Warehouse Putaway SOP Template

1.Purpose

To move received inventory into the correct storage location quickly and accurately, so stock is findable, accessible and safely stored for later picking.

2.Scope

Applies to putaway of pallets and cartons from the receiving staging area into bulk, reserve and pick-face storage locations. Receiving and picking are covered by separate SOPs.

Definitions

Directed putaway

A WMS feature that assigns a specific storage location to each pallet based on slotting rules rather than operator choice.

Slotting

The practice of assigning SKUs to locations based on velocity, size and pick pattern to minimize travel time.

Pick face

The primary, easily accessible location where a SKU is picked from for orders, replenished from reserve storage.

License plate

A unique barcode identifier assigned to a pallet or unit load used to track it through the warehouse.

3.Responsibilities

Putaway Operator

Moves pallets to assigned locations, scans confirmations, and reports blocked or full locations.

Warehouse Operations Manager

Maintains slotting rules, prioritizes putaway tasks, and resolves location exceptions.

Forklift Operator

Transports pallets to reserve or bulk locations requiring lift equipment.

Inventory Clerk

Investigates and corrects location discrepancies found during putaway or later audits.

RACI matrix

R = Responsible, A = Accountable, C = Consulted, I = Informed

4.Materials and PPE

Materials, tools and systems

• →WMS handheld scanner
• →Pallet jack or forklift
• →Slotting guide or location assignment report
• →License plate labels
• →Location signage and rack labels
• →Blocked location exception log

Personal protective equipment

• →Steel-toe safety shoes
• →High-visibility vest
• →Gloves for handling strapping and stretch wrap

5.Procedure

1. 5.1

   Review the putaway queue

   Warehouse Operations Manager

   Check the WMS putaway task queue at the start of the shift, prioritizing fast-moving SKUs and pallets blocking the receiving staging area.

2. 5.2

   Accept a putaway task

   Putaway Operator

   Scan or accept the next putaway task on the handheld, which shows the pallet's license plate and the system-directed storage location.

3. 5.3

   Scan the pallet before moving

   Putaway Operator

   Scan the license plate label on the pallet to confirm it matches the task before lifting it, so the wrong pallet is never moved to a directed location.

   Checkpoint: The scanned license plate matches the pallet shown on the putaway task screen.

4. 5.4

   Transport the pallet to its location

   Forklift Operator

   Move the pallet by pallet jack or forklift directly to the directed location, following warehouse traffic and pedestrian right-of-way rules.

5. 5.5

   Verify the location is correct and clear

   Putaway Operator

   Check the rack location label matches the directed location on the task, and confirm the bay has room and correct weight capacity for the pallet.

   Warning: Never force a pallet into a location that is already occupied or under its weight or height limit.

6. 5.6

   Place the pallet safely

   Forklift Operator

   Place the pallet squarely on the rack beam or floor location, fully seated and not overhanging the aisle, and check for stability before releasing it.

7. 5.7

   Confirm the putaway in the WMS

   Putaway Operator

   Scan the location barcode to confirm the putaway in the WMS, which updates the system location for that license plate.

8. 5.8

   Handle a blocked or full location

   Putaway Operator

   If the directed location is blocked, full or damaged, do not force the placement; select an approved override location if your WMS allows it, or flag the exception to the operations manager.

9. 5.9

   Replenish the pick face if needed

   Putaway Operator

   If the SKU's pick face is below its minimum, direct part of the pallet to replenish the pick face location before sending the remainder to reserve storage.

10. 5.10

    Update signage for new SKUs

    Warehouse Operations Manager

    For a newly introduced SKU or location, confirm rack labels and location signage are current, and request updated labels if missing.

11. 5.11

    Review slotting periodically

    Warehouse Operations Manager

    Review slotting assignments on a set schedule, moving high-velocity SKUs closer to shipping and low-velocity SKUs to less accessible locations.

12. 5.12

    Audit putaway accuracy

    Inventory Clerk

    Spot-check a sample of completed putaway tasks against physical locations weekly, and route any mismatch to the inventory clerk for correction.

    Checkpoint: Weekly putaway accuracy sample meets the warehouse's accuracy target before the audit is closed.

6.Quality checks

• →License plate is scanned and matched before every pallet move.
• →System location is confirmed by scan immediately after physical placement.
• →Blocked or full locations are resolved the same shift, not left overnight.
• →Weekly putaway accuracy sample meets the warehouse's target.

7.Records

• →Putaway task completion log in the WMS
• →Blocked location exception log
• →Slotting review notes
• →Putaway accuracy audit results

8.KPIs

• →Putaway task completion time from staging to confirmed location
• →Putaway location accuracy rate
• →Number of blocked or overridden putaway tasks per week
• →Pick face stockout rate linked to late replenishment

9.Common mistakes

• →Placing a pallet in a location without scanning to confirm it in the WMS.
• →Forcing a pallet into an occupied or overweight location.
• →Leaving fast-moving SKUs slotted far from the pick and pack area.
• →Skipping the pick face replenishment check during putaway.

10.Revision history