions.
Weight Capture: Pallet weight is entered manually and saved to SAP Business One. Required for certain industries and label formats.
Label Printing: After staging, users can print a pallet label with barcode, date and warehouse details. These labels are scanned during later workflows.
Pallet Staging and Finalization
During staging, users can review and remove pallets via the “≡ Pallets” menu on the handheld. Each pallet shows its license plate ID, item quantity and editable weight. Once finalized:
The pallet is logged to SAP Business One with its assigned ID and contents.
It becomes visible in the Inventory Discrepancies Report for ongoing reconciliation.
Printed labels can be rescanned during shipping, returns or transfers for continuity.
Admin Tip: Encourage warehouse teams to finalize and print pallet labels before completing the document to ensure traceable handoffs across departments.
System Constraints and Accountability
As an administrator, you maintain full control over pallet behavior in WMS+. However, you must enforce these key constraints:
WMS+ Only: License plate tracking and pallet operations are managed exclusively in WMS+. SAP Business One does not support these features.
Bin-Locked: Manage pallet contents only through WMS+. Do not move items manually in SAP, as this causes misalignment.
One-Way Tracking: Manual stock changes in SAP Business One update item quantities but do not affect pallet records in WMS+. Use the Inventory Discrepancies Report to identify and resolve misalignments.
Audit Trail: Pallet IDs are stored in WMS+ and pushed to SAP when available. This provides traceability for compliance, warranty or customer service.
Administrator Summary
Use Admin Panel → Common Configurations → Process Settings to enable pallet handling per workflow.
Set the desired license plate prefix and decide whether to enable Start with New Pallet based on operational needs.
Train warehouse staff to finalize pallets and print labels before completing workflow documents.
Regularly run the Inventory Discrepancies Report to check and align pallet records with SAP.
Do not make pallet stock changes directly in SAP Business One. Use WMS+ for all license plate changes.