Auftragsart
Also: Auftragsarten, Auftragstyp, Auftragstypen, Auftragskategorie, Order Type
AI-generated
The order type classifies an order according to its process logic and thereby determines which workflows, priorities, and rules apply in the warehouse management or ERP system. Typical examples include customer order, stock transfer, return, or sample order.
Key facts
- The order type controls which process rules, priorities, and document types a WMS or ERP system applies to an order.
- A well-defined order type structure is a prerequisite for meaningful KPI reporting segmented by process type.
- The specific naming and scope of order types differ depending on the system vendor and industry.
- Return orders and stock transfers often require their own process rules that differ fundamentally from those of a regular customer order.
- An overly granular order type structure increases maintenance effort, while one that is too coarse reduces controllability.
What is an order type?
The order type is a control feature that assigns an order to a defined process category. It determines the logic by which the system processes an order – that is, which priorities, throughput rules, picking strategies, and document types are applied. Without clear classification by order type, warehouse and shipping processes would need to be configured manually for each individual case, which would be both error-prone and inefficient.
Typical order types in practice
In intralogistics and ERP environments, you will commonly encounter the following order types:
- Customer order: The classic outbound order that triggers a delivery to an external recipient.
- Stock transfer order: Goods are moved between two storage locations or sites without any external sales transaction taking place.
- Return order: Goods returned by the customer are posted, inspected, and routed into a defined follow-up process.
- Sample order: Goods are sent to recipients for presentation or testing purposes, often without standard invoicing.
- Replenishment order: Internal movement to refill pick locations or buffer zones within the warehouse.
The exact naming and scope of order types vary depending on the vendor and industry. What one manufacturer refers to as an "intercompany order",
Related terms
- ABC-Analyse
ABC analysis is a method for classifying items, vendors, or processes into three priority classes (A, B, C) based on their economic significance. It forms the basis for differentiated decision-making in warehousing, inventory management, and procurement.
- Artikelstamm
The item master is the central data repository that permanently stores all logistically and commercially relevant features of an item. It forms the basis for warehousing, inventory planning, picking, and billing.
- Auftragsabwicklung
Order fulfillment refers to the complete process from receiving a customer order through to its successful delivery and invoicing. It encompasses all operational and administrative steps required to fulfill an order on time and without errors.
- Cross-Docking
Cross-docking refers to a goods handling process in which items are transferred directly from inbound receiving to outbound shipping without interim storage. The goal is to reduce throughput times and avoid warehousing costs.
- Cross-Docking
Cross-docking is a logistics method in which goods are transferred directly from inbound to outbound transport at a transshipment point, without going through conventional put-away and storage.
- Kommissionierung
Order picking is the process of assembling individual items from warehouse stock to fulfill a specific customer order — the most labor-intensive step in the warehouse.