Use Kanban Dispatch List Processing (17.5.1) to generate a report on empty kanbans that are ready for replenishment. Depending on the format you select and the way your system is set up, the system can also communicate the list to the loop supplier by e-mail, fax, or electronic data interchange (EDI).

Use kanban dispatch lists to:

Additionally, you can use this program to generate a list of cards that have already been dispatched by setting Dispatch Status to Dispatch.

Typically, dispatch lists are used to signal a supplier that empty kanban containers need replenishment. When purchased items are included in a dispatch list, you can automatically release blanket purchase orders (POs) for those items. You can also generate dispatch lists for loops provided by processes and supermarkets.

This program typically selects cards from supplier loops with a current status of authorized, as well as cards in process loops moving between FIFO processes. However, you can control card selection by status code using the associated fields.

Before running this function with Update Dispatched Cards set to Yes, you should run it once with that field set to No. This produces a report of the updates that will be made based on the selection criteria, but does not update the database to indicate that the cards have been dispatched.

Each time the system generates a dispatch list in update mode, it stores a representation of the list in the database. Each list is assigned a unique dispatch ID. When you generate the dispatch list in EDI format, the system uses this identifier to create a kanban schedule release. See Dispatch ID.

A dispatch record is created for each individual card when it is dispatched, which includes information about the loop as well as the card itself. You can use programs on the Kanban Dispatch Menu (17.5) to: