Slotting
Quick answer
Strategically assigning products to warehouse locations based on rotation, size and affinity to minimise picking effort.
Key takeaways
- Velocity - ABC classification by order frequency
- Size and weight - heavy low, light high
- Affinity - frequently co-ordered products placed close
- Constraints - temperature, batch, incompatibilities
What slotting is
Slotting is the discipline of deciding which product goes in which location. Good slotting places fast movers in the golden zone (near shipping, at ergonomic height) and groups products ordered together.
Slotting criteria
- Velocity - ABC classification by order frequency
- Size and weight - heavy low, light high
- Affinity - frequently co-ordered products placed close
- Constraints - temperature, batch, incompatibilities
Why it matters
Slotting directly affects the warehouse's biggest cost: picking. Periodic reslotting (as demand shifts seasonally) keeps efficiency.
How CRMconnect helps
The CRMconnect WMS analyses order history and SKU rotation to recommend optimal placement and reslotting, cutting picking distance with no infrastructure investment.
Real-world example
An auto-parts distributor with 18,000 SKUs ran a rotation-based slotting exercise in CRMconnect. 15% of SKUs (the fast movers) moved to the golden zone, cutting total picking distance by 26%.
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Frequently asked
How often should reslotting be done?+
Depending on seasonality and demand changes - quarterly to annually. Products change velocity, and static slotting becomes inefficient over time.
What is the golden zone?+
The area of picking locations at ergonomic height (waist-shoulder) near shipping, where fast movers are placed to minimise effort and distance.
Does slotting require large physical moves?+
Full reslotting is laborious, but the main gains come from moving 10-20% of SKUs (the fastest). A WMS prioritises the highest-impact moves.
Where CRMconnect fits
Related terms
Putaway
The process of storing received goods in optimal locations immediately after receipt.
LogisticsPicking
The process of retrieving products from warehouse locations to fulfil an order - the most costly warehouse activity.
LogisticsInventory turnover
How many times stock is fully sold and replenished in a period - a measure of capital efficiency.
LogisticsWMS (Warehouse Management System)
The system orchestrating physical warehouse operations: receiving, putaway, picking, packing, shipping.