mcp-wms-wiki/wiki/concepts/cutting-stock.md

---
title: "Cutting Stock"
type: concept
sources:
  - areas/inventory_management/items/cutting_item.md
  - areas/inventory_management/items/cutting_profile.md
  - areas/inventory_management/items/cutting_stock_label.md
  - areas/inventory_management/items/cutting_stock_assignation.md
  - areas/shipping/shipping_picking_manual/cutting_station.md
  - areas/shipping/shipping_picking_manual/cutting_stock_integrated.md
  - areas/shipping/shipping_picking_manual/cutting_stock_delegate.md
  - areas/shipping/shipping_picking_manual/cutting_excess.md
  - areas/receptions/reception_dock/blind_cutting_stock.md
  - areas/receptions/reception_dock/supplier_cutting_stock.md
  - areas/counts/counts_physical/count_cutting_stock.md
related:
  - concepts/product-item.md
  - concepts/reception.md
  - concepts/picking.md
  - concepts/shipping.md
  - concepts/stock-adjustment.md
  - concepts/count.md
  - concepts/quality-control.md
  - concepts/manual-movements.md
  - concepts/stations.md
  - concepts/labels.md
  - concepts/parameters.md
last_compiled: "2026-04-10"
---

# Cutting Stock

## Overview

Cutting stock is a specialization of item management for items that are **measured and cut to order** rather than picked in discrete unit quantities. Examples: rope, electric cable, chain, flexible pipe (hose), fabric rolls, wire. These items exist as continuous rolls or coils and can only be shipped in specific lengths.

Cutting stock is an **exclusively manual warehouse feature** - not supported in automated or semi-automated warehouses.

By definition: **a cutting item is any item with an assigned cutting profile.** The profile defines how the item behaves: whether it requires a cutting station, how it's labeled, and how its stock consolidation works.

## Core Concepts

### The Non-Consolidation Rule

The defining characteristic of cutting stock is that its **base UoM conversion does NOT consolidate**. This means:

- Multiple stock lines of identical qualities (same item, lot, status, logistic attributes) can coexist in the same location/container as **separate records** - they are never merged.
- Each stretch is an individual record with its own quantity (length).
- This enables precise tracking of available stretch lengths.

**Practical implication:** If you have three 30m rolls of the same cable in the same location, you have three separate stock records (30m, 30m, 30m) - not one 90m record.

### Base UoM Rule

**The base UoM of a cutting item must be the smallest unit in which the item is allowed to be cut (no decimals supported).** For example: if the minimum cut is 1 meter, the base UoM is meters with integer precision.

### Non-Consolidating Conversions

A UoM conversion (presentation) on a cutting item can be marked as **"Do not consolidate"** independently. When active:
- Multiple stock lines of the same conversion coexist without merging
- The item follows all cutting-stock rules for that conversion
- All conversions except the base must be of type *presentation* with the **"Allow splitting"** flag active (to enable partial-length cutting)

## Cutting Profile

The cutting profile is what transforms a regular item into a cutting item. It defines behavior for the entire lifecycle.

**Cutting profile attributes:**

| Field | Description |
|-------|-------------|
| Code | Unique profile identifier |
| Description | Free text |
| Default | If flagged, automatically assigned to new items |
| Labeling source stock | Generate label for the roll from which stock was cut |
| Labeling cut stock | Generate label for the cut portion |
| Cutting in station | False = cut on the shelf; True = cut at a designated cutting station |
| Mode of picking process | When "Cutting in station": `Integrated` (same operator does supply + cut + pick) or `Delegated` (separate operators for each step) |
| Associated cutting stations | Which cutting station(s) this profile can be processed at |

**Multiple cutting profiles can share a cutting station.** However, sharing stages between stations is only advised when both stations cut the same cutting profiles.

**ERP creation:** Cutting profiles can be created (not modified or deleted) from ERP via the ITM message.

**Interface:** View "Cutting profiles" in menu "Masters > Item details".

## Configuration Steps (First-Time Setup)

1. Create a **cutting profile** (define labeling, station/shelf mode, associated stations)
2. Assign cutting profile to the **item** (makes it a cutting item)
3. Configure item as **non-consolidating conversion** (flag "Do not consolidate" on relevant UoM conversions)
4. Set **stock assignment strategies** (minimum and maximum shipping quantity fields on item master)
5. Configure **shipping profile** for the item (excess percentage + enter quantity mode = "Manually")
6. If cutting in station: configure **cutting stations** in EasyS (stages, routes, station type 61)

## Stock Assignment Strategies

Two parameters on the item master control how stock is assigned to shipping order lines. Only applies to non-consolidating conversions.

