Are you familiar with product slotting?
How do you think it can help with warehouse management and increase efficiency?
Watch the video below to find out!
Product slotting is the process of determining the best location for items in a warehouse or distribution center. It’s about organizing products so they’re in the right place, ensuring efficiency and order.
The Benefits of Product Slotting
The main goal of product slotting is to improve productivity by reducing travel time for warehouse staff. By placing high-demand items (or fast movers) closer to staging or packing areas, operations become quicker and more efficient. Productivity gains can range from 10% to over 40%, with travel reductions being the key driver.
Slotting often begins with categorizing products by picking velocity—A items are the fastest movers, followed by B and C items. Concentrating A items near dispatch areas significantly improves efficiency. For added granularity, sub-categories within A, B, and C groups can optimize the process even further.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
While clustering fast movers can boost productivity, it may lead to congestion in larger operations. To avoid bottlenecks, consider spreading fast movers across multiple aisles or zones, ensuring smooth operations.
For smaller operations with fewer SKUs, spreadsheets may suffice for planning. However, as SKU numbers grow, or when complex criteria like three-dimensional placement or multiple constraints (e.g., pallet stability or weight order) come into play, specialist software becomes invaluable. These tools automate and refine the process, saving significant time and effort.
Slotting isn’t just about horizontal placement; vertical positioning matters too. Fast movers should ideally stay at easily accessible levels to reduce lifting time. Sophisticated tools can help plan in both two and three dimensions.
Signs You Need Product Slotting
Dusty products in prime locations, scattered high-demand items, or inefficient pick paths are clear signs your warehouse needs slotting optimization. A quick audit of picking patterns can reveal whether your setup is costing you time and money.
Related articles on this topic have appeared throughout our website, check them out:
- How to Improve Warehouse Layout Efficiency and Save Costs
- What is Order Picking?
- The 7 Essential Warehouse Layout Design Principles
- Spotlight on 7 Key Warehouse Processes
