Benefits of Warehouse Slotting Strategies for Order Fulfillment Efficiency

Strategic Warehouse Slotting Strategies Optimize Pick Zones

The post-pandemic world of warehousing and distribution is facing a new reality. The labor challenges and lightning-fast turn rates of the last year are here to stay. Many warehouses and distribution centers are slotting a new course using tried-and-true methodologies to compete successfully. Implementing a slotting strategy using WMS software and high-density storage systems is a highly effective way to reign in labor costs, meet picking goals, and monitor inventory turn rates to maximize warehouse space and operational efficiency.

Warehouse slotting strategies consider the dimensions and weight of each SKU, the turn rate, and whether it is most often fulfilled with another SKU, and then determine optimal pick areas for fast, medium, and slower turn SKUs. Therefore, your slotting strategy is highly customized to your operation.

Advantages of a Warehouse Slotting Strategy

• Save upwards of 15%-30% in labor costs 
• Quick, accurate putaway and picking
• More efficient restocking
• Safer work environment
• Optimize warehouse space
• Improve inventory management
• Protect inventory from damage
• Meet aggressive order fulfillment goals

Implementing a slotting strategy will include installing storage solutions tailored to your inventory specs — size, shape, weight, etc. You may need several storage solutions such as carton flow rack for fast-moving SKUs, carousels or bin storage for medium turn SKUs, and industrial shelving or drawers for slower inventory. Each unit is a concentrated, highly-organized pick zone that your team can quickly access. 

Carton Flow Rack					Bin Storage
SpeedCell®					Industrial Shelving

High-Density Bin Storage 

SpeedCell® engineered space optimization is a unique, proprietary bin storage rack system. It is comprised of sturdy canvas panels that slide side-to-side to reveal rows of deep storage. With SpeedCell you can create a high-density solution for individual and small piece SKUs with slow- to medium-turn rates. Each SKU is compartmentalized into easy-to-identify bins for fast, accurate selection. SpeedCell is an economical way to maximize space and create a highly efficient pick zone.

• High-density SKU storage
• Condensed pick zone
• Fast, accurate picking
• Ergonomic supportive design
• Optimized under-utilized space

SpeedCell can be configured and installed safely under existing pallet rack systems. This saves cost and minimizes disruption to current operations. Hanging bin storage comes in multiple bin sizes from 6.5” – 19.5” and can accommodate most parts with up to 35 lbs. per cell and 240 lbs. per column. Installation time is minimal to prevent downtime of warehouse operations. SpeedCell comes in standard white but can be ordered in other colors to maintain a professional appearance and match your image.  

Be sure to ask the WOI team about mobile SpeedCell for seasonal items and frequent inventory changes.

Integrating Slotting into Your Warehouse Operation

Slotting software is beneficial in developing your slotting strategy and efficiently monitoring inventory fluctuations and changes that may require SKU re-slotting to maintain optimal operations. In addition, you can design your slotting strategy to support a wave, batch, or zone pick operation if you desire. For example:

• Group items similarly fulfilled together
• Group items by size
• Group by turn rate
• Group SKUs from the same vendor
• Group similar items together

Your inventory will help dictate your storage strategy. Do be aware of potential bottlenecks in your pick area and schedule workers accordingly. 

Lastly, consider adding automated order picking products to assist your workers in more quickly identifying and accurately selecting the correct SKU. There are several economical and scalable solutions that will integrate seamlessly with your slotting strategy.

Automated Picking Solutions

• Pick-to-light
• Voice-directed
• Goods-to-person
• Pick to conveyor

One-Stop Expert Advice for Your Slotting Strategies Implementation

With so much to navigate as you explore and implement a warehouse slotting strategy, you will benefit from working with an experienced, trusted source like Warehouse Optimizers, Inc. (WOI). Our material handling experts are here to help you understand the methodologies and options to select the best slotting strategy to meet the unique needs of your facility. Our team is an independent source and will integrate all the warehouse components from software to storage rack to conveyor and processing devices that will best serve your team. We guarantee it.

The WOI 5-Step Total Satisfaction Experience™ is the process that ensures success. We will:

1. Listen to your needs and execute a solution
2. Execute your project with special attention to your unique application
3. Commit to and communicate project timelines
4. Ensure a safe environment and safe installation
5. Pay close attention to the detail  of the finished product

Call WOI today to discuss your pallet racking and warehousing needs. Call (865) 540-4004 for a prompt response. We proudly serve customers throughout the Southeast, including KENTUCKY, TENNESSEE, NORTH CAROLINA, ALABAMA, AND FLORIDA.