Cart Configurator
Configure and maintain pick carts for your fulfillment operations. Define slot counts, cart types, LPN handling, department assignments, and work type restrictions to optimize cluster picking workflows.
What is Cart Configurator?
Cart Configurator (Carts Maintenance) is the setup interface for defining and managing the physical pick carts used in your warehouse fulfillment operations. Carts are mobile picking stations with multiple slots, each capable of holding a container assigned to a different order during cluster picking workflows.
Unlike simple equipment tracking, Cart Configurator captures operational parameters that control how carts behave during picking: the number of available slots, LPN assignment rules, dropoff handling, department restrictions, and work type assignments. This configuration drives intelligent cart-to-order matching and ensures smooth picking operations.
Key Distinction
Cart Configurator defines the cart itself (slots, type, department), while Container Maintenance defines the containers that go into each slot. Together, they create a complete pick cart setup for cluster picking operations.
Cart Configurator is typically accessed through Setup → Cart Setup → Carts Maintenance. Here you can search existing carts, create new definitions, edit configurations, and manage cart assignments including the ability to force drop-offs when needed.
Why Cart Configurator Matters
Proper cart configuration is essential for efficient cluster picking
Capacity Planning
Define slot counts to match your order profiles. More slots mean more orders per trip, balanced against cart maneuverability.
Workflow Control
Work type assignments and department restrictions ensure carts are used for the right processes in the right areas.
LPN Management
Pre-labeled LPNs and dropoff rules automate container handling, reducing manual steps and errors.
Cart Configuration Fields
Comprehensive settings for every cart in your operation
Cart ID & Type
Unique identifier and type classification that determines which picking processes can use this cart.
Number of Slots
How many containers fit on the cart. Each slot holds one order during cluster picking operations.
PreLabel LPN
Enable static LPNs attached to the cart, or let the system assign LPNs dynamically during the picking flow.
LPN At Dropoff
Control what happens at dropoff: release containers, transfer to staging, clear assignments, and more.
Work Type PreAssigned
Specify a work type to limit which orders can be picked on this cart. Overrides container work type settings.
Department
Assign cart to a specific department (Inbound, Outbound, etc.) to control where it can be used.
Cart Setup Workflow
Create and configure carts for your picking operations
Access Carts Maintenance
Navigate to Setup → Cart Setup → Carts Maintenance in your menu profile.
Search or Create New
Search existing carts by ID, description, department, status, or type. Click 'New' to create.
Set Identity & Type
Enter unique Cart ID, select Cart Type, and add short/long descriptions.
Configure Slots
Define the number of slots available on the cart for container placement.
Set LPN & Dropoff Rules
Configure PreLabel LPN settings and specify LPN behavior at dropoff.
Assign Department & Work Type
Set department restrictions and optional work type preassignment, then save.
Force Drop Off Feature
The Drop Off button allows supervisors to resolve "open cart" errors that can occur during picking when issues prevent normal cart completion. This ensures carts don't get stuck in limbo and operations can continue smoothly.
Requires REASSIGN Authority
Only users with proper permissions can force drop-offs.
Cart Must Be Assigned
Only enabled when Team Member is assigned and cart is in ASSIGNED status.
Updates Cart & WCNs
Properly closes out work and updates all related records.
Operational Impact
Optimized cart configuration drives measurable results
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cart Configurator
QWhat's the difference between Cart ID and Container ID?
Cart ID identifies the physical cart itself (the rolling equipment with multiple slots), while Container ID identifies the individual boxes or totes that go into each slot. A single cart holds multiple containers, and each container is assigned to a different order during cluster picking.
QWhat does PreLabel LPN mean?
PreLabel LPN determines whether LPNs are permanently attached to the cart slots (Yes) or assigned dynamically during each picking flow (No). Pre-labeled carts are faster to set up since slots already have LPNs, while dynamic assignment offers more flexibility for varied operations.
QWhat are the LPN At Dropoff options?
LPN At Dropoff controls what happens to containers when the cart is dropped off after picking. Options include: Release (free the LPN for reuse), Transfer (move to staging area), Clear (remove all assignments), and others depending on your workflow needs.
QHow does Work Type PreAssigned work?
Work Type PreAssigned restricts which orders can be picked on a cart. If you set a cart to 'CLUSTER-PICK' work type, only orders with that work type can be assigned to it. This overrides any work type settings on the containers and ensures carts are used for their intended purpose.
QWhat is the Department field used for?
The Department field restricts where the cart can be used (Inbound, Outbound, Returns, etc.). This prevents carts configured for outbound picking from being accidentally used in receiving or other incompatible processes.
QWhen should I use the Force Drop Off button?
Use Force Drop Off when a cart gets stuck in an 'open cart' error state that prevents normal completion. This typically happens when picking is interrupted by system issues or exceptions. Only users with REASSIGN authority can use this feature, and it should only be used after picking is complete.
QCan I edit a cart while it's being used?
You can search for and view cart details at any time, but editing is limited when a cart is in ASSIGNED status with active work. It's best to make configuration changes when carts are in an available state to avoid disrupting in-progress picking.
QHow many slots should my carts have?
Slot count depends on your order profile and aisle width. More slots (8-12) work well for small single-item orders in wide aisles. Fewer slots (4-6) are better for larger orders or narrower aisles where maneuverability matters. Balance throughput against practicality.
Ready to Optimize Your Cart Fleet?
See how JASCI's Cart Configurator helps you set up the perfect carts for your cluster picking operations.