This guide provides detailed configuration instructions for P4 Warehouse system settings, Automation rules, and optimization strategies. These settings control how P4 Warehouse operates and can significantly impact efficiency and accuracy.
Important: Configuration changes can affect all users and Operations. Test changes in a non-Production environment when possible.
CRITICAL: Follow this exact sequence to avoid configuration issues. Some settings cannot be changed after transactions exist.
1. 3PL/Multi-Company (if applicable)
2. Warehouses
3. Zones
4. Bins
5. Products
6. Customers/Vendors
7. Users
8. Automation Rules
Path: Setup > System > Configuration
General:
├── Company Name: [Your Company]
├── Time Zone: [Select appropriate]
├── Date Format: MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY
├── Currency: USD (or local)
└── Language: English (default)
Operating Hours:
├── Start Time: 06:00
├── End Time: 18:00
├── Working Days: Mon-Fri
└── Holiday Calendar: [Import holidays]
Path: Setup > System > Configuration > Business > Number Sequences
| Sequence Type | Format | Example | Reset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pick Ticket | PT--{00000} | PT-2024-00001 | Yearly |
| Purchase Order | PO--{00000} | PO-2024-00001 | Yearly |
| RMA | RMA-{00000} | RMA-00001 | Never |
| License Plate | LP{0000000} | LP0000001 | Never |
| Cycle Count | CC--{000} | CC-202401-001 | Monthly |
Path: Setup > System > Warehouses
Warehouse Information:
├── Warehouse Code: [Must match ERP if integrated]
├── Warehouse Name: [Descriptive name]
├── Type: Standard/Bonded/Temperature Controlled
└── Default Language: [For multi-language Support]
Address:
├── Complete physical address
├── Time zone (if different from system)
├── Contact information
└── Operating hours
Receiving Settings:
Shipping Settings:
Path: Warehouse > Edit > Zones
| Zone Type | Purpose | Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving | Inbound processing | Temporary storage, no Picking |
| Staging | Order consolidation | No long-term storage |
| Shipping | Outbound processing | Final QC area |
| Picking | Active Inventory | Primary pick locations |
| BULK | Overstock/Reserve | Replenishment source |
| RETURNS | RMA processing | Inspection/quarantine |
| QUARANTINE | Hold/damaged | Restricted access |
Zone Configuration:
├── Zone Code: [A, B, C or RECV, Ship, etc.]
├── Zone Type: By Product / By LPN
├── Temperature: Ambient/Cooler/Freezer
├── Security: Standard/Restricted/High Security
├── Pick Sequence: [Numeric order for routing]
└── Default Printer: [Zone-specific printer]
Special Attributes:
├── Hazmat Certified: Yes/No
├── Food Grade: Yes/No
├── Bonded: Yes/No
├── High Value: Yes/No
└── Flammable Storage: Yes/No
Standard Format: [Zone]-[Aisle]-[Rack]-[Level]
Examples:
A-01-01-A (Zone A, Aisle 01, Rack 01, Level A)RECV-01 (Receiving Zone, Position 01)Ship-STAGE-01 (Shipping Staging, Position 01)Path: Zone > Edit > Bin Mask
Common Patterns:
├── {0:00}-{1:00}-{2:A} → 01-01-A, 01-02-B
├── {0:A}-{1:00}-{2:0} → A-01-1, B-02-2
├── STAGE-{0:000} → STAGE-001, STAGE-002
└── {0:AA}{1:00}{2:0} → AA01-1, AB02-2
Physical Properties:
├── Height (inches/cm)
├── Width (inches/cm)
├── Depth (inches/cm)
├── Weight Capacity (lbs/kg)
└── Volume (cu ft/m³)
Restrictions:
├── Single SKU Only: Yes/No
├── Single Lot Only: Yes/No
├── Mixing Allowed: Yes/No
├── Packsize Handling: Auto-break/Maintain
└── Reserved For: [Specific product/Customer]
Path: Setup > Products
Mandatory Fields:
├── SKU: [Unique identifier]
├── Description: [Clear, concise]
├── Barcode: [Auto-generate or manual]
├── Client: [If multi-company]
└── Status: Active/Inactive
Tracking Options:
├── Lot Tracking: Yes/No
├── Serial Tracking: Yes/No
├── Expiry Tracking: Yes/No
├── Catch Weight: Yes/No
└── Decimal Quantities: Yes/No
Standard Products:
├── Length × Width × Height
├── Weight (lbs/kg)
├── Units per Case
└── Cases per Pallet
Decimal Products:
├── Unit of Measure: KG/LB/L/GAL/M/FT
├── Minimum Sellable Qty: 0.01
├── Rounding Rule: 0.01/0.1/1
└── Variance Tolerance: 2%
Path: Setup > Products > Categories
Organize Products for reporting and slotting:
