Tasks are specific work instructions for warehouse operators that indicate to them exactly what to do, including which product to handle, how much of it, and where to move it from and to.
Every task contains the essential information operators need to complete their work accurately: product identification, quantities, source location, destination location, and any special handling requirements. This ensures clear communication and consistent execution across all warehouse operations.
What are tasks in SSMS?
A task represents a clear command to transfer a specific product in a determined quantity from one location to another. Tasks are always generated automatically by the system based on business needs, such as incoming purchase orders, outgoing sales orders, or inventory management requirements.
Tasks eliminate guesswork by providing operators with precise instructions. Instead of interpreting complex documents or making decisions about where products should go, operators simply follow the task instructions displayed on their mobile devices.
Screenshot suggestion: Task detail view showing product information, quantities, source and destination locations (Resolution: 360x640 pixels)
Task examples
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Reception tasks. When a purchase order arrives at the warehouse, the system generates reception tasks for each product line. These tasks instruct operators to receive specific products and move them to designated storage locations.
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Picking tasks. When customers place orders, picking tasks are created to gather the required products from storage locations and move them to packing or shipping areas.
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Movement tasks. When inventory needs to be relocated within the warehouse, movement tasks direct operators to transfer products between different storage areas or bins.
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Count tasks. When inventory verification is required, count tasks instruct operators to physically count products in specific locations and confirm the quantities in the system.
Screenshot suggestion: Mobile task list showing different task types with icons and priority indicators (Resolution: 360x640 pixels)
How tasks are generated
From business documents
Tasks are automatically created when business documents are processed:
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Purchase orders generate reception and put-away tasks
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Sales orders create picking and shipping tasks
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Distribution orders produce transfer tasks between locations
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Return orders generate tasks for processing returned goods
From inventory conditions
The system also generates tasks based on current inventory situations:
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Low stock levels trigger replenishment tasks
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Scheduled counts create inventory verification tasks
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Quality issues generate movement tasks to inspection areas
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Capacity constraints create tasks to redistribute stock
From operational needs
Warehouse managers can initiate tasks for specific operational requirements:
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Stock movements for reorganizing inventory
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Emergency picks for urgent orders
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Cycle counts for ongoing inventory accuracy
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Damage handling for moving compromised products
Task information
Essential details
Every task contains the key information operators need:
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Product identification: Name, SKU, barcode, and description
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Quantity specifications: How many units to handle
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Location details: Exact source and destination bins
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Special instructions: Handling requirements or notes
Additional attributes
Tasks may also include supplementary information:
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Lot numbers: For products requiring batch tracking
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Serial numbers: For individually tracked items
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Expiration dates: For perishable goods management
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Customer information: For order-specific requirements
Screenshot suggestion: Detailed task view showing all product attributes and handling instructions (Resolution: 360x640 pixels)
Task execution
Mobile interface
Operators access and complete tasks through the mobile interface, which provides:
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Task lists: All assigned tasks ordered by priority
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Scanning support: Barcode verification for products and locations
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Quantity confirmation: Easy input for actual quantities handled
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Status updates: Real-time progress tracking
Completion process
The typical task completion involves:
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Select task: Choose from the prioritized task list
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Verify location: Scan or confirm the source location
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Confirm product: Scan the product barcode
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Handle quantity: Process the specified amount
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Confirm destination: Verify the target location
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Complete task: Mark the task as finished
Automatic updates
When tasks are completed, the system automatically:
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Updates inventory: Adjusts stock levels in real-time
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Creates documents: Generates receipts, shipments, or movement records
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Triggers workflows: Initiates follow-up processes if needed
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Notifies stakeholders: Informs relevant parties of completion
This automatic processing ensures that all warehouse activities are properly recorded and that inventory information remains accurate and current.