How To Optimize The Warehouse Putaway Process

Did you know there is a right and wrong way to put products away in your warehouse? You could be wasting time and money if you're not optimizing your warehouse putaway process. In this blog post, we'll tell you how to maximize your warehouse putaway process so that you can save time and money. 

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 What Is The Putaway In A Warehouse Process?

The Putaway process in a warehouse refers to all the processes that occur between receiving a supply of goods from a vendor and storing it all in racks and shelves in your warehouse. A typical putaway procedure begins with submitting a purchase order to your vendor. After you receive the supply and complete the necessary quality checks, you can start storing the items in their designated locations.

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Importance Of The Put Away Warehouse Process 

Some of the main reasons why putaway is essential for your business:

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• You're making it easier to store the next batch of items now that you know where to put them.
• With the putaway process in place, you can ensure that every product is accounted for.
• It lowers the likelihood of missing or lost items and provides you with a clean and organized warehouse.
• It helps speed up your picking process when filling an order because you know exactly where each product is, as long as you keep track of their locations.
• This is especially useful when a warehouse is running low on stock for a specific product and needs it replenished quickly before a customer orders it.
• An organized putaway ensures you make the best use of your storage space.

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Related: How To Organize A Warehouse

Types Of Warehouse Putaway

Putaway methods are classified into four types which are:

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There are various types of putaway processes in a warehouse, each based on different criteria. The most common putaway methods are based on purchase orders, SKUs, and product types. 

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Based on the purchase order: In this type of putaway, products are stored in the warehouse according to their purchase order. This is often used when products are received from different vendors and must be kept separate. 

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Based on SKU: In this type of putaway, products are stored in the warehouse according to their SKU number. This is often used when products are similar and must be kept together. 

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Based on product type: In this type of putaway, products are stored in the warehouse according to their product type. This is often used when products are received from different vendors and must be kept separate. 

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Direct putaway: In this type of putaway, products are stored in the warehouse according to their final destination. This is often used when products are received from different vendors and must be kept separate.

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How To Optimize The Warehouse Putaway Process 

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Put Off Your Putaway

Busy warehouses naturally prioritize significant processes such as picking, packing, and shipping because they are responsible for getting orders out the door and money in. As a result, they postpone their putaway process. However, this only means they end up with boxes of unaccounted-for items.

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Use An Updated WMS

There's a chance you're not storing your products as efficiently as you could. Using a warehouse management system that can show you the best locations to keep your products is a simple solution to this problem.

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Try Using Fixed And Dynamic Locations

Businesses usually only use one type of location set at a time, either fixed or dynamic. However, under the right conditions, they can use two kinds of places simultaneously to maximize storage.

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 Benefits Of An Optimized Putaway Process In Warehouse

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Optimizing The Warehouse Layout

The WMS will select putaway locations that optimize the warehouse layout. This means shorter travel times and optimized routes through the warehouse, resulting in faster picking speeds.

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Boosting Stock Of High Volume Products

High-volume products can be directed to be put away as soon as possible, ensuring that they are always in stock.

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Location Of High Volume Products

Directed putaway can ensure that popular items are stored in high-traffic picking areas. This means that popular stock items are all located close to one another, reducing travel time for pickers and, as a result, speeding up the picking process and increasing operational productivity.

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Expediting Putaway

Instead of using a staging area to unload deliveries first, a WMS's directed putaway feature can direct staff to put away directly to a final location.

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Conclusion

 Warehouses that take the time to optimize their putaway process can save money and improve efficiency. At Conveyr, we build the tools 3PLs use to compete and win new business. Contact us today if you're looking for a tool that can help you optimize your warehouse putaway process. We'd be happy to help!

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Recommended: How To Take A Physical Inventory Count Of Your Business