Path: Setup > System > Users
| Role | Web Access | Mobile Access | Permissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admin | ✓ | ✓ | Full system access |
| Manager | ✓ | ✓ | All Operations, no system config |
| Dispatcher | ✓ | ✗ | Order management, reporting |
| Receiver | ✗ | ✓ | Receiving, putaway |
| Picker | ✗ | ✓ | Picking, packing |
| Cycle Counter | ✗ | ✓ | Cycle Count only |
| Viewer | ✓ | ✗ | Read-only access |
Available Modules:
├── Receiving
│ ├── Create PO
│ ├── Receive
│ ├── Putaway
│ └── Print Labels
├── Fulfillment
│ ├── Create Orders
│ ├── Allocate
│ ├── Wave Management
│ └── Shipping
├── Inventory
│ ├── Adjustments
│ ├── Transfers
│ ├── Cycle Count
│ └── Quarantine
├── Reports
│ ├── View Reports
│ ├── Create Reports
│ └── Export Data
└── Administration
├── User Management
├── System Config
└── Integration Setup
Password Policy:
├── Minimum Length: 8 characters
├── Complexity: Upper + Lower + Number + Special
├── Expiration: 90 days
├── History: Last 5 passwords
└── Lockout: 5 failed attempts
Session Settings:
├── Web Timeout: 30 minutes
├── Mobile Timeout: 8 hours
├── Concurrent Sessions: 1 per user
└── Force Logout: Daily at midnight
Path: Setup > System > Configuration > Business > Fulfillment > Automation
Order Processing:
├── Auto-Allocate on Release: Yes/No
├── Allocation Method: FIFO/FEFO/LIFO
├── Auto-Wave After Allocation: Yes/No
├── Wave Size: 20-30 orders
├── Auto-Generate Backorders: Yes/No
└── Auto-Close After Ship: Yes/No
Pick Ticket Settings:
├── Auto-Print on Wave: Yes/No
├── Group by Zone: Yes/No
├── Sort by Location: Yes/No
└── Batch Pick Threshold: 5 orders
└── Cartonization: Auto/Manual
PO Processing:
├── Auto-Create Bins: Yes/No
├── Auto-Assign Locations: Yes/No
├── Default Putaway Strategy: Directed/Suggested
├── Auto-Close PO: When fully received
├── Generate Labels: Automatic
└── Quality Hold: None/All/By Product
LPN Settings:
├── Auto-Generate LPN: Yes/No
├── LPN Format: LP{0000000}
├── Maintain on Putaway: Yes/No
└── Allow Mixing: Yes/No
└── Print on Creation: Yes/No
Cycle Count:
├── Auto-Generate Daily: Yes/No
├── Count per Day: 20-30 locations
├── Approval Required: Yes/No
├── Variance Threshold: 5%
├── Auto-Recount: If variance > threshold
Replenishment:
├── Auto-Generate Tasks: Yes/No
├── Min/Max Check: Daily at 6 AM
├── Priority: By velocity
├── Task Assignment: Auto/Manual
└── Confirmation Required: Yes/No
Path: Setup > System > Configuration > Email
Server Settings:
├── SMTP Server: smtp.office365.com
├── Port: 587
├── Security: TLS/SSL
├── Authentication: Yes
├── Username: [Email address]
└── Password: [encrypted]
From Address:
├── Display Name: P4 Warehouse System
├── Email: noreply@company.com
├── Reply-To: Warehouse@company.com
└── Test Email: [Send test]
Path: Setup > System > Configuration > Notifications
| Event | Recipients | Trigger | Template |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO Received | Purchasing | On close | Receipt confirmation |
| Order Shipped | Customer | On Ship | Tracking info |
| Low Stock | Purchasing | < Min level | Reorder alert |
| Cycle Count | Supervisor | Variance >5% | Approval needed |
| Expiry Alert | Quality | 30 days | Action required |
Order Confirmations:
├── Send on Release: Yes/No
├── Include Pick Ticket: No
├── Format: PDF/HTML
└── Language: Per Customer
Shipping Notifications:
├── Send on Ship: Yes
├── Include Packing Slip: Yes
├── Include Tracking: Yes
├── Include Invoice: Per Customer
└── ASN Format: EDI/Email/Both
Requirements:
Path: Setup > System > Printing > Print Agent
Agent Configuration:
├── Server Name: PRINTSERVER01
├── Port: 9100
├── Status: Running (Windows Service)
├── Auto-Start: Yes
└── Error Notifications: Warehouse@company.com
Path: Setup > System > Printing > Printers
| Printer Name | Type | DPI | Location | Default For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZEBRA-RECV-01 | Label | 203 | Receiving | Product Labels |
| ZEBRA-PICK-01 | Label | 203 | Pick Area | Pick tickets |
| ZEBRA-PACK-01 | Label | 300 | Packing | Shipping Labels |
| HP-OFFICE-01 | Laser | 600 | Office | Reports, BOL |
Label Types:
├── Product Label (4x2)
│ ├── SKU + Barcode
