Odyssey ERP Container Inventory Guide for Metalcasters | Best Practices & FAQs

By Frank Roorda, Senior Business Consultant

Over the years, I have worked closely with metalcasters to optimize their inventory using Odyssey ERP. One topic that consistently comes up is Container Inventory: how to use it effectively and avoid common pitfalls. Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of Odyssey’s container functionality.

Question 1: What is a container?

While you might think of a container as a sturdy corrugated box, Odyssey defines a container more broadly. A "container" can refer to any type of storage unit, such as tubs, wire bins, and even pallets with castings banded to them. Essentially, if it holds inventory, it’s a container. This flexible definition allows you to track and manage materials more precisely throughout your production process.

Question 2: Are containers only for finished goods?

Not at all. Odyssey supports work in process (WIP) containers at any stage in the production process, not just for finished goods. Best practice is to create containers as late as possible in the routing process, when there is less risk of piece counts changing. 

For example:

• You might scale castings up just before shipping them to an outside supplier, creating a container at that point.
• The pick list program can be used to select containers for shipment.

Creating containers too early can lead to inaccuracies. If your team’s process requires early container creation, it’s essential to have a disciplined approach in place to adjust counts and maintain inventory accuracy.

Question 3: What are the benefits of using WIP containers beyond shipping?

WIP containers offer several strategic advantages:

• “Supermarket” staging: Some metalcasters box WIP inventory for temporary storage in a staging area, allowing for additional operations before final shipment.
• Location tracking: WIP containers can be assigned an Inventory Location, making it easy to find the right container in the warehouse.
• Improved visibility: By storing WIP inventory in a container, you increase visibility and control, as WIP inventory not stored in a container can’t be tracked by location.

Question 4: We ship many containers on a pallet. Can we avoid scanning each container individually?

Absolutely. Odyssey allows you to streamline this process using Master Container. Here’s how:

• Group individual containers onto a pallet and assign them to a Master Container.
• Print and affix a Master Container label for scanning when loading the pallet onto a truck.
• Scan only the Master Container for shipping.

It’s important to note that if a container is removed from a Master Container, you must record a transaction in Odyssey to update the system and keep inventory accurate. 

Turn Containers into your Competitive Advantage

Whether you're managing finished goods, staging WIP, or streamlining outbound shipments, Odyssey’s container functionality gives you the tools to improve accuracy, visibility, and efficiency across your operation. When used strategically, containers can reduce manual effort, minimize errors, and help your team stay focused on value-added work.

If you have questions about how to better leverage container inventory in Odyssey ERP, B&L Information Systems is here to help. Reach out to us to explore how container tracking can support your operational goals.