TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview

The Break Line feature allows users to partially pick a sales order line item when insufficient stock is available to fulfill the entire quantity.

This feature is particularly useful in environments where:

  • Stock arrives in batches

  • Partial shipments are allowed

  • Customer service requires faster dispatch of available inventory

  • Typically used when multiple sizes are ordered on the same SO line 

When used correctly—especially in conjunction with Back Order functionality—it enables efficient stock handling while maintaining accurate order tracking.


How Break Line Works

A standard sales order line typically requires the full quantity to be available before it can be picked.

When Break Line is turned ON, the system allows:

  • Partial picking of available stock

  • Automatic handling of remaining units (if Back Order is enabled)


System Behavior Scenarios

1️⃣ Break Line ON + Back Order ON 

What happens:

  1. The system checks available stock.

  2. Available units are allocated and picked.

  3. Remaining units are automatically placed on Back Order.

  4. The original line is moved to Picked status for the fulfilled quantity.

  5. The remaining quantity is either:

    • Added as a new line on the same Sales Order, or

    • Created as a new Sales Order (depending on Business Rules).


Example

ItemOrderedAvailablePickedBack Ordered
Cycling Jersey – Size M10664


Result:

  • 6 units go to Picking Requisition.

  • 4 units are placed on Back Order.

  • Customer may receive partial shipment immediately.

This ensures:

  • Faster delivery

  • Accurate stock tracking

  • No manual intervention required


2️⃣ Break Line OFF

If Break Line is not enabled:

  • The system expects the full ordered quantity to be available.

  • Partial picking is not automatically allowed.

  • The user must either:

    • Wait until sufficient stock arrives, or

    • Manually adjust quantities per size/SKU during picking.

Operational Impact

  • Slower fulfillment

  • Higher manual effort

  • Increased risk of picking errors


3️⃣ Break Line ON + Back Order OFF

In this scenario:

  • The line can be partially picked.

  • The picked quantity moves to Picked status.

  • The remaining quantity is NOT automatically placed on Back Order.

  • The system will not allow the same line to be picked again.


Important:
A new Sales Order must be created manually to fulfill the remaining units.


Example

ItemOrderedAvailablePickedRemaining
Bib Shorts – Size L8553


Result:

  • 5 units picked.

  • 3 units remain unfulfilled.

  • New Sales Order required for the 3 units OR

  • Customer should be informed that the remaining 3 units are no longer in stock and cannot be fulfilled.

This setup is generally not recommended unless controlled partial fulfillment is required.



Step-by-Step Process (When partial picking is allowed)

To properly use Break Line with Back Order:

  1. Turn Break Line ON.

  2. Click Auto Allocate.

  3. Review allocated quantities.

  4. Click Back Order.

When “Back Order” is clicked:

  • Available stock is allocated to the Picking Requisition.

  • Remaining units are automatically placed on Back Order.

  • The Back Order checkbox is ticked.

  • Line statuses update accordingly.



When to Use Break Line

  • Customers accept partial deliveries

  • High SKU / size variant environments (e.g., apparel)

  • Stock replenishment is frequent

  • Fast dispatch improves customer satisfaction


  • Full shipment policy is mandatory

  • Orders must ship complete

  • Strict compliance requirements exist


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Turning on Break Line without enabling Back Order (can create fulfillment gaps)

  • Forgetting to click Back Order after Auto Allocate

  • Misconfiguring Business Rules

  • Not communicating partial shipment policy to customers


Business Rules

The following business rules control system behavior:


default_break_line_pstock_requisition

  • Defaults Break Line setting to ON.
  • Reduces manual user error.


automatic_back_order_creation

  • Automatically enables Back Order functionality.
  • Insist remaining quantities are properly tracked.


default_back_order_header_action

Determines how the system handles back ordered quantities:

  • Option 1: Create a new Sales Order for the back ordered quantity.
  • Option 2: Add a new line to the existing Sales Order.

This rule depends on business preference for order tracking and reporting.