### Continuous Stretches (Maximum Quantity set)

Set **"Maximum shipping quantity per line"** = length of the longest roll presentation (in base UoM).

- Requested length ≤ maximum → assigned in one single stretch (guaranteed)
- Requested length > maximum → assigned as X complete rolls (= maximum) + one continuous stretch for remainder

*Example: Max = 100m, required = 125m → assign 1 full roll + 25m stretch*

### Segmented Stretches (Maximum Quantity empty)

No maximum set. System tries to supply with as few stretches as possible, but **no guarantee of a single continuous stretch**.

*Example: Stock = 30m+30m+30m, required = 70m → assign 30m + 30m + 10m cut from third roll*

### Minimum Cutting Quantity

The **"Minimum shipping quantity"** field sets the minimum length to cut. Any requirement below this minimum is automatically rounded up.

*Example: Min = 10m, required = 5m → assign 10m stretch*

**Exception 1 (with maximum):** If maximum is set and surplus < minimum, also rounds up.
*Max = 100m, Min = 10m, required = 105m → assign 100m roll + 10m stretch*

**Exception 2 (no minimum stock available):** If minimum is set but no stock line has length ≥ minimum → assign the group of stretches closest to minimum, **without cutting**.
*Min = 10m, required = 9m, stock = 3m+4m+8m → assign 8m+3m=11m, no cut*

For exception 2: the shipping profile's "Excess Pick Percentage" must be empty.

**Note:** For cutting in station, stock in cutting station stages is prioritized over warehouse stock.

## Cutting Stations (Type 61)

Cutting stations are where cutting-in-station processes are executed. A cutting station consists of:
- **Receiving stage:** Holds rolls assigned for cutting
- **Shipping stage:** Holds cut portions ready for shipping or return to warehouse

**Configuration options:**

| Configuration | Use Case |
|--------------|----------|
| Single stage (receive + ship) | Item cut multiple times per day, rarely returned to warehouse |
| Two dedicated stages per station | Item cut a few times per month, returned to warehouse after each cut |
| Two shared stages across multiple stations | Multiple nearby stations cut the same profiles |

Cutting station can be locked via "Stations" view to prevent new stock assignments.

**Required EasyS configuration:**
- Station type 61 (Cutting)
- Single buffer location per station, storage mode = stock, allow picking
- Routes: station ↔ stages, station ↔ equipment, station ↔ warehouse, stages ↔ docks/stages/consolidation
- Associated stages: routes to cutting station, other stages of same station, stages of stations cutting same profile, equipment, warehouse, docks/stages/consolidation

**Label recommendations at cutting stations:** Print labels for cutting station code, station location code, receiving stage location code, shipping stage location code - operators confirm these codes continuously during cutting.

## Reception of Cutting Stock

### Blind Reception (Loose Stock)

Process for receiving multiple rolls of different or identical lengths in non-consolidating conversions.

**Use cases:**
- **Variable-length rolls:** Receive one roll at a time, each with its own length record. Repeat as needed.
- **Multiple identical rolls (Multi):** "Multi" action creates multiple records of the same length simultaneously.
- **Edit or delete rolls:** View and modify all lines created for an item + conversion in the receipt; edit quantity or delete lines.
- **Receipt and putaway:** When receiving loose cutting stock in equipment, can immediately putaway. Must confirm exact length of each roll for unloading confirmation.

**Transactions:** STK.RECEP (per stock line), CON.RECEP (per container if applicable)

**ERP Communication:** REF message sent at receipt close

### Supplier Receipt in Stage

Receive cutting stock rolls at a receiving stage. Stocks in non-consolidating conversions are recorded individually (not summed). Supports individual roll reading and "Multi" for same-length batches.

**Interface:** RF menu "Receipts > Supplier" → "Loose stock/Multi-reference"

### Receipt-and-Putaway Specifics

Due to non-consolidation, when selecting a stretch to unload and confirming unloading, the **exact length of each roll must be confirmed**. This is stricter than regular container unloading.

