Introduction
Efficient bin layout management helps sellers organize warehouse inventory accurately and improve inventory handling operations. This article explains how to download a bin layout template, customize the layout file, upload updated configurations, and download the current bin layout in Amazon SmartHub. Maintaining accurate bin layouts helps improve warehouse efficiency, inventory tracking, and stock movement management across warehouse operations.
Prerequisites
Before managing bin layouts in WMS, ensure that:
- You have access to your Amazon SmartHub account.
- You have permission to manage warehouse layouts in WMS.
- You have spreadsheet software available to edit layout templates.
Access the Layout Settings
Step 1: Sign in to SmartHub
Go to SmartHub and sign in to your SmartHub seller account.
Step 2: Open Settings
From the SmartHub dashboard, click the Settings icon.
Step 3: Open Layout Configuration
Click Layout to access layout management and configuration options.
The Layout section allows you to manage warehouse bin layout files and configurations.
Download and Customize the Bin Layout Template
Step 4: Download the Layout Template
Click Download template to download the layout template file to your device.
The template helps you create or modify warehouse bin configurations in the required format.
Step 5: Update the Template File
Open the downloaded template file using spreadsheet.
Fill in the required warehouse and bin details in the template. Ensure that all information is reviewed carefully before saving the updated file.
Using accurate bin details helps improve inventory organization and warehouse operations.
Upload the Customized Bin Layout
Step 6: Upload the Updated Layout File
Click Upload layout file to upload the customized layout template back into SmartHub.
Select the updated file from your device and complete the upload process.
Step 7: Review Upload Status
You can monitor the upload status directly in the Bin layout’s Upload Status section. Reviewing the upload status helps ensure that the updated layout file is processed successfully.
Download the Current Bin Layout
Step 8: Download the Existing Bin Layout
Click Download current bin layout to download the currently active warehouse layout configuration.
Step 9: Confirm the Download
Click Download to confirm and save the current layout file to your device.
Downloading the current layout helps you maintain a backup of your warehouse configuration for future reference or auditing purposes.
Warehouse operations setup
Organize your warehouse for success by creating strategic zones for your inventory. This guide will show you how to optimize picking efficiency with strategic zones and clearly labelled bins.
Note: Sellers who follow these recommendations report a productivity increase.
Create strategic zones
Strategic zones are a way to segregate inventory, virtually and physically, to focus a pick path to a certain location.
Consider a zone strategy based on:
A. Inventory size: Create zones based on the size of inventory - small, medium, or large.
B. Inventory type: Create zones based on the type of inventory - televisions, apparel, household goods, etc.
C. Location:If inventory fulfilled within the FBA Onsite node is similar in size and type, create zones based on the physical location of bins within the warehouse. It is recommended to have no more than 5 aisles of shelving or racking per zone.
An overhead illustration of zones:
ASIN placement
To increase picking productivity, we recommend that high selling (high velocity) inventory be placed at the beginning of aisles in order to decrease travel time. Slow moving inventory should be placed in the back bins that are furthest from pack stations since they are picked from less often.
Bin Sequence Index
Bin Sequence Index dictate the order bins are accessed within warehouse tasks, such as picking inventory.
Based on your current warehouse layout, you can choose from the following bin sequence index recommended options based on points of access for an optimal pick path:
Bin labeling
We recommend the following strategy for naming bins:
A. Be consistent when creating and labeling bins: Once you have identified how you will name bins, be consistent when adding more in the future. We recommend each aisle to have an identifier with a corresponding bin number. Create scannable IDs where all numbers less than 100 inclue a '00' (ex: 001, 002, 003, etc; assuming you have no more than 999 bins per zone).
B. Virtual bin location for every physical bin: It is required to have a virtual bin for every physical bin in order to maintain accurate inventory reports and avoid order cancellations. Assigning an
entire shelf, rack, or multiple floor locations to one virtual bin can lead to increased pick times and inventory discrepancies.
C. Add a scannable barcode to each bin label: When physically labeling bins, add a scannable barcode in addition to the bin name to assist with the storing and auditing of inventory.
Here are some websites that can be used to generate scannable barcodes:
https://www.barcodesinc.com/generator/index.php
http://www.barcode-generator.org/
http://online-barcode-generator.net/
How bin layouts impact warehouse operations
Maintaining accurate bin layouts helps sellers:
- Organize warehouse inventory efficiently.
- Improve inventory tracking and stock placement.
- Reduce operational errors during inventory movement.
- Improve warehouse visibility and inventory management processes.
- Support smoother inventory handling and fulfillment operations.
Accurate warehouse layouts also help warehouse teams locate inventory faster, which can improve order processing efficiency and reduce fulfillment delays for customers.
FAQs
1. Why should I download the current bin layout?
Downloading the current layout helps you maintain a backup of your existing warehouse configuration and review layouts before making future updates.
2. What happens if I upload an incorrect layout file?
Incorrect layout information may impact warehouse inventory organization and operational workflows. Always verify the template details before uploading.
3. Can I modify the layout template multiple times?
Yes. You can download, edit, and upload the layout template whenever you need to update warehouse bin configurations.
4. Where can I check the upload status?
You can review the upload status directly within the Layout section after uploading the customized file.
5. How do updated layouts help warehouse operations?
Updated layouts improve inventory organization, warehouse visibility, and inventory handling efficiency within warehouse operations.