Guide To Warehouse Putaway

October 3, 2023

Blog, Inventory, Warehouse

Image by chandlervid85 on Freepik

What is Warehouse Putaway

Warehouse putaway is the process of placing incoming goods into designated storage locations within a warehouse facility. It’s a critical step in the supply chain that involves not only the physical act of storing items but also strategic decision-making to optimize storage space and accessibility.

The Importance of Efficient Putaway

Efficient putaway procedures are essential for several reasons:

Optimized Space Utilization: Proper putaway ensures that every inch of your warehouse space is used efficiently, reducing the need for additional storage space.
Faster Retrieval: Organized storage makes it easier to locate and retrieve items quickly, reducing order processing times.
Error Reduction: Well-organized putaway reduces the risk of misplaced items or inventory errors.

Preparing for Putaway

Organizing Receiving Areas: Before items are put away, ensure that your receiving area is well-organized. This includes having clearly defined receiving docks and spaces for sorting incoming goods.
Verifying Goods: Thoroughly verify the received goods against the purchase order to avoid discrepancies and errors in putaway.
Sorting Inventory: Categorize items based on their characteristics, such as size, weight, fragility, and storage requirements.

Implementing an Efficient Putaway Process

1. Mapping Storage Locations

Create a detailed map of your warehouse layout, marking storage locations and access points.

2. Proper Labeling

Label storage locations clearly to ensure accuracy during putaway and retrieval.

3. FIFO and LIFO Strategies

Implement strategies like First-In-First-Out (FIFO) or Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) based on the nature of your inventory.

Types of Warehouse Putaway

Here are the various types of warehouse putaway methods commonly used in warehouse management:

1. Random Putaway

In this method, incoming goods are placed in any available storage location within the warehouse without a specific order or organization.
It is suitable for items with no specific storage requirements or when the order of retrieval does not matter.

2. Fixed Location Putaway

Fixed location putaway assigns a dedicated storage location for each item based on its SKU (Stock Keeping Unit).
It ensures that items are always stored in the same place, making retrieval predictable and efficient.

3. Dynamic Slotting

Dynamic slotting involves regularly reassessing and reorganizing the storage locations based on factors like item popularity, seasonality, and order frequency.
It optimizes storage by placing high-demand items in easily accessible locations.

4. Pallet Flow Racking:

Pallet flow racking utilizes gravity to move pallets forward as items are removed, ensuring a first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory rotation. This method is excellent for perishable goods or items with expiration dates.

5. Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS)

AS/RS systems use automated machinery and robotics to store and retrieve items. They are highly efficient and suitable for large warehouses with high storage density requirements.

Conclusion

Efficient warehouse putaway is the backbone of a well-organized and productive warehouse. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can optimize your putaway processes, reduce errors, and enhance overall warehouse efficiency.

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