(Directed) Putaway
Directed putaway is an inventory management strategy that utilizes a warehouse management system (WMS) to determine the optimal location for incoming goods. This approach contrasts with traditional putaway methods, which often rely on manual decisions or rely on workers' knowledge of the warehouse layout.
Benefits of directed putaway
Improved efficiency and productivity: Directed putaway can significantly reduce the time and effort required to put away inventory, as workers no longer need to search for and select appropriate storage locations.
Reduced errors: By automating the putaway process, directed putaway helps to minimize errors such as misplacement of goods or overstocking of bins.
Optimized inventory storage: Directed putaway algorithms can consider various factors, such as product demand, turnover rates, and batch compatibility, to ensure that goods are stored in the most efficient and logical locations.
Enhanced space utilization: Directed putaway can help to maximize warehouse space utilization by identifying and utilizing empty or underutilized storage areas.
How directed putaway works
Incoming goods are scanned and identified: As goods arrive at the warehouse, they are scanned and their identification information is captured by the WMS.
The WMS determines the optimal putaway location: The WMS analyzes the product information, storage availability, and other relevant factors to determine the most suitable putaway location for each item.
Putaway instructions are provided to workers: The WMS provides workers with clear and concise instructions on where to put away each item. These instructions may be displayed on mobile devices, pick-to-light systems, or other digital interfaces.
Workers verify and confirm putaway: Once an item has been placed in its designated location, workers scan the item and confirm its placement in the WMS. This real-time feedback helps to maintain inventory accuracy and ensures that the WMS has an accurate record of stock levels.
Overall, directed putaway is a valuable tool for warehouses that want to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and optimize inventory storage. By automating the putaway process and utilizing intelligent algorithms, directed putaway can help to streamline warehouse operations and contribute to overall supply chain success.
How to configure (Directed) Putaway
First we have to configure a Warehouse Strategy.
- Search for Warehouse Strategy List
- Create a new Warhouse Strategy
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Code | Warhouse Strategy Code |
| Description | Describe the Warehouse Strategy |
Create a new Warehouse Strategy Line
Tip
When configuring a warehouse strategy line, you can make use of combinations of handling unit content fields. For example, enabling fields like Item Category Code and Handling Unit Type allows the warehouse strategy line to search for handling unit content that matches both the specified item category code and Handling Unit Type. This can help > you create more specific and targeted strategies for your warehouse operations.
Link the Warehouse Strategy
A Warehouse Strategy can be setup in the following ways:
- Customer Item
- Warehouse Action Step
- WMS Document Line
- Expedition Area