Container Maintenance
Configure and maintain container definitions for your picking operations. Define dimensions, weight limits, use codes, and carrier restrictions to optimize fulfillment workflows and ensure accurate cartonization.
What is Container Maintenance?
Container Maintenance is the configuration interface for defining and managing the physical containers used throughout your warehouse fulfillment operations. Containers can be boxes, totes, bins, or any vessel used to hold products during picking, packing, and shipping processes.
Unlike simple box definitions, JASCI's Container Maintenance captures comprehensive specifications including dimensions, weight limits, volume calculations, and use restrictions. This data drives intelligent decisions across the WMS - from cartonization algorithms that select the optimal container for each order, to pick workflows that match containers to order profiles.
Key Distinction
Container Use Codes (Singles, Directs, etc.) determine which order types can use each container. Combined with Carrier Service restrictions, this ensures the right container is always selected for the fulfillment method - critical for shipping compliance and cost optimization.
Container Maintenance is typically accessed through Setup → Cart Setup → Container Maintenance. Here you can search existing containers, create new ones, or modify specifications as your packaging needs evolve.
Why Container Maintenance Matters
Accurate container data powers intelligent fulfillment decisions
Cartonization
Accurate dimensions and weight limits enable optimal container selection, reducing shipping costs and void fill.
Compliance
Carrier service restrictions ensure containers meet carrier requirements, preventing shipping rejections and delays.
Efficiency
Use codes match containers to order types, streamlining pick workflows and reducing container changeovers.
Container Configuration Fields
Comprehensive specifications for every container type
Container ID & Type
Unique identifier and type classification that determines which processes can use the container.
Dimensions (H×W×L)
Height, width, and length measurements that drive cube calculations and cartonization decisions.
Storage Cube & Factor
Auto-calculated volume with utilization factor (e.g., 85%) to account for realistic fill capacity.
Weight Limits
Container tare weight and maximum weight capacity for accurate shipping calculations.
Quantity & Product Limits
Maximum order quantity and product type limits to control container contents.
Carrier Service List
Restrict container to specific carrier services for compliance with shipping requirements.
Container Setup Workflow
Create and configure containers for your fulfillment operations
Access Container Maintenance
Navigate to Setup → Cart Setup → Container Maintenance in your menu profile.
Search or Create New
Search existing containers to edit, or click 'New' to create a new container definition.
Set Type & Identity
Define Container Type, unique Container ID, and short/long name descriptions.
Enter Dimensions
Input height, width, and length. Storage Cube calculates automatically from these values.
Configure Limits
Set weight limits, quantity caps, product restrictions, and cube utilization factor.
Save Container
Click 'Save/Update' to create the container. Use 'Cancel' to revert any changes.
Container Use Codes
Match containers to order fulfillment types
Singles
Containers optimized for single-item e-commerce orders. Typically smaller boxes designed for each-pick fulfillment.
Directs
Containers for direct-to-customer shipments. May include gift packaging or branded boxes.
Multi-Line
Larger containers for orders with multiple items. Supports batch and cluster pick workflows.
Operational Impact
Proper container configuration drives measurable results
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Container Maintenance
QWhat is the Storage Cube Factor used for?
The Storage Cube Factor determines what percentage of the container's total volume can actually be utilized. Setting it to 85% means the system considers only 85% of the cube available for products, accounting for packing inefficiencies and the need for dunnage/void fill. This leads to more realistic container selection.
QHow do Container Use Codes affect picking?
Container Use Codes (Singles, Directs, Multi-Line, etc.) determine which order types can be picked into each container. When a pick task is created, the system selects containers matching the order's use code. This ensures single-item orders go to appropriate small containers while multi-line orders get larger totes.
QCan I restrict containers to specific carriers?
Yes, the Carrier ID Service List field allows you to specify which carrier services can use each container. This is essential for compliance - for example, certain carriers have strict dimensional requirements, and this ensures only approved containers are selected for their shipments.
QWhat's the difference between Maximum Weight and Container Weight?
Container Weight (or tare weight) is the weight of the empty container itself. Maximum Weight is the total allowed weight including both the container and its contents. The system uses these values for accurate shipping weight calculations and to prevent overloading containers.
QHow do Maximum Quantity and Maximum Products differ?
Maximum Quantity limits the total number of units (pieces) that can be placed in the container. Maximum Products limits how many different SKUs/product types can be mixed in one container. These work together to control container contents based on your operational needs.
QCan I edit an existing container's dimensions?
Yes, you can search for and edit existing containers at any time. However, be cautious when changing dimensions of containers currently in use - this could affect cartonization for in-progress orders. It's best to create new container definitions and phase out old ones when making significant changes.
QHow does Container Maintenance relate to cartonization?
Container Maintenance provides the master data that cartonization algorithms use to select optimal containers. The dimensions, weight limits, and cube factors you define here directly drive which container the system chooses for each order based on the products being shipped.
QWhat's the Name 20 and Name 50 fields?
Name 20 is a short description (up to 20 characters) typically used in lists and compact displays. Name 50 is a longer description (up to 50 characters) for detailed views. Together they provide flexible labeling for different screen contexts throughout the WMS.
Ready to Optimize Your Container Strategy?
See how JASCI's Container Maintenance helps you define the right containers for every fulfillment scenario.