Reusable containers

Reusable containers allow you to keep the same physical container in circulation after it has been emptied, instead of creating and disposing of one-time containers. This supports returnable packaging processes and improves long-term container traceability.

What Reusable Means

Reusable behaviour is controlled by the Reusable field on the “Container Type Card” screen.

  • When Reusable is set to Yes, the container remains available for future use after it is emptied.
  • When Reusable is set to No, the container can be removed when it becomes empty after container journal processing.

How to Set Up Reusable Containers

Open the “Container Types” screen and select the required container type.

Set the Reusable field to Yes for returnable container types such as totes, cages, or pallets that are used repeatedly.

If you want an empty container to keep its bin assignment, set Retain Bin on Empty Container to Yes.

Operational Behaviour

During container journal posting, inventory is added to or removed from the container. The app updates the container Empty status automatically from container contents.

  • Reusable container types stay in the system when empty, ready to be used again.
  • Non-reusable container types can be removed automatically when empty (except when posting transfer-style movement logic).
  • When a reusable container is empty, the bin may be retained or cleared based on Retain Bin on Empty Container.

Reusable and External Tracking

Reusable containers are commonly used with external return flows. If you use external tracking on a container type, the type is treated as reusable.

When a tracked container leaves your site, its status can move to external tracking. When it is returned, process it through the “Container Return Jnl.” screen so it is restored to active internal use.

Note: Use reusable container types only for packaging assets you expect to recover and reuse. For one-way packaging, use non-reusable container types.

Recommended Practice

  • Create separate container types for returnable and disposable packaging.
  • Enable Reusable for returnable assets and keep operational handling consistent.
  • Use clear naming in container types so users can identify reusable types quickly.
  • Review container statuses regularly in the “Containers” screen to ensure reusable assets are returned and available.