## Picking and Cutting Processes

### Shelf-Based Cutting (cutting_in_station = False)

The operator cuts directly at the shelf location. The picking process is the same as standard picking with the difference that:
- The exact length to cut is confirmed manually
- "Enter quantity mode" must be set to "Manually" in the item's shipping profile
- System never allows picking less than ordered; overpicking is controlled by "Picking excess percentage" in shipping profile (0 = no excess; blank/100 = excess allowed)

### Integrated Cutting in Station

**Same operator** does supply, cut, and pick as a single workflow within the normal picking process.

**Three-phase process:**
1. **Supply:** If stock is not at the cutting station's stages → system guides operator to pick the roll from warehouse and bring it to the receiving stage. Operator can also pre-supply manually via Manual Movement.
2. **Cutting:** At the cutting station, operator cuts the required length. System guides confirmation.
3. **Labeling:** If cutting profile has labeling flags → labels are printed for cut stock and/or source roll.

Station (integrated) items can be included in shipping orders, order groups, and waves.

**Monitoring:** Supervisors can monitor line and order status from web interface.

**Return to warehouse:** Operator can return stock without pending assignments from station to warehouse at any time.

**Note:** Once a cutting stock line has tasks in "In Process" or "Finished" status, quantity cannot be changed - but line can always be canceled.

### Delegated Cutting in Station

**Separate operators** handle supply, cutting, and shipping as independent process steps.

**Multi-phase workflow:**
1. **Supply:** Operator brings assigned rolls from warehouse to cutting station receiving stage (via picking order RFT or automatic tasks). Manual supply also supported via Manual Movement.
2. **Cutting:** Dedicated cutting operator executes cut at station, adds labels, identifies which stretch to cut first (can view cutting tasks accumulated per item with priority list).
3. **Shipping/Palletization:** Operator takes cut stock to destination (dock/stage/consolidation). If the roll itself is a shipping container, it can be palletized.

**Not supported in groupings or waves** (unlike integrated mode).

**Return to warehouse:** Unassigned stock can be returned to warehouse at any time.

## Cutting Excess and Shipping Profile

Two critical shipping profile settings for cutting items:

### Overpicking Configuration

| Setting | Shipping Profile Config | Effect |
|---------|------------------------|--------|
| Allow overpicking | "Picking excess %" = null or 100 | Over-picked stock not flagged as excess at shipping |
| Disallow overpicking | "Picking excess %" = 0 | Exact quantity required; any excess raises error |

Because cutting requires tools and cannot be performed everywhere, it is **not possible to undo preparation or remove excess** except by cancellation.

### Enter Quantity Mode

Cutting stock is indivisible - you cannot pick one unit at a time to confirm total. Therefore:
- **"Enter quantity mode" must be set to "Manually"** in the item's shipping profile
- The total length is confirmed in one step at the moment of cutting

This is mandatory for correct cutting stock behavior.

## Counting Cutting Stock

Counting cutting stock (in non-consolidating conversions) differs from standard counting. Only supported in **manual warehouses**.

"Stretch" = any non-consolidating cut-off stock record in UoM.

**Three counting use cases:**

1. **Count multiple stretches continuously:** After entering item + UoM, operator reads stretches continuously without re-entering item code. "Done" saves all records. "Stretches" action shows running count list.

2. **Assign user status during counting:** Set status before entering a stretch; status persists for subsequent stretches until changed or removed. Can be assigned/unassigned to any stretch in the list.

3. **Modify counted lines:** Delete any stretch (not edit quantity - deletion only). "Stretches" action lists all counted stretches. "Empty List" action clears all. Lines with user status are shown in list.

**Informed count mode:** For locations where exact roll lengths are unknown. Verifies bulk presence only. Allows comparison and adjustment by operator.

