Slotting Solution

Our Slotting Solution optimizes inventory placements in warehouse storage areas to increase the efficiency of order picking and replenishment processes. Operational benefits include improved staff productivity, higher order throughput and more efficient use of limited storage space.

What are the challenges?

Many enterprise warehouses have to manage large, fast-turning and seasonally changing inventories. Targeted inventory slotting is key for efficient order picking and processing. However, these inventories have become too dynamic and complex to optimize item placements manually. Traditional rule-based slotting approaches also have their limitations. This creates the following challenges:​

• Workforce can not be fully productive, as picking and replenishment trips account for most of their work time
• Longer order processing times cause late or partial shipments
• Inefficient or incorrect item placement increases picking errors and impacts customer satisfaction
• It is a challenge to keep track of the changing assortment‘s ABC classifications and know what products should be positioned closest to the outbound processing areas
• Picking incorrectly placed items that are too heavy or too large can cause workforce injuries

These challenges lead to longer order cycles and constrained throughput, reduce employee productivity and can impact morale.

A fresh look at slotting

What are the benefits?

Our Slotting Solution can help warehouse managers address these issues. It applies data science techniques and advanced analytics to optimize inventory placements based on product velocity, slot constraints and item characteristics. This significantly shortens the times required for order picking, thereby increasing the rate of on-time shipments, while the system-driven, accurate slotting helps reduce picking errors.

It also reduces replenishment efforts and helps to right-size storage slots, to enable more efficient use of limited storage space. Our solution also supports different slotting strategies and allows customers to select the best option for their needs.

Product movements required for re-slotting of inventory items are fed back into the Warehouse Management System (WMS) to enable integrated task planning.

Boost workforce productivity

Accelerate order processing

Enhance customer satisfaction

Maximize storage efficiency

Our key capabilities

• Optimized item placement, based on product velocity, slot constraints and item characteristics
• Re-slotting for the whole warehouse or for individual zones
• Supports multiple slotting strategies (e.g. pick distance vs replenishment frequency)
• Before and after comparisons of multiple slotting scenarios
• “Best Moves” end-of-day analysis increases picking efficiency over subsequent days
• Effective placement of newly introduced products/ product lines

The Infios difference

• Next-generation slotting solution that employs data science to optimize the management of increasingly complex inventories
• Slotting improvements derived from rich, customer-specific data to tailor results for each warehouse
• Extensive experience in optimizing warehouse performance with innovative software solutions
• Integrated ecosystem of solutions ready to elevate each of your software solutions

What is a Slotting Solution?

A Slotting Solution is a software tool used in warehouse management to optimize the placement of inventory within the warehouse. It analyzes various factors such as SKU velocity, dimensions and storage requirements to determine the most efficient storage locations for each item.

How does a slotting solution benefit your warehouse operations?

A Slotting Solution helps maximize warehouse efficiency by organizing inventory in a way that minimizes travel time, reduces picking errors and increases throughput. By optimizing storage locations based on factors like demand patterns and SKU characteristics, slotting solutions improve overall warehouse productivity and accuracy.

What factors does a slotting solution consider when optimizing inventory placement?

Slotting Solutions consider various factors, including SKU velocity (how fast items sell), dimensions, weight, storage requirements (e.g., temperature or special handling) and picking frequency. By analyzing these factors, the solution determines the optimal storage locations for each item to minimize travel time and maximize efficiency.

How does a slotting solution integrate with my existing Warehouse Management System (WMS)?

Most Slotting Solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate with existing Warehouse Management platforms. They can exchange data with the WMS via APIs to access information about SKU attributes and storage locations and picking history. This integration ensures that slotting decisions are based on current data.

Can a slotting solution adapt to changing warehouse conditions?

Yes, Slotting Solutions are designed to be dynamic and adaptable. They can be adapted to reflect promotional or seasonal SKUs, changing velocities and storage requirements. This flexibility allows warehouses to adjust slotting strategies based on evolving business needs.

How does implementing a slotting solution impact my bottom line?

Implementing a Slotting Solution can have a significant impact on your bottom line by improving warehouse efficiency and labor productivity and reducing late shipments and inventory damage. By optimizing inventory placement and streamlining picking processes, slotting solutions help warehouses operate more efficiently, leading to cost savings and increased profitability.

Is a slotting solution suitable for warehouses of all sizes?

Slotting Solutions are best suited for medium to enterprise warehouses, with larger inventories. As inventories expand in size and complexity, the advantages of automated, efficient slotting become more pronounced.