Slotting in a warehouse optimizes the location of each SKU based on unique product characteristics, size of the warehouse, labor efficiency and replenishment requirements.
Slotting supports the movement of SKUs, whether fast or slow moving. It also improves throughput so that customer orders can be delivered on time. Effective slotting can also reduce product damage, improve worker productivity, and speed fulfillment.
With rising eCommerce demands, warehouses face increasing challenges in maintaining speed, accuracy, and efficiency while working within the constraints of their current footprint. Slotting plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges, providing structured organization that ensures each SKU is stored in its most efficient location. This not only saves valuable time for pickers but also maximizes storage capacity, enabling businesses to scale effectively without expanding their space.
Maximize Warehouse Efficiency with Effective Slotting
Slotting is the process of allocating products (SKUs) to locations in a warehouse according to business rules and product characteristics. Effective slotting requires an understanding of a company’s business and goals, taking into account the physical size and aspects of the warehouse, current and future material handling equipment, SKU makeup, seasonal capacity changes, worker skill and customer service levels.
In the slotting process, each SKU must be assigned the proper location in the correct storage media, at an appropriate access level in the optimum warehouse zone. High velocity SKUs are better handled in A-frames or pallet positions because of the increased need for replenishing inventory. Slow movers can be stored on static shelving. In automated processes, medium velocity products are suitable for carousels or AS/RS. If not slotted properly, a warehouse can suffer from decreased throughput and efficiency, resulting in unmet customer service levels and higher costs.
Learn to optimize warehouse space for increased speed and accuracy. Download the Guide to Understanding Throughput for Fulfillment!
Improve Your Slotting Process with Tailored Solutions
To help you keep costs at a minimum, UNEX offers storage solutions for fast, medium, and slow movers – from flow racks to carton flow rollers and everything in between. Proper slotting reduces product touches, increases inventory turns, improves picker performance by reducing travel time, and drives throughput because pickers know where products are located.
UNEX offers tailored storage solutions ensure that each SKU is stored in the optimal location based on its velocity and handling requirements. For high-velocity SKUs, SpanTrack carton flow solutions deliver unparalleled efficiency by maintaining consistent inventory flow and accessibility. Medium movers, which require flexibility in storage and retrieval, benefit from modular systems like FlowCell, designed to adapt to changing SKU profiles and operational shifts. Meanwhile, low-velocity SKUs are best stored using SpeedCell high-density storage, which consolidates space, increases pick faces, and minimizes the footprint needed for static inventory.
These innovative solutions not only streamline slotting processes but also address common challenges like space constraints, disorganization, and worker fatigue. By integrating these products into your warehouse, you can improve overall productivity, ensure accurate and timely order fulfillment, and create a safer, more ergonomic environment for your team.
UNEX Solutions for Optimal Slotting Efficiency
To address the challenges of improper slotting and ensure efficient SKU placement, UNEX provides a range of storage solutions designed to optimize warehouse operations and support the unique demands of fast, medium, and slow movers. These products not only improve throughput but also enhance picker productivity, reduce product touches, and minimize costs.
SpanTrack Carton Flow
UNEX SpanTrack carton flow solutions are ideal for dynamic storage of fast-moving SKUs. These carton flow tracks easily integrate into existing racking systems and provide a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) inventory rotation to ensure the right products are always accessible. With features like high-capacity durability, superior flow, and customizable designs, SpanTrack improves replenishment and reduces picker travel time.
FlowCell Modular Flow Racks
For medium-velocity SKUs, FlowCell provides modular, dynamic storage racks that support lean principles by maximizing space and pick efficiency. These adjustable racks are perfect for assembly stations or lineside storage and can be easily reconfigured to adapt to changing operational needs. With FlowCell, warehouses can improve ergonomics, increase productivity, and ensure optimal slotting for mid-level SKU movement.
SpeedCell High-Density Storage
UNEX SpeedCell is designed to compress storage space for slow-moving SKUs, transforming static shelving into high-density, dynamic storage. By dramatically increasing pick faces and reducing travel time, SpeedCell improves organization and boosts storage efficiency. Its ergonomic design also minimizes strain on workers, making it a reliable solution for slower movers.
Transform Your Warehouse Efficiency
UNEX helps businesses implement an effective slotting strategy that improves throughput, minimizes errors, and lowers operational costs. No matter the SKU velocity, UNEX has the tools to create a more efficient, organized, and profitable warehouse.
Contact us today to make sure you have a place for everything in your warehouse with proper slotting.