**Transactions:** ADJ.STK (stock adjustment), CON.CREATE, CON.DELETE

**ERP:** STV (stock variation), STC (status change). If count created from ERP COR → response via COF.

## Quality Control Lock

See [[quality-control]] for full details. Cutting stock has specific lock behaviors:

- **Partial lock:** Lock a specific stretch (individual stock record)
- **Total lock:** Lock entire coil/roll
- When locked stock is split by a cut: lock propagates to cut portion
- Lock from RF terminal or ERP
- ERP messages: STR (status lock/unlock), STC (status change notification)

## Manual Movements

See [[manual-movements]] for full details. Specific cutting stock rules:

- Cutting stock moves require **exact stretch length confirmation**
- Moving cutting stock is only allowed as a whole stretch - partial moves of a stretch are not supported (the indivisibility rule)
- If move requires cutting to reduce length, that is not permitted via manual movement - must go through the picking/cutting process

## Crossdocking Interaction

Cutting outside storage locations is not permitted. However, **opportunity crossdocking is possible** for cutting items in non-consolidated conversions, depending on the cutting item configuration. The crossdocking process must be explicitly enabled and configured per item.

## Stock Adjustment for Cutting Stock

See [[stock-adjustment]] for full details. Cutting-specific behavior:

- Adjustments apply to individual stretch records
- Labels can be printed for cutting stock from the "Location adjustment" RFT process - only if the cutting profile has "Label source stock" active
- Transactions: STK.ADJ

## Parameters

| Parameter | Default | Description |
|-----------|---------|-------------|
| CUTTING_PRINTER | (blank) | Default printer for cutting stock labels during picking. See [[parameters]]. |

## Interface

| Process | Interface | Equipment |
|---------|-----------|-----------|
| Configure cutting profiles | Masters > Item details > "Cutting profiles" | PC |
| Configure cutting items | Masters > Items | PC |
| Configure conversions (non-consolidating) | Masters > Conversions | PC |
| Configure cutting assignments | Masters > Items | PC |
| Configure shipping profile | Masters > Item details > Shipping profile | PC |
| Blind cutting stock receipt | Receipts > Blind > Loose stock/Multi-reference | RFT |
| Supplier cutting stock receipt | Receipts > Supplier > Loose stock/Multi-reference | RFT |
| Cutting stock picking (shelf) | Picking orders | RFT |
| Integrated cutting in station | Picking orders (same as standard picking) | RFT / Label printer |
| Delegated cutting supply | Shipping orders > Picking order OR Tasks > Automatic mode | RFT |
| Delegated cutting execution | Cutting menu > Cutting | RFT |
| Cutting stock count | Counts > Physical count / Guided count | RFT |
| Print cutting label from stock view | Warehouse > Stock > "Print cutting label" action | PC |
| Print label from location adjustment | Utilities > Location adjustment | RFT |
| Monitor station orders | Shipping orders view | PC |

## Common Errors

| Error | Cause | Solution |
|-------|-------|----------|
| Cannot change quantity on cutting line | Task is In Process or Finished | Cancel the line instead; excess cannot be undone |
| "Minimum cutting quantity" not respected | Shipping profile "Excess Pick %" has a value | Clear the Excess Pick % field when using minimum cutting quantity |
| Stock not assigned as single stretch | Maximum quantity not set in item master | Set "Maximum shipping quantity per line" to longest roll length |
| Delegated cutting line not included in wave | Delegated items not supported in waves/groups | Use only integrated mode for order groups and waves |
| Labels not printing during cutting | Cutting profile lacks labeling flags | Check "Labeling cut stock" and "Labeling source stock" flags in cutting profile |
| Count treats cutting stock like regular stock | Item UoM not flagged "Do not consolidate" | Ensure non-consolidating flag is active on relevant UoM conversion |

## Related

- [[product-item]] - Cutting profile is configured on the item master; base UoM rules apply
- [[reception]] - Cutting stock has specialized receipt processes (blind, supplier)
- [[picking]] - Integrated and delegated cutting processes are extensions of picking
- [[shipping]] - Shipping profile configuration is mandatory for correct excess handling
- [[stock-adjustment]] - Label printing from location adjustment; STK.ADJ transactions
- [[count]] - Counting stretches has unique UI and process rules
- [[quality-control]] - Cutting stock locks (partial/total); STC/STR messages
- [[manual-movements]] - Moving whole stretches; indivisibility enforced
- [[stations]] - Cutting station (type 61) configuration and associated stages
- [[labels]] - Cutting stock label format (A6), print triggers, printer priority
- [[parameters]] - CUTTING_PRINTER parameter