Putaway Requirements

This article describes the DVU putaway feature and the configuration requirements it needs to operate. 

Putaway is a warehouse process (managed on a barcode scanner) that moves inventory from a receiving area (e.g. staging area near a dock door) to a storage location (e.g. racking, pick location, etc.). On the DVU platform, the putaway feature automatically selects the storage location for received inventory based on rules set at the account level. This is a time-saving feature because floor staff do not waste time looking for an empty space to hold inventory sitting in the staging area.

System configurations

The putaway feature requires four system configurations to work.

1. Receiving area settings

The DVU user must disable all Location Type putaway checkboxes for the storage location that serves as the receiving area.

2. Putaway locations

The account must have at least one final storage location (i.e. destination of received inventory) with putaway enabled on the Location Type panel.

3. Assigned storage locations

The DVU user must assign at least one putaway location to the account.

4. Create rules

The DVU user must create putaway rules on the Barcode Scanning page. (see below)

Creating rules

When the putaway tool scans the warehouse database for storage location options, rules narrow the list of choices and help the DVU user optimize inventory access and warehouse efficiency.

DVU users must enable two or three settings.

1. Go to Business Partners > Accounts.

2. Open an account.

3. Select Barcode Scanning on the side menu.

4. Scroll down to the Receiving - General and locate three settings.

Putaway Style

This rule assumes a warehouse runs more efficiently when similar items in the account’s inventory are stored near each other. DVU users can specify how the putaway tool defines similar. The options are one variable (i.e. item code, lot code, or sublot code), two variables (item code and lot code), or three variables (i.e. item code, lot code, and sublot code).

1. Click the Putaway Style field.

2. Select an option (e.g. Item Code, Item and Lot Codes, etc.).

3. Click Save.

Putaway Prioritization

If the putaway rule identifies two or more locations that match the putaway away style selection (see above), this rule ranks the options.

1. Click the Putaway Prioritization field.

2. Select an option. (see below)

3. Click Save.

Options

• Location Ascending - Ranks options based on alpha-numeric order (e.g. A-01, A-02, B-01, etc.) and chooses the first option. This is the default setting.

• Least Occupied - Prioritize an even distribution of inventory across the warehouse. This option ranks locations according to the amount of unoccupied space and starts with the location that has the most available space.

• Least Occupied - Prioritize efficient use of space. This option sorts locations according to the amount of unoccupied space and starts with the location with the least amount of available space.

Directed Putaway Cube Analysis

If enabled, the directed putaway process takes into account the dimensions and weight limits of a location. To work effectively, dimensions and weights must be entered at the item level.

Using the RF scanner

Below is a demonstration of how the putaway feature displays on an RR screen.

Log in to the scanner.

Select Receiving (3).

Select Putaway (2).

There are several options on this screen. We select By Piece/Case (3).

Select an option. We select Scan Location (2).

Scan the current receiving location.

Scan the item code.

Review the summary. Select (1) to continue.

Among the possible locations, the scanner suggests storage location store-3. Enter the location to confirm.

The final screen shows a successful putaway.