If you run full warehouse functionality in Business Central but want to keep production consumption simple, there is a way to do it. Standard Business Central blocks you from consuming items directly on a production order from any bin that is not a production bin when you use a warehouse location. You get an error saying you cannot enter a bin code that is not related to production.
The solution is to enable the field “Skip Production Pick” on the location card. This field belongs to the Shop Floor mobile app setup. Once it is checked, you can consume items on a production order from a non-production bin and post directly.
This lets you work with several production bins in the production area. You can pick a full pallet to a dedicated bin for a specific production order, consume from that bin, and move the remainder back to inventory afterwards.
Why standard Business Central blocks consumption from non-production bins
In standard Business Central, you normally cannot consume items directly on a production order if you are running a warehouse location. Many customers want the full warehouse functionality on purchase orders and sales orders, but not tied to production. The problem shows up when you try to post consumption.
If you enter an item on a production order, for example item number 1200 with a quantity of one, the production bin is suggested automatically. If you then select a different bin, Business Central gives you an error. The message tells you that you cannot enter a bin code that is not related to production, meaning the bin cannot be used for receiving, shipping, or picking.
How to enable consumption from any bin using Skip Production Pick
To get around this, set a checkmark in the field “Skip Production Pick” on the location card. This is the field related to the Shop Floor mobile app. With it enabled, you can do exactly what you need.
You enter the production order number, state the item number, set the quantity, and select a bin code that is not a production bin. When you post, Business Central tells you that you are posting from a bin that is not a production bin, and the posting goes through.
After posting, you can check the item ledger entries for the production order. The consumption line shows the item, for example item number 1200 at one piece, and the underlying entries confirm it came from the correct bin.
Working with several production bins in the production area
This setup makes it easy to work with several production bins. For a complex production order, you can have someone pick from the production order to a specific bin. You can show bin content and allocate that bin to a single production order. It could be a pallet or any other location, and everything stays on that bin until you consume it.
A common scenario is moving more items than the production order requires. You move a full pallet of, for example, item number 1100 to the production area, pick from that bin, and move the leftover quantity back to inventory afterwards. This functionality supports that way of working.
Q&A
Why can’t I consume items from a non-production bin on a production order in Business Central?
When you run a warehouse location, standard Business Central blocks consumption from bins that are not production bins. It returns an error saying the bin code is not related to production, because such bins are reserved for receiving, shipping, or picking.
How do I allow consumption from a non-production bin on a production order?
Set a checkmark in the “Skip Production Pick” field on the location card. This field is related to the Shop Floor mobile app. Once enabled, you can post consumption on a production order from a bin that is not a production bin.
Can I use this to move a full pallet to production and return the surplus?
Yes. You can move more items than the production order requires, for example a full pallet, pick from that bin during consumption, and move the remaining quantity back to inventory afterwards.
How do I verify that consumption was posted from the correct bin?
Check the item ledger entries for the production order. The consumption line shows the item and quantity, and the underlying entries confirm which bin the items came from.