Who Performs Directed Putaway: Roles and Responsibilities in the Warehouse

Directed putaway is the organized process of moving received items to specific storage locations determined by rules, data, and operational goals. While the phrase might sound like a purely technical function, it is actually a coordinated activity performed by a mix of people, technology, and external partners. Understanding who participates and what each participant does is essential for beginner logistics professionals because it clarifies responsibility, improves training, and supports process improvements.

Primary human roles

• Putaway associates - These are the frontline warehouse workers who physically move goods from receiving docks to storage locations. They follow instructions from the warehouse management system or supervisors and are responsible for correct placement, safe handling, and basic quality checks on arrival.
• Receiving clerks - Receiving clerks inspect incoming shipments, perform initial counting and scanning, and create the goods receipt records that trigger putaway tasks. Accurate receipts are critical because the WMS uses that data to assign storage spots and update inventory.
• Warehouse supervisors and managers - Managers oversee putaway performance, set operational rules (for example, preferred storage by product velocity), prioritize urgent tasks, and handle exceptions such as damaged goods or location conflicts. They analyze putaway KPIs and refine rules to balance space, speed, and safety.
• Inventory control specialists - These staff maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counts and audit putaway results. When discrepancies are found between expected and actual locations, inventory control helps investigate and resolve root causes.

Technology and system actors

• Warehouse Management System (WMS) - The WMS is the brains of directed putaway. It applies rules—such as slotting logic, product compatibility, weight limits, and temperature requirements—to recommend or assign specific storage locations. The WMS also generates putaway tasks, prints labels, and records confirmations.
• Mobile devices and scanners - Handheld terminals, tablets, or voice-guided devices deliver putaway instructions to associates and capture confirmations through barcode scanning or RFID. These devices reduce manual entry errors and speed up task completion.
• Automation and equipment - Conveyors, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), sorters, and forklifts are part of the extended team. Automation executes physically repetitive moves based on WMS instructions and often handles bulk or high-volume flows.

External participants

• Transportation partners - Carriers and freight forwarders influence timing and batch sizes of inbound shipments. Reliable pickup and delivery scheduling reduces congestion at receiving docks and smooths putaway workloads.
• Suppliers - Accurate supplier packing, labeling, and advance shipment notices (ASNs) help the receiving team and WMS plan putaway effectively. Poorly labeled or unexpected shipments create extra handling and exceptions.

How the roles interact

Interaction starts when a carrier delivers a shipment and receiving clerks create a goods receipt. The WMS, using rules configured by managers and inventory analysts, calculates optimal storage locations—factoring in SKU velocity, unit size, compatibility, and space availability—and generates putaway tasks. Putaway associates receive tasks on mobile devices and move items accordingly, confirming each placement. Inventory control teams reconcile and audit, while managers adjust rules when trends indicate room for improvement.

Practical example

In a medium-sized e-commerce fulfillment center, a pallet containing a fast-selling SKU arrives at the dock. The receiving clerk scans the pallet and posts the receipt to the WMS. The system recognizes the SKU as high-velocity and directs putaway to a forward pick face near packing stations. A putaway associate uses a handheld scanner to confirm the assigned bin and the pallet is moved to the pick face. This sequence reduces future travel time for pickers and speeds order fulfillment.

Common beginner mistakes and tips

• Assuming technology absolves human oversight - WMS recommendations must be monitored. Set up feedback loops so associates and supervisors can flag impractical locations or constraints.
• Underestimating training needs - Putaway associates should be trained not only in equipment but also in the logic behind location assignments. Knowing why a WMS directs items to specific spots improves compliance.
• Neglecting communication with suppliers and carriers - Good upstream information (ASNs, accurate labels) simplifies receiving and reduces putaway exceptions.

Directed putaway is thus a collaborative operation where people and systems each play vital roles. For beginners, remembering the key actors and how they connect—receiving clerks and putaway associates doing the physical work, WMS directing decisions, and managers optimizing rules—creates a clear mental model for how efficient and accurate putaway happens in a modern warehouse.