Where Directed Putaway Happens: Zones, Systems, and Real-World Locations

Knowing where directed putaway occurs helps beginners visualize the flow of goods and the spatial logic behind storage decisions. Directed putaway is not limited to a single spot; it is a process that spans multiple physical and digital locations within a distribution operation and sometimes beyond the four walls.

Primary physical locations within the warehouse

• Receiving dock - This is the physical starting point. Goods land here and are inspected and scanned. While the dock is a temporary place, it is where the WMS first captures data that will determine the final storage location.
• Bulk storage - Areas designed for large quantities of low-velocity, often palletized items. The WMS may direct slow-moving SKUs here to maximize density.
• Reserve storage - Mid-density areas holding inventory that supports replenishment to forward pick zones. Reserve locations balance accessibility and space efficiency.
• Forward pick/storage near packing - High-velocity SKUs are placed in pick faces or forward locations that minimize picker travel time. These locations are essential for e-commerce and fast-fulfillment operations.
• Cold and temperature-controlled zones - Frozen, refrigerated, or climate-sensitive products are directed to specialized storage areas with temperature monitoring and compliance controls.
• Hazardous or regulated storage - Hazardous materials, controlled substances, or items needing special permits are directed to compliant locations with separation, signage, and safety features.

Where in the system landscape

• Warehouse Management System (WMS) - The digital location where rules are configured and putaway tasks are generated. The WMS stores inventories by logical location codes that mirror physical bins, racks, or pallets.
• Mobile devices and user interfaces - Where putaway instructions are delivered. Associates receive location codes and route directions through handheld terminals, voice devices, or tablets.
• Integration points - Directed putaway often spans other systems such as ERP for master data, TMS for inbound visibility, and slotting tools that recommend optimal layouts. Knowing where data lives matters to effective putaway.

Where directed putaway is used beyond the typical warehouse

• Cross-dock facilities - Here, putaway may be minimal because goods are destined to move straight to outbound trucks. Even so, directed putaway may guide short-term holding locations or sortation to outbound lanes.
• Third-party logistics (3PL) facilities - Putaway must adapt to multiple customers sharing space. The WMS directs customer-dedicated areas, mixed-use zones, or segregated storage, depending on service agreements.
• Cold chain and specialized storage centers - Here, putaway must account for regulatory compliance and specialized equipment. Directed putaway includes checks for temperature qualification and monitoring placement in the correct chambers.

How location choices are determined

The WMS maps the physical warehouse into logical bins, slots, and zones. When a receipt is processed, the system evaluates SKU attributes, demand forecasts, and available space, then selects from candidate locations. Choices consider ergonomics (minimizing heavy lifts into high racks), travel paths (templates for forklifts and pallet jacks), and throughput (keeping high-turn SKUs closer to packing stations).

Examples to illustrate where decisions matter

In a fashion fulfillment center, incoming seasonal apparel might first be staged at the receiving dock, then split: delicate items directed to shelving in a controlled zone; bulk items directed to lower-density racks; high-demand styles moved to immediate pick shelves near packing. In a grocery DC, frozen goods go directly to freezer docks and never touch ambient storage; produce may be put away to short-term holding for quick replenishment.

Practical tips for beginners

• Walk the warehouse layout to see how zones are defined and where high-turn vs low-turn items live.
• Check the WMS location map so you can translate a location code into a physical aisle and bin.
• Understand exceptions: holding locations, quarantine areas, and overflow lanes are part of where putaway might temporarily occur.

Directed putaway happens across a mix of physical zones and digital touchpoints. For beginners, the key is to visualize the flow: from the dock to a designated zone, guided by the WMS, and executed by staff and equipment. Knowing where putaway occurs helps you understand why the WMS recommends certain locations and how your actions on the floor affect overall efficiency.