Cut-Off Window
A cut-off window in warehouse operations is defined as the deadline after which tasks such as receiving, processing, or shipping of orders is halted.
Warehouse operations establish multiple cut-off windows to control the order fulfillment flow, ensuring that orders are received with sufficient time to process them and ensure smooth operations across all functions.
For example, it is common to have cut-off windows that serve as the deadline by which orders must be received at the warehouse so that workers have sufficient time for picking, packing, and shipping. Orders received after the cut-off time will be processed on the next shift or day.
Warehouses will also have a shipping cut-off window that defines the time an order must leave the warehouse to ensure it will arrive at the specified delivery deadline. Warehouses also adhere to carrier cut-off windows for pickup. Shipments that miss the carrier cut-off time will be shipped the next day.
Cut-off windows can vary depending on the type of goods or products handled, the distance they need to be shipped, and other factors.
Managing Cut-Off Windows with Warehouse Automation
Warehouse automation solutions, such as Numina Group’s RDS™ Warehouse Execution System, make it possible to automatically plan the receivung, planning, and release of orders for discrete and batch picking according to cut-off windows, ensure efficient order flow, and eliminate workflow bottlenecks in warehouse operations for continuous order flow and maximum efficiency.
As an leading warehouse automation design consultant and independent systems integrator, the Numina Group has over 40 years of experience defining, designing, and implementing highly profitable automated warehouse systems. Our warehouse software solution, RDS™ WES-WCS is a real-time warehouse execution and control software platform for optimized order release, goods-to-person (G2P) automation, and turnkey pack and ship automation, seamlessly integrated into your ERP/WMS system.
RDS provides versatile, reliable order fulfillment automation for to optimize pick, pack and ship operations. Our automated warehouse solutions help companies increase productivity by 50% or more, reduce labor expenses by 30% to 70%, and increase order fulfillment accuracy to 99.99%.
Learn More
Video Case Study: OTC Drug and Personal Care Products Provider Cuts Order Fulfillment Labor Costs 60%
Blog: Shipping and Receiving Software for Continuous Order Flow
Product: Numina’s RDS Warehouse Automation Software
