Help Overview

Here you can find all relevant information to use the ALC palletizing software

Please use the navigation menue on the left side to find the right answer.

Target group

This documentation is aimed at users with the following knowledge and skills:

  • Advanced knowledge of the general material flow and palletizing applications im general
  • Understanding of the functional principle of the system and knowledge of the specific product(s) involved

Terms used

The terms explained here are those specific to ALC Palletizing Software

Term Description
Primary Pattern Layer Pattern consisting of the same package type
Sub-Pattern Layer Pattern consisting of the same package type with less units per layer than the primary pattern
Hybrid Pattern Layer Pattern consisting of more than one package type
SKU Stock Keeping Unit (A sellable article)
Case vs. Unit In the Softdrink industry, the end customer orders in case quantities. Sometimes one case equates to more than one physical unit.

Product description

ALC Palletizing Software is a product developped and distributed by the company ALC, LLC. The software calculates the optimal number of customer order pallets for submitted order lines. It uses predefined layer patterns, stacking rules and further optimization criterias to come up with the most optima result. The intension is, that the calculated pallets are build by automated layer palletizing machines or robot based palletizing systems. Depending on the automation's capabilities, a manual top off process may follow to finalize the pallet.

The following functions are included:

  • Local database to store master data like, SKU Master, Package Master, Pallet Types, Layer Patterns, Stacking Matrix
  • REST API Interface to interact with the palletizing algorithm
  • Optimization algorithm for calculation of the optimal number of order pallets
    • Fast and simple algorithm to come up quickly with a valid solution
    • Slower and more complex algorithm to come up with an optimal solution
  • Physic Simulation to automaticall generate the stacking matrix
  • 3D Visualization of package types, layer patterns, stacking matrix and order pallets

General Process Flow:

In order to calculate orders the following initial steps must be performed:

  1. Submit all Package Types (/package_types/)
  2. Submit all Articles (/articles/)
  3. Submit all Pallet Types (/pallet_types/)
  4. Define all Layer Patterns (/patterns/)
  5. Define Pick Sequence (/pick_sequences/)
  6. Define Pick Zones (/pickzones/)
  7. Update Stacking Matrix (/stacking_matrix/)

Once this data is available, orders can be processed by the following steps:

  1. Submit an order with the unique order_id (/orders/)
  2. Trigger the calculation (/palletizing_plans/{order_id}/calculate)
  3. Retrieve the calculation (/palletizing_plans/{order_id})