Definition
Put-away is the controlled movement of accepted or appropriately status-controlled material from the receiving or inspection area to its assigned storage location. Preservation is the planned protection of material against deterioration during storage.
Put-away principleAccept / Status → Identify → Locate → Move → Store → Label → Record → Verify
Objectives
- Move material away from receiving areas without losing traceability.
- Place material in the correct bin/location.
- Protect material from damage and deterioration.
- Maintain batch, lot and serial traceability.
- Use storage capacity efficiently.
- Reduce search and handling time.
Put-away Workflow
- Confirm receipt and material status.
- Identify item, quantity, batch/serial and handling requirement.
- Determine appropriate storage location.
- Check location capacity and compatibility.
- Move material safely to the location.
- Arrange and label material according to the storage standard.
- Update ERP/location record.
- Verify physical location and transaction accuracy.
Preservation Requirements
| Material Risk | Typical Protection |
|---|---|
| Moisture | Dry storage, sealed packaging, desiccant where specified |
| Corrosion | Protective coating, VCI or controlled environment |
| Dust | Covered/sealed storage |
| Temperature | Specified temperature range or controlled area |
| UV/light | Opaque or protected packaging |
| Mechanical damage | Suitable rack, pallet and handling method |
| Shelf-life | Date control and FEFO |
| Contamination | Segregated and clean storage |
Location Selection Rules
- Consider material size, weight, movement frequency and handling method.
- Keep hazardous or incompatible materials segregated.
- Place high-use items where safe access is convenient.
- Use suitable racks and load limits.
- Avoid floor storage where it creates damage or safety risk.
- Maintain access for inspection and physical verification.
Common Errors
- Putting material into the nearest empty space instead of the assigned location.
- Failing to update the location in ERP.
- Removing protective packaging unnecessarily.
- Stacking beyond safe limits.
- Ignoring shelf-life or preservation intervals.
- Mixing different lots without identification.
KPIs
Put-away Cycle Time
Receipt/acceptance to final storage.
Location Accuracy
Stock found at the recorded location.
Preservation Compliance
Materials meeting defined preservation requirements.
Search Time
Time required to locate requested material.
Excel / MIS Application
Track Receipt No., Item Code, Quantity, Status, Assigned Location, Actual Location, Put-away Date, Preservation Requirement, Last Inspection, Next Preservation Due Date and Remarks.
Related Areas
Stores Management · Inventory Management · Purchase Management · Material Planning · ERP & MIS