One of the differentiating features of Mars is the ability to specify rules under which the system will automatically "roll up" an order to the next full pallet layer, or full pallet in order to create warehouse friendly orders. These "roll ups" are controlled by the Lot Size and Lot Sensitivity settings assigned to each item.
There are two Lot Size data fields (Ti-Hi) for each item. Lot Size 1 (Ti) is intended to represent the number of items in a pallet layer. Lot Size 2 (Hi) is intended to represent the number of layers on a pallet.
For example, on a standard 48x40 pallet it may be that 9 cases of Item A will fit on a single layer. Based on the maximum allowed height of the pallet, 6 layers may be allowed. Lot Size 1 would be set to 9 and Lot Size 2 would be set to 6. A full pallet would hold 54 cases.
There are also two Lot Sensitivity data fields for each item. These two fields control when the system will automatically roll up to the next full layer or pallet.
Lot Sensitivity 1 determines the threshold at which a suggested order quantity is rolled up to the next layer. This threshold is expressed as a percentage of the layer. If a Lot Sensitivity 1 value of 50 is supplied, the suggested quantity would be rolled up to the next full layer (increments of Lot Size 1) if the current suggested quantity was greater than 50% of the Lot Size 1 value.
Lot Sensitivity 2 determines the threshold at which a suggested order quantity is rolled up to the next pallet. This threshold is expressed as a percentage of Lot Size 2. If a Lot Sensitivity 2 value of 50 is supplied, the suggested quantity would be rolled up to the next full pallet (increments of Lot Size 1 x Lot Size 2) if the current number of layers was greater than 50% of the Lot Size 2 value.
Special Values:
If Lot Sensitivity 1 is set to 100, then the system will ALWAYS order in full layers (increments of Lot Size 1)
If Lot Sensitivity 2 is set to 1 and the current suggested quantity size is in a full layer, then the system will ALWAYS order in full pallets (increments of Lot Size 1 x Lot Size 2)
Lock:
Some customers use automated scripts to set the lot sensitivity values based on vendor, location, or volume criteria. The system supports the ability to lock individual items from being changed by these scripts. This is done on the item maintenance page by checking the Lock checkbox next to the lot sensitivity settings. (Note automated scripts will need to honor the [switch2] setting in the item_switches table)
