Setting up Your Warehouse and Bins

Setting up Your Warehouse and Bins

Set Up Your Warehouse

One of the first steps to complete when implementing a warehouse management system or any inventory system is to set up the warehouse in a manner that will utilize your space and increase efficiency. Things to consider when setting up your warehouse are Bin locations, Bin types, zones, signage, and labeling. The main goal is to increase the space for storage of inventory and improve inventory accessibility for all the daily operations. For example: receiving, picking, packing, and shipping.

Set Up Your Bin Locations

The setup of Bin locations within the warehouse is a key aspect to increasing the efficiency of inventory traceability. It speeds up the time it takes for users to locate inventory. 

See the Bin Maintenance page in the Zones and Bins section of the Support Center to see how to setup new Bins. See the Bin Upload page in the Excel File Integration section of the Support Center to see how to import your own Bins.

Choose Your Bin Methods

There are a couple of methods to consider when you begin to set up Bins throughout the warehouse:

Primary Bin: This method allows the user to set a Bin to be a primary pick location for a specific inventory item(s). Overstock Bins are used to replenish the primary Bins when inventory gets low. See the Setting Up Primary Bins page in the Zones and Bins section for more information. 

First in First Out (FIFO) or First Expiring First Out (FEFO): This method sends the picker to the location that stores the oldest inventory received in the warehouse for that item, to have that inventory picked first. When this option is utilized, it is highly recommended that all inventory is lot or expiration date tracked within the system. This is to ensure that the oldest inventory may be tracked and picked first.

Choose Your Bin Types

Examples of different Bin types:

Damage Bin: A damage Bin is used exclusively for damaged products. Users can transfer inventory to this Bin when inventory is damaged, there are also configurations to allow the user to transfer inventory from this location. 

Inventory Bin: An inventory Bin is a standard Bin that is used to store inventory items. If needed, inventory Bins can be set up as primary or overstock locations within the WithoutWire System. The user will have the ability to complete inventory transfers to and from this Bin, pick inventory for orders, and if configured- they may be able to receive into this Bin. 

Receiving Bin: A receiving Bin is a standard Bin that is used during the time of receiving, to bring the inventory into your warehouse. This Bin type will commonly be a location in which a Put Away will occur from. If the Bin is configured to do so, this can also be a Bin location from which the user may pick from. 

NOTE: See the Overview of Bin Types page for a full list of Bin types available in WithoutWire.