Comprehensive guide to managing inventory storage locations in Nubras ERP.
Locations Overview
Inventory locations in Nubras ERP help you organize and track where your inventory items are stored. Effective location management improves inventory accuracy, optimizes space utilization, and enhances picking and put-away efficiency.
Key Concepts
- Location Hierarchy: Organizational structure of storage areas
- Location Types: Different categories of storage locations
- Location Attributes: Characteristics that define locations
- Bin Management: Detailed tracking within locations
- Location Transfers: Moving inventory between locations
- Location Restrictions: Rules for what can be stored where
- Location Capacity: Space limitations for storage areas
Location Hierarchy
- Site: Physical facility or building
- Main Warehouse
- Production Facility
- Distribution Center
- Zone: Area within a site
- Receiving Area
- Bulk Storage
- Picking Area
- Shipping Area
- Aisle: Corridor between storage units
- Aisle A, B, C, etc.
- Rack/Bay: Storage unit within aisle
- Rack 1, 2, 3, etc.
- Level: Vertical position in rack
- Level 1, 2, 3, etc.
- Bin: Specific storage position
- Bin 01, 02, 03, etc.
Location Types
Common Inventory Location Types
Physical Storage Locations
- Bulk Storage: Large quantity storage areas
- Pallet racks
- Floor storage
- Block stacking
- Picking Locations: Easily accessible areas for order fulfillment
- Forward pick areas
- Carton flow racks
- Shelving units
- Specialized Storage: Areas with specific storage conditions
- Climate-controlled areas
- Secure storage for high-value items
- Hazardous material storage
Logical Locations
- Quality Control: Locations for items pending inspection
- QC hold area
- Inspection stations
- Testing locations
- In-Transit: Virtual locations for items being moved
- Inter-warehouse transfers
- In-transit to customer
- In-transit from supplier
- Production: Locations representing production areas
- Work in progress
- Production lines
- Assembly areas
Benefits of Location Management
Inventory Accuracy
- Precise item tracking
- Reduced lost inventory
- Easier cycle counting
- Better inventory visibility
- Improved audit trails
- Reduced discrepancies
Operational Efficiency
- Faster item location
- Optimized picking routes
- Reduced search time
- Improved put-away process
- Better space utilization
- Streamlined workflows
Control & Compliance
- Segregation of materials
- FIFO/FEFO enforcement
- Regulatory compliance
- Controlled access
- Traceability support
- Quality management
Important
A well-designed location system is fundamental to efficient inventory management. Take time to plan your location hierarchy and naming conventions before implementation. Consider your operational processes, material flow, and future growth needs when designing your location structure. Consistent location management practices are essential for maintaining inventory accuracy and operational efficiency.
Location Setup
Setting up inventory locations in Nubras ERP involves creating a structured hierarchy of storage areas and defining their characteristics. A well-planned location setup provides the foundation for efficient inventory operations and accurate tracking.
Planning Your Location Structure
Location Design Considerations
Physical Layout Analysis
- Map your actual storage facilities:
- Create floor plans of warehouses and storage areas
- Identify natural zones and sections
- Document existing storage equipment
- Note physical constraints and features
- Analyze material flow patterns:
- Receiving and put-away paths
- Picking and shipping routes
- Cross-docking opportunities
- Traffic patterns and bottlenecks
Hierarchy Development
- Define hierarchy levels:
- Determine how many levels you need
- Define what each level represents
- Consider operational requirements
- Balance detail with practicality
- Create naming conventions:
- Develop consistent, logical naming patterns
- Use meaningful prefixes or codes
- Consider barcode/scanning requirements
- Make locations easily identifiable
Location Numbering Examples:
Sample location numbering schemes for different business needs:
- Simple Warehouse: W1-A01-B01 (Warehouse 1, Aisle A01, Bin B01)
- Multi-Facility: NYC-W2-Z3-A04-R2-L3-B06 (New York City, Warehouse 2, Zone 3, Aisle 4, Rack 2, Level 3, Bin 6)
- Manufacturing: PRD-AS1-ST03 (Production, Assembly Line 1, Station 3)
- Retail: ST12-BK-S03-SH2 (Store 12, Back Room, Section 3, Shelf 2)
- Grid System: W1-G23-45 (Warehouse 1, Grid Coordinate X:23, Y:45)
Creating Locations
Individual Location Creation
Creating locations one at a time.
Process:
- Navigate to Inventory > Locations
- Click "Create Location"
- Select parent location (if applicable)
- Enter location code and description
- Set location type
- Configure attributes and parameters
- Save the location
Best For:
- Small number of locations
- Unique, specialized locations
- Locations with many custom attributes
- Adding individual locations to existing structure
Bulk Location Creation
Creating multiple locations at once.
Process:
- Navigate to Inventory > Locations
- Click "Bulk Create"
- Select creation method:
- Template-based
- Range generation
- Import from file
- Configure generation parameters
- Review preview of locations
- Process bulk creation
Best For:
- Large location structures
- Standardized location patterns
- Initial warehouse setup
- Adding entire sections or zones
Best Practice
Invest time in planning your location structure before implementation. Create a consistent naming convention that is intuitive for warehouse staff and supports your operational processes. Consider using location labels with both human-readable text and barcodes/QR codes for efficient identification. Document your location hierarchy and attributes thoroughly to support training and system maintenance.
Inventory Transfers
Inventory transfers in Nubras ERP involve moving items between locations while maintaining accurate tracking and control. Properly managed transfers ensure inventory visibility, support operational workflows, and maintain inventory accuracy across your organization.
Transfer Types
Internal Transfers
Moving inventory within the same facility.
Common Scenarios:
- Putaway from receiving
- Replenishment of pick locations
- Consolidation of partial quantities
- Relocation for optimization
- Movement to staging areas
Process:
- Create internal transfer request
- Specify source and destination
- Select items and quantities
- Generate transfer document
- Execute physical movement
- Confirm transfer completion
Facility Transfers
Moving inventory between different physical locations.
Common Scenarios:
- Warehouse to warehouse transfers
- Distribution center to store
- Production to warehouse
- Balancing inventory across sites
- Fulfilling internal requisitions
Process:
- Create facility transfer order
- Specify source and destination facilities
- Select items and quantities
- Schedule shipping and receiving
- Process shipment from source
- Receive at destination
- Reconcile any discrepancies
Best Practice
Implement a disciplined approach to inventory transfers with clear procedures and accountability. Use technology like barcode scanning and mobile devices to capture transfer information in real-time, reducing errors and improving efficiency. Regularly audit transfer processes and address any discrepancies promptly to maintain inventory accuracy. Consider implementing cycle counting during transfers to verify inventory at both source and destination locations.