Consignment process

End-user guide for the implemented consignment process in Controlled Sales Core, including transport process-type behavior.

Purpose

This page describes the implemented consignment process in Controlled Sales Core from an end-user perspective. The focus is shipment handling, transport creation, and process-type behavior.

Business context

At consignment locations, documents are still processed operationally like sales flows, but transport logic classifies them as transfer-oriented where required. This preserves the logistics view of replenishment and transfer-like movement.

Clear split of process roles

Process role Sales control Transfer control
Trigger Customer demand and delivery call-off Replenishment need at consignment location
Primary function Start operational shipment and pick process Execute transfer order for location replenishment
Target documents Sales-related shipment/pick documents Transfer-related shipment/pick documents
Business focus Deliver customer demand on time Keep location stock availability stable

Required setup for consignment

For a stable process, these setup elements should be maintained consistently:

  • Controlled Sales Core Setup with valid Transport Nos. number series.
  • Dispatch-control setup dedicated to consignment-relevant runs.
  • Location setup aligned to actual shipment/pick handling.
  • Stockkeeping data per relevant item/location combination to drive replenishment and transfer derivation consistently.

Concrete setup: where must each configuration be done?

Setup area Where in Business Central Concrete maintenance Process impact
CSC setup Controlled Sales Core Setup page Transport Nos. and CSC process switches Ensures shipment and transport logic runs consistently.
Sales control run Dispatch Control page (Sales) Dedicated control code, sales type, consignment-relevant filters Identifies consignment-related customer demand in daily runs.
Transfer control run Dispatch Control page (Transfer) Dedicated transfer run with location and demand filters Executes downstream transfer step operationally.
Location configuration Location Card for source and target Shipment/pick behavior aligned to real process Controls whether shipment, pick, or both steps are created.
Key consignment control Location Card at the consignment location Set Consignment toggle/option to active Enables consignment-specific process interpretation for replenishment and transport.
Stockkeeping data Stockkeeping data per item and location Source/target reference and consistent replenishment parameters Enables automated transfer-demand derivation.
Transport data Transport document and related master data Carrier, timings, route, process-type verification Ensures correct Transfer classification in consignment scenarios.

Highlight: Consignment button/option on the Location Card

The most important setup point is the Consignment switch on the Location Card.

Process impact:

  • Sales-related execution remains controllable through Sales Control.
  • Replenishment can be converted into transfer-oriented downstream processing.
  • Transport is classified as Transfer in consignment context where required.
  • Reporting and audit perspective follow location and replenishment flow.

Recommended implementation sequence:

  1. Complete CSC setup and number series.
  2. Define and test Sales and Transfer control runs separately.
  3. Release location shipment/pick logic per location.
  4. Validate stockkeeping data for consignment-relevant items.
  5. Start productive consignment and transport posting afterwards.

Typical flow

Process 1) Prepare order and call-off data Consignment-related demand data is released in the standard CSC flow.
  • Delivery call-offs are released and written into operational sales lines.
  • Dispatch control creates the required shipment/pick execution steps.
  • The flow still follows standard BC location setup.
Process 1b) Derive replenishment from stockkeeping data With maintained replenishment logic, transfer demand is derived from consignment sales demand.
  • Demand side originates from consignment-relevant sales lines.
  • Stockkeeping data provides source/destination and quantity derivation logic.
  • If all conditions are met, downstream transfer processing is prepared.
Process 2) Post shipment Posted shipment data becomes the source for transport creation.
  • After shipment posting, transport creation can start.
  • For consignment scenarios, location and shipping master data quality is critical.
Process 2b) Provide automated transfer order Transfer processing extends sales-related execution by physical location replenishment.
  • A transfer order is provided as downstream step by replenishment logic.
  • Operational execution is handled via Transfer Control with matching shipment/pick behavior.
  • This keeps stock at the consignment location continuously supplied.
Process 3) Create transport from posted shipment The system creates transport and determines process type.
  • Transport is built from posted shipment information.
  • In consignment, transport process type can be handled as Transfer.
  • This keeps operational reporting aligned with consignment business logic.
Process 4) Complete and post transport Carrier and handoff data is validated and posted.
  • Verify shipment method, shipping agent, carrier handoff date/time, and delivery date.
  • Add route, bordero, and transport notes where required.
  • Post only after all mandatory details are complete.

End-user guidance

  • Consignment does not replace the full order process; it changes logistics interpretation at transport level.
  • The Sales vs. Transfer distinction is important for reporting and downstream handling.
  • Inconsistent location setup often causes wrong process-type classification.

Detailed view: end-to-end chain

  1. Sales control processes customer demand and creates shipment/pick execution.
  2. In consignment scenarios, replenishment logic adds transfer processing.
  3. Transfer Control executes the transfer order according to warehouse setup.
  4. After posting, transport is created and classified transfer-oriented for consignment reporting.

Mapping to transport processing

  • Source can be sales-related, but transport classification in consignment is intentionally transfer-oriented.
  • For reporting, KPI, and audit trails, transport process type is the key perspective.
  • End-to-end traceability remains intact through shipment, transfer, and transport documents.

Result

  • Consignment handling is documented in a practical way.
  • Shipment and transport remain transparent in daily operations.
  • Transport reporting reflects the true consignment process design.

Links

Further Information

Related pages