Arthur Ria
15 KiB
title, type, sources, related, last_compiled
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2026-04-10 |
Warehouse Designer (Web Configurator)
Overview
The Web Warehouse Configurator is a MAP (Mecalux Application Platform) application included in Easy WMS that allows warehouse configuration changes to be made autonomously from the web browser, without requiring access to the EasyS desktop configuration tool for all operations. It is the primary tool for managing the logical structure of the warehouse: zones, equipment, and physical layout elements.
This tool is complemented by the Warehouse Map, a separate view providing 3D and 2D visual representations of the warehouse with real-time status and stock location capabilities.
The key distinction: EasyS (a separate application) creates the physical station layout and routes; the Web Configurator manages masters, zones, equipment, and fine-tunes the layout from the browser. Changes made in EasyS are transferred to Easy WMS via data transfer (synchronization step).
Masters
Container Types
Defines the physical dimensions of containers used in the warehouse. The container type conditions shelf configuration, location compatibility, and equipment restrictions.
Attributes:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Code | Unique identifier |
| Description | Free text |
| Width (L) | Distance perpendicular to shelf entrance (mm) |
| Height (H) | Maximum container height when empty (mm) |
| Depth (D) | Distance parallel to shelf entrance (mm) |
| Weight | Empty container weight |
| Maximum weight | Weight limit for stock inside the container |
| Gauge | Maximum deviation in width due to cargo slump (mm). Effective width = empty width + 2× gauge |
| Shippable as package | Can be shipped directly in eCommerce process |
Container relationships: Each container type can declare interior container types — a maximum number of smaller containers that fit inside (nesting/palletizing rules). Relationships are added, deleted, or edited independently.
Deletion: Cannot delete a container type in use by any location. System shows total locations affected + breakdown by warehouse before allowing deletion.
Rack Types
Defines how container types fit into locations (alveoli). Rack types set the volumetric constraints of a location: dimensions and maximum weight. They determine how many containers of each type fit at a location.
Note: In conventional manual locations, the maximum containers per type is configured directly per location, not via rack types.
Attributes:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Code | Unique identifier |
| Width | Perpendicular to shelf entrance (mm) |
| Height | Maximum height supported (includes container + stock) |
| Depth | Parallel to shelf entrance (mm) |
| Maximum weight | Maximum load weight the location can support |
Editing a rack type can generate incompatibility with existing locations already assigned to that rack type.
Workstations
Automatic stations with picking role or PTL controller require an associated workstation.
Attributes: Code, description, serial number, computer type (RF / PC / Server).
Zones
Storage Zones
Logical groupings of locations, typically matching item rotation zones (e.g., ABC classification zones, temperature zones).
Attributes: Code, description, Temperature. Temperature-controlled stock is directed to matching temperature zones.
Operations from Warehouse Map (2D view): Change storage zone of selected locations by shelf and depth.
Work Zones
Define which equipment types are allowed to work in a zone, which processes and task types they can execute, and relative process priorities within the zone.
Attributes: Code, description. Equipment type relationships define: which equipment types are allowed, which processes/tasks they can perform, and priority ordering.
Work zones enable fine-grained control of operator/equipment allocation: restricting forklifts to certain aisles, prioritizing replenishment over shipping in a zone, etc.
Subwarehouses
Logical areas that group locations within the warehouse. Used for:
- Putaway strategy configuration (alongside storage zones)
- Pick-and-pass sub-warehouse routing (each sub-warehouse has a Workzone station)
- Equipment zone assignment
- ABC/sub-warehouse item classification
Default subwarehouse: Every configuration includes a default subwarehouse. It cannot be deleted or modified. All stations added without explicit sub-warehouse assignment use the default.
Attributes: Code, description, Temperature (same temperature-control logic as storage zones).
Equipments
Equipment Types
Define the physical characteristics and capabilities of a type of equipment. Easy WMS uses these to control where equipment can work and determine speed calculations.
Attributes:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Code | Unique identifier |
| Maximum height | Maximum reachable height (mm) |
| Maximum weight | Maximum load weight |
| Maximum containers | Simultaneous container capacity |
| Can move | Restrict to transportation only (vs tasks that require stock handling) |
Editing an equipment type can cause incompatibilities in location searches or order preparation due to changed constraints.
Equipment
A physical means of transporting containers through the warehouse — operators with carts, forklifts, manual handling devices, etc. Equipment is associated with tasks: putaway, replenishment, picking, shipping.
Attributes:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Code | Unique identifier |
| Equipment type | Parent type defining characteristics |
| Equipment group | Group of related equipment (e.g., same aisle team) |
| Empty containers | How the equipment handles empty containers (return to ECB, stack, etc.) |
| Extra locations | One or more locations associated with the equipment, used for picking tasks |
Station management from Equipment view:
- Assign aisles and processes to the equipment's stations
- Set default reception/shipping station for this equipment
Extra locations: Default and non-editable storage mode = Stock. Used for picking tasks in manual warehouse where the operator collects stock into a cart location.
Equipment Restrictions
Rules that limit equipment access to aisles or work areas. Two types:
Quantity restrictions: Define the maximum number of simultaneous equipment (of a type or total) allowed in a given zone or aisle. Prevents congestion.
Incompatibility restrictions: Define which equipment types cannot operate in the same zone simultaneously. Prevents conflicts (e.g., a wide forklift cannot operate in the same aisle as a narrow stock picker at the same time).
