Bin Tags

What is Bin Tags?

Bin Tags are unique numeric identifiers that are automatically assigned to bins to facilitate their identification, labeling, and tracking. Each bin can have a numeric tag that uniquely identifies it, which is especially useful for printing physical labels, filtering in reports, and referencing in warehouse processes.

The system automatically assigns a bin tag when needed, starting from 101 if there are no existing tags, and incrementing sequentially for each new tag assigned.

Automatic Assignment

Bin tags are assigned automatically when needed. You don’t need to create or assign tags manually - the system manages them for you.

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Why Use Bin Tags?

Unique Identification

Each bin has a unique numeric identifier that facilitates its identification and reference in physical and digital systems.

Label Printing

Use bin tags to print physical bin labels. Tags provide a clear and easy-to-read reference on printed labels.

Report Filtering

Filter reports and history views by bin tag. Quickly find all records related to a specific bin using its tag.

Process Reference

Use bin tags as reference in picking, receiving, and other warehouse workflow processes. Tags provide a quick and clear reference.

Replenishment Tracking

Bin tags can include additional information when associated with replenishments, including PO number, supplier, and arrival date.

External System Integration

Bin tags provide a standard numeric reference that can be easily integrated with external labeling or tracking systems.

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How Bin Tags Work

Automatic Assignment

Bin tags are assigned automatically when needed:

1. When bin tag information is requested:

   • If the bin already has a tag assigned, that tag is returned
   • If the bin doesn’t have a tag, the system automatically assigns the next available number

2. Sequential numbering:

   • The system searches for the highest existing tag
   • Assigns the next number (highest tag + 1)
   • If there are no existing tags, it starts from 101

3. Persistence:

   • Once assigned, the tag is saved in the bin table in the bin_tag field
   • The tag remains associated with the bin until deleted or manually changed

View Bin Tags

Bin tags are displayed in various system views:

• Bin Overview: Shows the bin tag in the bin information
• Bin History: Includes the bin tag in history records
• Warehouse Views: Shows bin tags in inventory lists
• Order Processing: May show bin tags in picking processes

Using Bin Tags to Filter

1. Access a view that shows bin tags

   Navigate to Bin History or another view that includes bin tag information.

2. Use the bin tag filter

   If the view has a bin tag filter, select it from the dropdown menu or enter it in the search field.

3. Apply the filter

   The view will automatically filter showing only records related to that specific bin tag.

Printing Labels with Bin Tags

1. Select the bin

   From Warehouse or Bin Overview, select the bin for which you want to print a label.

2. Access the printing option

   Look for the option to print bin labels or tags.

3. Select “Bin tag” as label type

   In the printing options, select “Bin tag” as the type of label to print.

4. Configure printing

   Adjust the label size and format according to your needs.

5. Print the label

   The label will include the bin tag along with other relevant bin information.

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Functionality Details

Information Included in Bin Tags

When bin tag information is requested, the system returns:

• Bin tag: The tag number
• BIN: The bin name
• SKU: Product SKU in the bin
• Description: Product description
• Location: Bin location
• Supplier: Product supplier
• Company Name: Account name
• Account ID: Account ID

Additional Information for Replenishments

If the bin tag is associated with a replenishment (reple_id), it also includes:

• Replenishment ID: Replenishment request ID
• PO Number: Purchase order number
• Supplier Name: Supplier name
• Quantity: Received quantity
• Lot: Lot number
• Expiration Date: Expiration date
• UOM: Unit of measure
• Date Arrived: Arrival date
• Case Qty: Quantity per case

Tag Assignment

The assignment process works as follows:

1. Initial verification:

   • The system verifies if the bin already has a bin_tag assigned
   • If it exists and is greater than 0, that tag is used

2. New assignment:

   • If there’s no tag, the system searches for the maximum existing tag
   • Calculates the next number (maximum + 1)
   • If there are no existing tags, uses 101 as the first tag
   • Updates the bin with the new tag

3. Persistence:

   • The tag is saved in the database
   • It’s returned along with the bin information

Usage in History

Bin tags are recorded in bin history (historybin) and can be used to:

• Filter history by specific bin tag
• Track all changes related to a bin tag
• View the evolution of a bin over time using its tag

Integration with Labeling

Bin tags are designed to work with labeling systems:

• Physical printing: Tags provide clear numbers for physical labels
• Scanning: Tags can be scanned and used for quick search
• Visual reference: Numbers are easy to read and remember

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💡 Best Practices

Use Tags for Physical Labeling

Assign and use bin tags to physically label your bins. This facilitates quick identification in the warehouse.

Maintain Consistency

Once a bin has a tag, keep that tag. Don’t change tags unnecessarily as they may be referenced in external systems.

Use Tags to Filter

Take advantage of bin tag filters in reports and history views to quickly find related information.

Include Tags in Printed Labels

When printing bin labels, include the bin tag to facilitate cross-referencing between physical and digital systems.

Document Tags in External Systems

If you use external labeling or tracking systems, document the correspondence between bin tags and your external systems.

Review Tags in Replenishments

When receiving replenishments, review associated bin tags to maintain complete inventory traceability.

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Troubleshooting

A bin doesn’t have a bin tag

Problem: A bin doesn’t show a bin tag or shows 0.

Solutions:

1. This is normal - tags are assigned automatically when needed
2. If you need a tag immediately, request bin tag information from the corresponding API or view
3. The system will automatically assign the next available number
4. Verify that the bin exists in the database

The bin tag doesn’t appear in views

Problem: The bin tag is not displayed in views or reports.

Solutions:

1. Verify that the view includes the bin tag column
2. Some views may hide the bin tag column if there are no assigned tags
3. Verify that you have permissions to view bin information
4. Reload the view to ensure data is up to date

I can’t filter by bin tag

Problem: The bin tag filter doesn’t work or doesn’t appear.

Solutions:

1. Verify that the view has bin tag filtering functionality
2. Some views may not have this functionality enabled
3. Verify that you enter the correct bin tag number
4. Try using the BIN filter instead if the tag filter is not available

The bin tag is not assigned correctly

Problem: The system doesn’t assign a bin tag when it should.

Solutions:

1. Verify that the bin exists in the database
2. Verify that there’s a database connection
3. Review system logs for related errors
4. Contact the administrator if the problem persists

Bin tags are not sequential

Problem: Assigned bin tags don’t follow a logical sequence.

Solutions:

1. This may be normal if bins were deleted or tags were manually changed
2. The system always assigns the next available number (maximum + 1)
3. If you need a specific sequence, it may require manual adjustments in the database
4. Gaps in the sequence don’t affect system functionality

I can’t print labels with bin tags

Problem: The option to print labels with bin tags doesn’t work.

Solutions:

1. Verify that the bin has a tag assigned
2. Verify that you have permissions to print labels
3. Verify that the printer is configured correctly
4. Make sure to select “Bin tag” as the label type in printing options

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Related Links

Next Steps:

• Bin Overview - Complete view of current bin status
• Bin History - View complete history of bin changes
• Bin Lists - Manage bin volumes
• Warehouse Overview - Warehouse general overview with bin tags
• Label Management - Manage labels and printing formats
• Receiving - Receiving process where bin tags can be assigned