What Is Put Away In Warehouse

Introduction #

Running a warehouse can feel tricky, especially for small businesses in India. However, one crucial task that streamlines everything is the Put Away process.

Put Away means putting incoming goods in their proper storage spots. This step is super important because it keeps your warehouse organized.

When things are in order, you can find them quickly and avoid confusion. A good Put Away system helps save money, improves efficiency, and keeps customers happy.

Let’s explore how the Put Away process works and why it matters.

What Is the Put Away Process? #

The Put Away process is all about storing items in the right place at the right time. After items arrive at your warehouse, you need to check them and move them to their proper storage locations. This helps ensure your warehouse stays organized, and it also keeps track of what you have in stock.

Why Is the Put Away Important?

• It makes finding items faster and easier.
• It prevents mistakes, like losing items or sending the wrong goods to customers.
• It keeps your inventory accurate so you never run out of important products.

Goals of the Put Away Process #

The Main Idea

The main goal of Put Away is simple: store things efficiently and make sure they’re easy to find later. A good system lets you save time, avoid clutter, and process orders faster.

How It Helps

Here’s how a smooth Put Away process can improve your warehouse:

• Organized Storage: Items are stored neatly, making it easy to locate them.
• Faster Picking and Packing: When it’s time to ship orders, finding items becomes quicker.
• No Errors: Accurate records help prevent mix-ups with inventory.

What Makes a Put Away System Work Well? #

1. Use Space Wisely

Warehouses can feel crowded quickly. By organizing items properly, you can maximize space and avoid clutter. For example, stack smaller items together or group similar products. This ensures everything fits and is easy to reach.

2. Save Time

The quicker you organize items, the more efficient your warehouse. Tools like barcode scanners and conveyor belts can help you move quickly. Less walking and unnecessary movement means workers can focus on other tasks.

3. Keep Accurate Records

Store each item with accurate documentation every time. This avoids confusion later. If you encounter incorrect records, you may mistakenly believe you have sufficient inventory when you actually don’t, or you might misplace the location of stored items.

4. Keep It Organized

An organized warehouse saves money and reduces stress. A system that labels storage locations helps workers find things faster. Good organization also means less need for extra staff or overtime work.

The Benefits of Put Away for Small Businesses #

Faster Work = More Productivity

A smooth Put Away system helps employees work quicker and smarter. They don’t waste time searching for misplaced items. This means they can focus on tasks like processing orders or improving customer service.

Save Money

Poor organization leads to waste: wasted time, wasted labor, and sometimes even wasted items. By properly storing goods, business owners can reduce errors and avoid hiring additional workers. This saves money in the long run.

Happy Customers

When your warehouse works well, customer orders are fulfilled faster and more accurately. Customers get the right products on time, which keeps them happy and builds trust.

Grow With Ease

If your business expands, a good Put Away system can grow with it. With efficient processes in place, handling more stock doesn’t have to mean extra challenges.

Steps of the Put Away Process #

1.  Receiving Items: When an order arrives at your warehouse, start by checking it carefully. Look at the delivery paperwork and count the items. Ensure that the products you receive are correct.
2.  Inspect Condition: Examine items for damage prior to storage. For example, if someone breaks an item, it’s better to notice it now rather than later. This step helps avoid sending damaged goods to customers.
3.  Assign Storage Locations: Determine the placement for each item. Keep frequently used items in accessible locations, and place infrequently used items further back. In some cases, software called a Warehouse Management System (WMS) can help decide the best location.
4.  Tag Everything: Labels make it easy! Use barcodes or clear tags to identify what each item is and where it belongs. This helps workers find items without confusion.
5.  Relocate Items to the Correct Place: It’s time to relocate items. Utilize forklifts, hand carts, or conveyor systems as necessary. Place each item carefully in its assigned space.
6.  Double-Check: After storing, double-check everything matches your inventory records. This helps you precisely understand what you possess and where you have it located.
7.  Keep Improving: Continuously seek methods to enhance and speed up Put Away. Ask workers for feedback or check if new tools and technologies could help. Continuous improvements keep your system running smoothly.

Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them #

 Not Enough Space

Warehouses often feel crowded. Plan your layout carefully to maximize available space. Stack items vertically or use shelves designed for small goods.

 Wrong Records

When inventory records don’t match what’s in the warehouse, it causes significant operational challenges. Train staff to log every change properly, and double-check during inventory counts.

 Fear of New Technology

Sometimes workers resist using new equipment or systems. Explain how tools like barcode scanners or conveyor belts will make their jobs easier. Provide training to help them feel comfortable.

 Lack of Training

If workers don’t know how to store items properly, mistakes happen. Regular training ensures everyone knows the best practices.

Best Practices for Better Put Away #

•  Train Workers Regularly: Employees need to know how to use tools and follow storage procedures. Offering training builds confidence and reduces errors.
•  Use Smart Technology: Warehouse Management Systems, barcode scanners, and automated shelves can help you store items faster and more accurately.
•  Plan Your Space: Divide your warehouse into clear zones by product type or frequency of use. This prevents clutter and makes retrieving items easier.
•  Stick to Lean Inventory: Refrain from purchasing excessive inventory simultaneously. Having fewer products reduces storage needs and simplifies inventory management.
•  Check Your Processes: Perform regular audits to find what’s working and where you can improve. Feedback from workers can provide great insights.

Real-Life Success Stories #

 A Small Online Store

An online shop selling gadgets installed barcodes and used a WMS (Warehouse Management System). These changes made storing and finding items much quicker. As a result, they handled more orders and kept customers happy.

 A Food Supplier

A company that delivers fresh food reorganized its warehouse layout. They put refrigerated goods closer to the loading docks and used temperature-controlled storage. This improved freshness and reduced spoilage.

 A Retail Chain

A retail business redesigned its Put Away system to reduce mistakes. They labeled items more clearly and used better software to track stock. This helped them save money and boost customer satisfaction.

How Vyapar App Helps #

Vyapar App can help improve the Put Away process in warehouses by offering smart inventory.

1. Accurate Inventory Tracking – The Vyapar App helps businesses keep track of their stock in real time. It ensures that the team logs all received goods correctly. This reduces the chances of misplaced items and incorrect stock counts.
2. Barcode Scanning for Easy Storage – Vyapar makes labelling and scanning items simple. This assists users in organizing items correctly. This speeds up the Put Away process and minimizes errors.
3. Automated Reports & Alerts – Vyapar sends alerts when stock levels are low or if there are discrepancies in inventory records. This helps businesses stay updated and avoid running out of essential products.
4.  Low Stock Alerts – Vyapar App automatically notifies businesses when stock levels are running low. This helps prevent shortages, ensures timely restocking, and avoids delays in order fulfilment.

FAQ’s: #

1. What is the goal of the Put Away process?

To store goods in assigned spots, keeping the warehouse organized and inventory accurate.

2. How does it improve productivity?

It reduces the time needed to move, find, and retrieve items.

3. What tools help with Put Away?

Barcodes, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and conveyor belts are common.

4. Does it reduce errors?

Yes, storing items correctly and keeping records accurate can prevent mistakes.

5. How do I train workers for Put Away?

Offer hands-on tools training and explain storage procedures clearly.

How often should we review the Put Away processes?

At least once every few months to ensure they remain effective.

Conclusion #

For small businesses—especially in India—the Put Away process is essential. It keeps the warehouse running smoothly, saves money, and ensures customers are satisfied. By organizing items properly, using the right tools, and training staff, businesses can improve efficiency and grow with ease. Start small, improve steadily, and enjoy the benefits of a well-organized warehouse.