A Product in Cube-IQ is any object that can be loaded into a container. Products can be rectangular (e.g., boxes or cartons), cylindrical (e.g., rolls or drums), or L-shaped (e.g., sofas). Cube-IQ enables detailed configuration of product dimensions, weights, orientations, and stacking rules to optimize loading and ensure compatibility with containers.
Accessing Product Details
The Product Details window can be accessed in the following ways:
- Select the Products tab on the main menu.
- Use the F5 keyboard shortcut.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Viewing Products
- Open the Products window.
- Use the navigation buttons (First, Prev, Next, Last) in the top menu to locate a specific product, or right-click anywhere in the window to view a list of products.
Create or Modify a Product
- Select New from the top menu to create a new container and enter the following data:
- Product Id: Unique identifier or name for the container.
- Dimensions: Depth, Width, Height
- Weight Capacity: Maximum weight the container can hold.
- Settings: Optimization parameters selected from the drop-down list or defined through the Settings tab.
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Type: Options include:
- Rectangular
- Irregular shape / ULD
- Truck / Trailer
- Pallet
- Carton
- Railcar
- Tube
- Select the Redraw button to view a graphical representation of the container. Rotate the view by dragging the mouse over the graphic.
- Click the Save button to save changes.
Product Details
The product details section includes several tabs to manage various product configurations.
Shape
- Select the product shape: Box, Cylinder, Pallet, etc.
- For L-shaped products, enter additional data such as Back Depth and Seat Height for accurate representation.
Other Data
Define advanced options such as:
- Master Package Code: Groups similar products.
- Matching Code: Restricts products to specific containers or zones.
- Combination Code: Defines which products can be combined in containers.
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Delete with Load: Automatically removes products when their associated load is deleted.
Orientations
- Configure allowed product orientations and rules for each.
- Define orientation-specific data such as:
- Maximum Stack: Number of units in a stack.
- Supported Weight: Maximum weight that can be loaded on the product.
-
Stack Index: Assigns products to higher or lower levels based on weight or fragility.
Stacking
- Configure stacking rules for products, such as:
- Stack Code: Restricts stacking combinations using a matrix.
- Supports Same Footprint Only: Ensures only identical products are stacked together.
-
Nested Stacking: Defines height adjustments for stacked products.
Items
- Add smaller items as part of a larger product (e.g., boxes on a pallet).
- Use for two-stage loading, where products are first grouped (e.g., pallets) and then loaded into containers.
Filtering
- Define filters to group products for specific loads or scenarios.
- Use attributes like supplier or plant location to refine product visibility during load setup.
Drawing
- Create graphical representations of products using draw-boxes for more realistic load diagrams.
- Assign colors to draw boxes for visual clarity.
Advanced Features
Stack Codes and Matrix
- Create and assign stack codes to products to define stacking rules.
- Use the Stacking Matrix to determine which products can be stacked on others.
Combination Codes and Matrix
- Assign combination codes to products to control which products can be loaded together.
- Configure the Combination Matrix to establish compatibility between product combinations.
Best Practices
- Use matching codes to restrict products to specific containers or zones.
- Define custom configurations to simplify load planning or grouped products.
- Configure orientation rules for fragile or irregularly shaped items.
- Use draw boxes to improve visualization in load plans.
Additional Resources
How to Match Products with Containers
How To Group Products Together Within a Load
How To Control Product Stacking Using The Stacking Matrix
How To Control Which Products Can Be Combined In A Loaded Container