Soft Allocation

What is soft allocation?

Soft allocation reserves stock for an order during batching without assigning it to a specific inventory record yet. Hopstack determines which eligible bin or bins will supply the order and reserves the required quantity. During picking, the picker confirms the stock actually taken, including its lot, serial number, pallet, or LPN where applicable.

For example, if an order needs 10 units from a bin containing two lots, Hopstack reserves 10 units in that bin. The picker confirms how many units were taken from each lot, so the order reflects the stock that was actually picked.

2. How is soft allocation different from hard allocation?

Both methods reserve stock for the order. The difference is when the exact inventory is identified.
With hard allocation, the exact inventory is identified during batching. With soft allocation, it is identified during picking.

3. What are the benefits of having soft allocation enabled?

• More accurate fulfilment records: The order reflects the stock the picker actually took, especially when a bin contains multiple lots or tracked items.

• Flexible and faster picking: The picker can identify eligible stock at the bin instead of being tied to a specific inventory record chosen during batching.

• Reliable availability: Existing soft reservations are considered when Hopstack checks stock for other orders.

• Accurate short picks: If the picker finds less than the reserved quantity, only the confirmed quantity is allocated to the order; the unpicked remainder is released.