License Plate Numbers (LPNs) are barcode labels on boxes, pallets, or containers that hold a known quantity of stock. During batch picking in ShipHero, the app detects what's available at each location — loose stock, LPN containers, or both — and prompts you to pick accordingly.
Before You Begin
- LPNs must be enabled in your ShipHero account.
- The picking experience differs depending on whether Map View is enabled. Both workflows are covered below.
This article covers LPN-specific picking prompts during batch picking. For a full walkthrough of the Multi-Item Batch Picking workflow, see How to Multi-Item Batch Pick in ShipHero.
Table of Contents
- Picking with LPNs in ShipHero — Map View On
- How to Use View Valid LPNs in ShipHero
- Picking with LPNs in ShipHero — Map View Off
- Troubleshoot LPN Picking in ShipHero
Picking with LPNs in ShipHero — Map View On
When Map View is enabled, the app detects what's at the location and adjusts the picking prompt based on three scenarios.
Scenario 1 — Location Has Loose Stock Only (No LPNs)
When a location has only loose stock, no LPN containers are present and the app prompts you to scan the item directly.
- Scan the product barcode, or tap the item card to confirm the quantity.
- Scan the tote to complete the pick.
Scenario 2 — Location Has LPNs Only
When a location has only LPN containers, the app prompts you to pick from a specific container. There are three ways to select one.
- Scan the LPN barcode on the container, or tap View valid LPNs to choose from a list, or tap the item card to let the app select a container automatically.
- The counting screen updates to show Scan from [LPN], confirming which container to take from.
- Count out the required quantity and scan the tote to complete the pick.
| Scan LPN barcode | Scan or enter the quantity to pick |
|---|---|
Scenario 3 — Location Has Both Loose Stock and LPNs
When a location has both loose stock and LPN containers, the app accepts either source. ShipHero always recommends picking from loose stock first.
- Scan the product barcode to pick from loose stock, or tap View valid LPNs (or scan an LPN barcode) to pull from a specific container.
- Complete the pick and scan the tote.
When both loose stock and LPNs are available, ShipHero recommends loose stock first. You can still choose an LPN container at any time by tapping View valid LPNs or scanning an LPN barcode directly.
How to Use View Valid LPNs in ShipHero
View Valid LPNs shows every container at the current location that holds the item you're picking. Use it to choose a specific container or confirm what's available before scanning.
- Each row shows the LPN barcode and the number of units in that container (for example, "4 units").
- The container with the most stock appears at the top, tagged SUGGESTED. This is the recommended pick because it's most likely to cover the full quantity in one pull.
- Tap any row to select that container, or scan the LPN barcode directly.
Picking with LPNs in ShipHero — Map View Off
When Map View is disabled, the picking prompt is determined by the label shown on screen. ShipHero uses three label states based on what's at the location.
| Label Shown | What It Means |
|---|---|
| No label | Location has loose stock only. Scan the product barcode to pick. |
| From LPN | Location has loose stock (optional) and exactly one LPN container. Scan the LPN or pick from loose stock. |
| Scan LPN | Location has loose stock (optional) and multiple LPN containers. Scan any LPN barcode from the location — the app automatically starts picking from that container. |
Troubleshoot LPN Picking in ShipHero
Why Does ShipHero Say "Wrong Barcode" for an LPN That's on the View Valid LPNs List?
Stock levels update in real time. When "Wrong barcode" appears for a container that was on the list, another picker has likely emptied it since you opened the screen. Tap View valid LPNs again to reload the list and see what's currently available.
Why Won't ShipHero Let Me Pick from a Container That Looks Full?
ShipHero only accepts containers the system currently shows as having stock. If a container's count has dropped to zero in the system, the app treats it as empty regardless of how it looks physically. Pick from a different container and flag the discrepancy to a supervisor.
Why Did "Wrong Barcode" Appear When I Scanned a Real, Correct Label?
The system either shows that container as empty or it doesn't match the current item. Open View valid LPNs to confirm what's available at the location. If there's loose stock, scan the product barcode instead.
Do I Have to Pick from an LPN Container?
No. When loose stock is available at the location, you can scan the product barcode and pick from the open shelf as normal. LPN containers are an option — not a requirement — for pulling from a specific labeled container.
What Does "SUGGESTED" Mean on the View Valid LPNs Screen?
"SUGGESTED" marks the container with the most units of that item at the location. It's recommended because it's the most likely to cover the full pick quantity without needing a second container.