Optimizing locations

In the system, each product has a number that indicates where the product is available in the warehouse. Typically that number is a bin location ID. In TWL, location addresses are defined in terms of these categories and sub-categories:

• Type

  • Bulk
  • Carousel stage
  • Shelf
  • Pallet
  • Flow rack

• Storage capacity

  • Length
  • Width
  • Height

• Location

  • Zone
  • Aisle

• Pick velocity

  • Class A
  • Class B
  • Class C
  • Class D
• Stacking constraints

These location addresses and attributes are maintained as individual records in the database. Warning messages are displayed if you try to overfill a location, or perform a task that is inconsistent with the location attributes. You can either continue with the task or find a more suitable location.

If you use primary pick locations, then picking productivity can be up to 20 times greater than with a large reserve storage area. Maintaining primary pick locations is an ongoing task. It must be scheduled before dropping orders to ensure the order picker finds adequate stock to fill orders.

To obtain productivity gains, a location should hold enough quantity to prevent replenishment from occurring too frequently. TheTWL Bin Hits Report helps determine if primary pick locations are being used correctly. This is a management report that measures the number of times a picker extracts inventory from a bin.