TOPS Pro Tutorial - TOPS - Packaging Software

Exercise #3: Perform a Knockdown
Analysis
One frequently used analysis is the knockdown (KD) analysis, in which a
box has been collapsed flat. In a KD analysis, you'll usually take a bundle
of collapsed boxes and load them onto a pallet. The dimensions of the box
have obviously changed. TOPS Pro allows you to account for the
knockdown by entering the dimensions of a box after it has been collapsed
flat.
Note: The Knockdown button, located on the Carton Parameters dialog
box, will automatically calculate these dimensions for you. However, the
Knockdown button is used only for RSC-style boxes.
Objective: Find the optimal solution for loading bundles of collapsed
boxes onto a pallet after one or more boxes have been collapsed.
In this analysis, the various stages have these general characteristics:
Each KD carton (box) measures 16.75 inches long, 14.5 inches wide
and 0.5 inches high.
Each bundle is configured as a shipcase that contains 20, 25 or 30
collapsed boxes.
The pallet is non-standard, which means you'll design a new pallet
tailored to your needs.
To perform this analysis, you'll start from the Control Panel and work
through four simple sets of procedures, in this order:
1. Define the Package Design Sequence.
2. Define the carton (KD box) parameters.
Note: Be aware that two types of cartons are available – the box
carton (green icon) and the intermediate pack carton (blue icon).
3. Define the shipcase (bundle) parameters.
4. Define the unitload (pallet) parameters.
5. Generate possible solutions and make a decision.
48 TOPS User Guide Supplement and Tutorial