Warehouse Locations

Helm enables you to configure precise warehouse location structures, allowing stock to be tracked and managed down to the shelf or bin. Locations are foundational to efficient picking, packing, replenishment, and stock auditing. Each item in your inventory can be assigned to a specific physical location within your warehouse, enhancing visibility and operational speed

Last updated 3 months ago

When to Use

Set up warehouse locations when:

  • Configuring a new warehouse or expanding an existing site

  • Introducing structured picking zones or batch routes

  • Implementing barcode scanning workflows

  • Assigning physical storage points to optimise space usage

  • Preparing for assembled stock tracking and internal movements

1. Warehouse Locations

Steps to Create a New Location

  1. Navigate to:
    Warehouse → Locations

  2. Click Add Location

  3. Complete the following fields:

    • Location Code – e.g. A1-Shelf-1

    • Description – e.g. "Top Shelf, Zone A – Small Parcels"

    • Assign to Default Warehouse – select from dropdown if applicable

  4. Click Save

  5. Repeat for each additional storage zone required

Example Scenarios

  • Setting Up a New Pick Face
    Add front-facing, accessible bins for fast-moving items to streamline high-volume picking

  • Organising by Product Category
    Cluster product types (e.g. cosmetics, electronics) into separate aisles for intuitive navigation and stocktaking

  • Seasonal Overflow Zones
    Set up temporary locations to house Black Friday or Christmas overflow without disrupting your default configuration

Tips & Best Practices

  • Start with Broad Zones
    Begin with high-level zone codes (e.g. Zone A, Zone B) before refining to aisles and bins

  • Use Barcode Labels
    Generate and apply scannable location labels to enable seamless barcode-based put away and picking

  • Create Logical Naming Conventions
    Structure codes such as Z1-Aisle2-Bin5 for easy recognition and intuitive sorting

  • Align Across Systems
    Use the same location codes in Helm, physical signage, and third-party integrations for consistency

2. Assembly Management

The Assembly module allows you to manage assembled inventory - products that are created from other stock items based on a defined bill of materials (BoM)

Key Views in Assembly

  • Suggested Assembly

    • View demand and stock availability

    • Displays: SKU, Name, Stock Available, Open Orders, Stock Required

    • Enter assembly quantity to begin process

  • Assemble Inventory

    • Choose Assembled Product

    • View the Assembly Formula

    • Confirm required stock location movements

    • View current stock levels

  • Assembly History

    • Track completed assemblies with: Reference, Status, Inventory, Quantity, Assembly Date, Created At, Assigned To

When to Use

  • When building kits or bundles from component parts

  • For managing light manufacturing or in-house assembly

  • To maintain clear audit trails of built stock

Tips

  • Ensure all component SKUs are stocked and accurately located

  • Use assembly suggestions to forecast production demand

  • Review assembly history regularly to track usage patterns

3. Helm Dashboard

The Helm Dashboard provides a real-time operational snapshot of your warehouse activity - ideal for wall-mounted displays, it motivates teams and informs decisions

Key Metrics Displayed

  • Total parcels despatched

  • Items on open orders vs items shipped

  • Top 5 users by activity

  • Daily despatches per user

When to Use

  • For daily team briefings or shift handovers

  • To monitor KPIs and flag workflow bottlenecks

  • To encourage healthy competition among team members

Tips

  • Refresh the dashboard frequently or keep it live on a central screen

  • Use Top Users to recognise high performers and encourage best practices

  • Monitor daily dispatch volumes to assess peak load times