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Storage: definition & important aspects for procurement experts
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Storage in a nutshell:
Putaway refers to the systematic process of receiving, checking and properly storing goods in the warehouse according to defined storage strategies. Efficient storage is essential for purchasing, as it ensures the availability of goods and minimizes storage costs through optimal use of space.
Example: An automotive supplier receives 250 pallets of small parts every day, scans them by barcode within 30 minutes, checks the quantity and quality and stores them in an automated high-bay warehouse according to the FIFO principle, reducing the throughput time per pallet to 8 minutes.
Contents
Introduction to the {{name}}
What is storage?
In the procurement process, putaway refers to the storage of goods or materials in a warehouse for later use or further processing. The delivered goods are accepted, checked and added to the warehouse stock accordingly. The aim of storage is to ensure the availability of materials and guarantee a smooth production or sales process.
Core elements of storage
Importance of storage for purchasing
Putaway plays a crucial role for purchasing, as it represents the interface between procurement and internal supply. Efficient storage helps to minimize storage costs, avoid supply bottlenecks and ensure continuous production. By coordinating closely with the warehouse, Purchasing can plan requirements better, order quantities optimally and thus save costs.
Implement efficient storage processes
An optimized putaway process ensures that materials are added to the warehouse quickly and correctly. Clear processes and the use of technology enable stock levels to be managed accurately and storage costs to be reduced.
Practical example: Implementation of a warehouse management system (WMS)
A company decides to introduce a digital warehouse management system. All items are fitted with RFID tags during putaway. Employees use mobile scanners to record the items and their storage locations:1. Goods receipt records the delivery and checks the quality and quantity.
2. items are provided with RFID tags and booked into the system.
3. the avalanche transceiver automatically assigns an optimum storage location.
4. employees place the goods at the assigned location and scan for confirmation.
This system improves stock accuracy to over 99%. Access times to materials are reduced by 30% and excess stock is avoided. Purchasing can now plan requirements more accurately and order more efficiently.
Evaluation and strategic findings
✓ Critical success factors
→ Process integration: seamless connection of incoming goods, quality control and warehouse management through digital systems
→ Use of technology: implementation of RFID, barcode scanning and automated warehouse systems to increase efficiency
→ Staff qualification: Continuous training of staff in the use of avalanche transceivers and new technologies
⚠ Challenges and limitations
→ Investment costs: High initial investment for automated systems and RFID infrastructure
→ System compatibility: integration of the WMS with existing ERP and procurement systems
→ Process adaptation: overcoming established workflows and implementing new warehouse strategies
Future trends and strategic implications:
"The digitalization of storage is becoming a strategic lever for cost savings and increased efficiency in purchasing."
→ AI-supported warehouse optimization and automatic reordering
→ Predictive analytics for demand forecasts
→ IoT-based real-time monitoring of warehouse stocks
→ Fully automated storage systems with autonomous transport robots
Conclusion on storage
Efficient storage processes are essential for modern purchasing. By using digital technologies such as RFID and warehouse management systems, inventory accuracy can be increased, costs reduced and processes optimized. The key to success lies in the integration of modern technologies, well-trained staff and well thought-out process design. Despite initial investment costs, the optimization of storage pays off in the long term through increased efficiency and improved planning.
