Putaway
The warehouse process of moving received goods from the inbound dock to their designated storage location.
Full Definition
Putaway is the step in warehouse operations that follows goods receipt, in which items are transported from the receiving area to their assigned storage locations, either manually or directed by a WMS. Efficient putaway strategies (random, fixed, or zone-based) directly affect warehouse space utilisation and subsequent picking efficiency. The term is one word in current industry usage; editors should correct 'put-away' (hyphenated) or 'put away' (two words) to 'putaway' when used as a noun or attributive adjective. As a verb phrase ('to put away goods'), two words remain appropriate.
Usage
Usage note: One word as a noun or attributive modifier. Two words ('put away') only when used as a verb. Distinguish from 'slotting', which refers to the strategic planning of storage locations, not the physical act.
In Context
- "The WMS generated putaway instructions directing the forklift operator to aisle 7, bay 3." — Warehouse management system user guide
- "As a noun or modifier, use the one-word form 'putaway'; as a verb phrase, 'put away' remains two words." — Style guide note