FBA Inbound and Scanning Logistics
This module handles the physical movement of stock from your warehouse to Amazon Fulfilment Centres (FCs) and includes the scan-based verification system for picking and packing.
1. The Amazon Inbound Workflow
A shipment to Amazon follows a strict, step-by-step process in the FBA Inbound DocType. Each step communicates with Amazon SP-API in real-time.
| Step | Action | What happens? |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Create Plan | Create Plan |
Sends your SKU list to Amazon. Amazon acknowledges the plan and provides an Inbound Plan ID. |
| 2. Packing | Get Packing Options |
Amazon provides different ways to group items into boxes. You select one and confirm how many boxes you have. |
| 3. Placement | Get Placement Options |
Amazon decides which warehouses (FCs) your boxes should go to. One plan might be split into multiple shipments. |
| 4. Transport | Get Transport Options |
You enter a "Ready to Ship" date. Amazon provides shipping quotes and carrier options. You select and confirm. |
| 5. Labels | Get Labels |
The final step. The system downloads PDF box labels (and pallet labels if needed) directly from Amazon and attaches them to the record. |
2. Scan-Based Picking System
To prevent picking errors, the Pick List has a built-in scan dialog.
- Tote Scanning: Every pick list is assigned to a "Tote" (a physical container/bin). The user first scans the barcode of the Tote.
- Item Verification:
- The user scans an item's barcode.
- The system identifies the item and checks if it's part of the current Pick List.
- A dialog shows the Required Qty vs. Already Picked.
- The user enters the quantity they just picked.
- The system updates the Pick List in real-time and alerts the user when all items are picked.
3. FBA Packing Slips (The "Box Seal")
The FBA Packing Slip is where you finalize the physical boxes being sent to Amazon. It bridges the gap between your local Stock Entry and the Amazon shipment.
- Tote-to-Box Flow: You scan the Tote you used during picking. The system automatically pulls all items that were picked into that Tote from the linked Stock Entry.
- Scanning to Pack:
- The packer scans the barcode of each item as they place it into the physical box.
- The system tracks the Packed Qty (Singles).
- If an item was picked in a large UOM (like a Box of 10) but scanned as singles, the system uses Conversion Factors to ensure the math is correct.
- Dimensions & Weight: Once scanned, you select a Shipment Parcel Template (e.g., "Large Box"). The system automatically fills the depth, height, and width, and calculates the total Net Weight based on item data.
4. Scan-Based Purchase Receipts
To ensure 100% accuracy when receiving stock from suppliers, the Purchase Receipt also includes a scan-based dialog.
- Workflow:
- Click "Scan Item" on a Draft Purchase Receipt.
- Scan an item barcode.
- The system identifies the item and searches for Open Purchase Orders for that supplier.
- Expiry & Batch Tracking: The dialog requires the user to enter a Batch No and Expiry Date immediately.
- Shelf Life Protection: The system checks the expiry date against the "Min Shelf Expiry" setting. If it's too short, it warns the user before allowing the item to be added.
5. Real-time Feedback
Throughout the FBA Inbound and logistics process, the system uses Frappe Realtime to show live progress alerts (e.g., "Packing options ready", "Labels ready"). If Amazon returns an error, the system displays it clearly in a red alert box so the operator knows exactly what went wrong (e.g., "Invalid SKU" or "Shipment too heavy").