Layout Management
Shelves
Shelves (storage racks) can be modified from the Web Configurator by row or column as the minimum unit:
- Clone rows/columns: Add capacity without full EasyS round-trip
- Delete rows/columns: Remove capacity
- Edit location properties: Modify characteristics of all locations in a row or column simultaneously (rack type, storage mode, allowed container types, etc.)
Shelf stations themselves are created in EasyS; the Web Configurator allows post-creation adjustments.
Docks
Dock configuration from the Web Configurator:
- Default dock assignment: Set a dock as the default for shipping orders (auto-assigned on order creation)
- Default dock for receipts: Set a dock as the default for receipt orders
- Aisle/process assignment: Assign which process (loading, unloading, counting, picking, location) is designated to each aisle of the dock
- Modification of aisle/process assignment: Delete existing assignment first, then create a new one (direct modification not supported)
Stages
Stage configuration from the Web Configurator:
- Default stage for shipping/receipt orders: Auto-assigned on order creation
- Aisle/process assignment: Same as docks (loading, unloading, counting, picking, location)
- Extra locations: Add or delete locations within the stage
Change Log & Transfer Management
Change Log
The Web Configurator tracks all configuration modifications with full audit trail. The change log enables:
- Comparison between any two configuration transfers
- Element-by-element difference display (created, modified, deleted)
- PDF export of change comparison report
Change log fields: Export date, time, description, number of changes, user, origin (EasyS / Web Configurator / EasyAssistant).
Transfer List (History)
Complete chronological history of all configuration transfers. Each transfer records: date/time, description, number of modifications, user, origin system.
Operations:
- Revert changes: Restore a previous warehouse configuration state
- Filter/search: By export date and description (up to 3 criteria)
Transfer Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of two configuration transfers. Shows which elements were created, modified, or deleted between the two states. Direction matters: comparing left (newer) to right (older) shows "new" = exists in left but not in right.
Export: PDF report with all differences.
Deletion Rules
The Web Configurator enforces safe deletion:
- If the element to be deleted has relationships that can be disassociated without error → warning displayed, but deletion allowed
- If the element is in active use that cannot be cleanly unlinked (e.g., rack type assigned to active locations) → deletion blocked
Error message shows: total locations affected (broken down by warehouse) + configuration codes affected grouped by station.
Deletions take effect across all warehouses sharing the element if the element is shared organization-wide.
Warehouse Map
A separate visualization tool in Easy WMS (distinct from the Web Configurator) providing real-time warehouse status and stock search.
3D View
Full three-dimensional representation of the warehouse:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| General status | Locked aisles (inbound/outbound/both), AS/RS PK work modes, PIE and route status, MP preparation zones |
| Station status | Click any station: capacity, occupation %, work mode, etc. — varies by station type |
| Shelf status | Click any shelf: free/occupied/blocked locations summary |
| Container search | Find a specific container (LPN) by code |
| Item search | Locate all stock of a specific item across the warehouse |
| Location search | Find a specific location by code |
| Storage zones visualization | Color-coded display of defined storage zones |
| Working zones visualization | Color-coded display of working zones |
| Saved viewpoints | Save and retrieve camera focus positions for frequently needed views |
2D View
Depth-by-depth rack view for detailed location inspection and bulk operations:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location status | Blocks, container count, picking dedicated locations, reservation indicators per alveolus |
| Location label printing | Select range of locations → print labels (format + quantity) |
| Work zone change | Change work zone for selected locations (shelf + depth) in bulk |
| Storage zone change | Change storage zone for selected locations (shelf + depth) in bulk |
| Container/stock creation | Register containers or loose stock at a selected location |
| Container movement | Request extraction to PK, PS, or relocation |
| Stock adjustment | Adjust loose stock at selected location and depth |
| Search | Container / item / location search within the selected shelf and depth |
Location status legend:
- Putaway error indicator
- Extraction error indicator
- Inbound reserve indicator
- Outbound reserve indicator
2D Heat Map (Slotting module required)
Visual activity intensity map overlaid on 2D view:
- Filter by: areas displayed (locations/docks/stages), task types (all or specific), time range
- Click location: see number and type of tasks for that period
- Configurable color ranges: define custom thresholds and colors
- Use case: identify hotspots, detect inefficiencies, plan product relocation, compare periods
Interface
| View | Menu Path | Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Web Warehouse Configurator | "Configuration" menu or direct MAP app URL | PC |
| Warehouse Map (3D/2D) | "Warehouse" menu → Warehouse Map | PC |
| Change Log | Within Web Configurator | PC |
Common Errors
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot delete container type | Container type in use by active locations | Identify and reassign affected locations first |
| Cannot delete rack type | Rack type assigned to active locations | Remove rack type from all locations or delete locations first |
| Equipment type edit causes search errors | Changed height/weight constraints conflict with existing putaway strategies | Review and update putaway strategies and work zones |
| Transfer comparison shows unexpected deletions | Configuration reverted to older state | Verify transfer direction (left=newer vs right=older) before interpreting results |
| Stage configuration changes not reflected in WMS | Changes made in EasyS not transferred | Run data transfer from EasyS to Easy WMS |
Related
- location — Rack types and storage zones directly configure location properties
- stations — Stations created in EasyS; Warehouse Designer edits docks/stages/shelves post-transfer
- container — Container types define dimensions used in warehouse design
- putaway — Storage zones and subwarehouses configure putaway strategy targeting
- replenishment — Work zones define equipment eligibility for replenishment tasks