│ ├── Description
│ ├── Lot/Expiry (if applicable)
│ └── QR code (optional)
├── Location Label (4x2)
│ ├── Location barcode
│ ├── Zone-Aisle-Rack-Bin
│ └── Capacity info
├── Shipping Label (4x6)
│ ├── Carrier format
│ ├── Tracking barcode
│ └── Return address
└── Pallet Label (8.5x11)
├── LPN barcode
├── Content list
└── Destination
Path: Setup > 3PL > Clients
CRITICAL: Must be configured BEFORE creating Products or transactions
Client Setup:
├── Client Code: [Unique 3-5 chars]
├── Client Name: [Full company name]
├── Type: Standard/VIP/Trial
├── Status: Active/Inactive/Hold
└── SSCC Prefix: [7-9 digits for Labels]
Billing Settings:
├── Enable Billing: Yes/No
├── Billing Cycle: Monthly/Bi-weekly/Weekly
├── Billing Day: 1st/15th/Monday
├── Auto-Post Invoice: Yes/No
├── Payment Terms: Net 30/45/60
└── Currency: USD
Path: Setup > 3PL > Billing Profiles
Service Charges:
├── Receiving
│ ├── Per Receipt: $X.XX
│ ├── Per Line: $X.XX
│ ├── Per Unit: $X.XX
│ └── Per Pallet: $X.XX
├── Storage
│ ├── Per Pallet/Day: $X.XX
│ ├── Per Bin/Month: $X.XX
│ ├── Per Cubic Ft: $X.XX
│ └── Minimum Charge: $X.XX
├── Picking
│ ├── Per Order: $X.XX
│ ├── Per Line: $X.XX
│ ├── Per Unit: $X.XX
│ └── Rush Fee: $X.XX
└── Special Services
├── Labeling: $X.XX per label
├── Kitting: $X.XX per kit
├── Returns: $X.XX per RMA
└── Cycle Count: $X.XX per count
Inventory Segregation:
├── Separate Zones: Yes (recommended)
├── Shared Bins: No
├── Label Prefix: Client code
└── Report Filtering: Automatic
User Access:
├── Client Portal: Enabled
├── Visible Data: Own only
├── Order Entry: Yes/No
├── Report Access: Limited
└── API Access: Separate keys
Path: Setup > System > Configuration > API
API Configuration:
├── Base URL: https://api.p4warehouse.com
├── Version: v1
├── Rate Limit: 100 req/minute
├── Timeout: 30 seconds
└── Retry Attempts: 3
Authentication:
├── Method: Bearer Token
├── Token Expiry: 24 hours
├── Refresh Token: Enabled
└── IP Whitelist: [Optional]
Webhook Events:
├── Order Events
│ ├── Order Created
│ ├── Order Allocated
│ ├── Order Picked
│ └── Order Shipped
├── Inventory Events
│ ├── Stock Level Change
│ ├── Low Stock Alert
│ └── Expiry Alert
└── System Events
├── Integration Error
├── Cycle Count Complete
└── PO Received
EDI Configuration:
├── Provider: [EDI VAN Name]
├── AS2 ID: [Your ID]
├── Certificates: [Upload]
├── Document Types:
│ ├── 850 - Purchase Order
│ ├── 856 - ASN
│ ├── 810 - Invoice
│ └── 997 - Acknowledgment
└── Schedule: Every 15 minutes
Path: Setup > System > Configuration > Performance
Database Settings:
├── Connection Pool: 100
├── Query Timeout: 120 seconds
├── Archive After: 2 years
├── Purge After: 7 years
└── Index Rebuild: Weekly Sunday 2 AM
Caching:
├── Enable Redis: Yes
├── Cache Duration: 5 minutes
├── Session Cache: 30 minutes
└── Clear Cache: Manual/Scheduled
Audit Settings:
├── Track All Changes: Yes
├── Retention Period: 7 years
├── Include Read Access: No
├── User Activity Log: Yes
└── Export Format: CSV/PDF
Compliance:
├── FDA 21 CFR Part 11: Enabled
├── GMP Requirements: Yes
├── Electronic Signatures: Required
├── Change Control: Approved
└── Validation Documents: Maintained
Backup Configuration:
├── Frequency: Daily at 2 AM
├── Type: Full + Incremental
├── Retention: 30 days local, 1 year archive
├── Location: Cloud + Local NAS
├── Test Restore: Monthly
└── Notification: IT team Email
Disaster Recovery:
├── RPO: 1 hour
├── RTO: 4 hours
├── Failover: Manual/Automatic
├── DR Site: [Location]
└── Test Schedule: Quarterly
Path: Setup > System > Configuration > Custom Fields
Available Objects:
├── Products
│ ├── Custom1: Country of Origin
│ ├── Custom2: Commodity Code
│ └── Custom3: Special Instructions
├── Orders
│ ├── Custom1: Customer PO
│ ├── Custom2: Department
│ └── Custom3: Cost Center
└── Customers
├── Custom1: Account Type
├── Custom2: Credit Limit
└── Custom3: Special Requirements
Daily:
Weekly:
Monthly:
Quarterly:
Remember: Good configuration is the foundation of efficient Warehouse Operations. Take time to set up properly initially, and review regularly to ensure settings still meet your business needs.
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