The Directed Replenishment module is far more complex. This module starts with a custom-built calculation which is dropped into the core DATASCOPE WMS software. As such, the actual rules to generate replenishment orders are endless. We can easily build advanced replenishment calculations that vary by warehouse, warehouse area, or stock code product class. Each generated replenishment order writes to a replenishment master table for execution.

Similar to the Sales order wave releasing screen, a review screen allows the Replenishment Manager to review replenishment lines in logical groupings and release these in waves. For instance, the manager may review all replenishment lines at 3 pm in the afternoon. First, all lines are Auto Allocated. This process applies the preset stock allocation rules to find the most optimal stock to reserve. Once the lines have reserved stock from the bulk locations, the screen can be filtered by logical grouping before releasing in waves. For example, the Manager may sort the replenishment orders by bulk bin Area, Zone, or even Aisle, and then release multiple picking slips for each grouping. So, if the release were done at the Aisle level, we would end up with separate pick slips by Aisle.

Replenishment staff is then allocated picking slips and moves through the warehouse processing the replenishment picks. Each picking slip is picked onto a pallet or set of pallets and moved to the pick face area or the destination warehouse (the demand may have come from a pick face, another warehouse, or a factory location). This picking process applies full stock reservation logic, which manages stock availability in the bulk bin locations and ensures that the stock is not taken for a customer order or another replenishment order.

Picked replenishment stock is moved to the destination area (Warehouse or pick face) and the standard replenishment put away is used to scan the stock into the destination bins.