Summary
This article describes the new, optional workflow for handling items that a picker cannot physically find in a warehouse location. This feature creates a more flexible process that prevents a single missing item from stopping an entire picking task. It allows pickers to continue working while the inventory issue is flagged for a supervisor to resolve.
This new workflow involves three roles:
Pickers: Report the missing item.
Packers: Identify the short-picked order and report it to a supervisor.
Supervisors: Investigate the shortage and resolve the order.
⚙️ Configuration
To use this feature, you must first enable it in the client settings.
Navigate to Client Settings.
Find the setting:
Retain Allocation During Missing.Change the value to
TRUE.
Note: The default value is FALSE. When set to FALSE, the system will continue to use the standard (legacy) missing item process, which creates a "hard stop" during picking.
➡️ Workflow Overview
Step 1: Picker - Reporting a Missing Item
When a picker starts a task and cannot physically find an item or finds a short quantity, they will follow this new process on their mobile device.
At the picking location, the picker observes the item is missing.
The picker selects the "Report as Missing" button.
The picker enters the actual quantity they found (e.g., "0").
The system will then perform one of two actions:
Scenario A: Item is Found Elsewhere
The system immediately attempts to reallocate the needed inventory from a different location in the warehouse.
If successful, the picker's task list is automatically updated with the new location.
The picker proceeds to the new location to pick the item, and the workflow continues seamlessly.
Scenario B: Item is Not Found
If the system cannot find the item in any other allocatable location, the task is automatically skipped.
Crucially, the picking process is not stopped or canceled.
The order retains its allocation, but it is internally flagged with a
Pick Short Status = Open.Note: Unlike the standard "hard stop" missing process, the inventory is not flagged with a "Missing" damage reason. The system retains the allocation, assuming the item might be found.
The picker moves on to the next item or task in their queue.
After completing all other tasks for the order, the picker transfers the successfully picked items to the packing station as per the standard process.
Step 2: Packer - Identifying the Short-Picked Order
When the container of picked items arrives at the packing station, it cannot be packed immediately.
System Block: The order still has a status like "Picking Started" and is flagged with
Pick Short Status = Open. The packing screen is designed to stop orders with this "Open" short-pick status.Action Required: The packer will not be able to scan and pack the order. They must manually report the short-picked order to their supervisor for resolution.
Step 3: Supervisor - Resolving the Missing Item
Once notified by the packer, the supervisor must investigate the shortage and use the "Issue Label" system to manage the resolution.
Generating the Issue Label
In Logiwa IO, navigate to the Shipment Order screen.
Search for and select the affected order.
Generate an Issue Label (this may use the "Issue Label" printout type).
The system will print the label. This label should be attached to the container of already-picked items.
The Issue Label provides all the key information to investigate the shortage:
Order Code (with barcode)
Order Date and Expected Shipment Date
Location/LP of the picked items (where the container is)
Total Number of Items vs. Total Number of Picked Items
Unscanned Items List (SKU, Barcode, Unscanned Qty)
Source Location/LPN of the Unscanned Items (i.e., where the picker reported it missing)
System Update After Printing
This is a critical step: As soon as the Issue Label is successfully printed, the system automatically changes the order's Pick Short Status from Open to Resolved.
This "Resolved" status unlocks the order in the system, signaling that it has been investigated and is ready for a final outcome (like being packed short or having the missing item added).
🏁 Final Resolution Outcomes
After the supervisor or inventory team investigates the missing item, there are three possible outcomes:
1. Missing Item is Found
The item was misplaced (e.g., in a nearby bin, or in an incorrect location).
The item can now be picked (e.g., using the mobile picking screen) and added to the rest of the order. The already-picked items do not need to be re-picked.
The order is now complete and can be sent to the packing station to be packed and shipped in full.
2. Item Not Found & Partials Allowed
This outcome applies if the client setting
Allow Partial Shipment = TRUE.The supervisor confirms the item is truly out of stock.
Because the
Pick Short Statusis now "Resolved," the order can be moved to the packing station.The packer packs and ships the items that were available.
The remaining (missing) part of the order is canceled.
3. Item Not Found & No Partials
This outcome applies if the client setting
Allow Partial Shipment = FALSE.The supervisor confirms the item is truly out of stock.
The order's allocation must be canceled.
The items that were already picked must be transferred back to inventory stock.