Location and zone setup
Define your location hierarchy before entering data. Common structure: Warehouse > Zone > Aisle > Rack > Level > Position. Use consistent naming conventions (A-01-01-A is Aisle A, Rack 01, Level 01, Position A). Create zones for: Receiving staging, QC hold, Forward pick, Reserve/bulk, Packing stations, Shipping staging. Mark zones as pickable, receivable, or both. Set location types (shelf, bin, floor, pallet) with capacity limits. Label every location with scannable barcodes.
Product and inventory configuration
Import your product catalog with: SKU, description, UPC/barcode, unit of measure, weight, dimensions. Configure item attributes: lot tracking (yes/no), serial tracking (yes/no), expiration tracking, hazmat flags. Set reorder points and preferred vendors for replenishment. Define kit/bundle structures if applicable. Establish inventory statuses: Available, Damaged, QC Hold, Reserved. Import opening inventory with location assignments—verify counts before going live.
Workflow and automation rules
Configure these core workflows: **Receiving** - PO matching, inspection prompts, label printing. **Putaway** - suggested locations based on velocity/zone rules. **Picking** - batch size, route optimization, scan validation. **Packing** - order verification, carton selection, label printing. **Shipping** - carrier selection, manifest creation, ASN generation. Set automation rules: auto-allocate inventory on order import, auto-create pick tasks, auto-print labels on pack complete. Test each workflow end-to-end before go-live.
Integration connections
Connect systems in this order: 1) **Sales channels** (Shopify, Amazon, etc.)—verify order import. 2) **Shipping carriers** (UPS, FedEx, USPS)—test label generation. 3) **Accounting/ERP** (QuickBooks, NetSuite)—sync products and costs. 4) **Hardware** (printers, scanners, scales)—test from each workstation. Document API credentials securely. Set up error notifications. Create test orders through each channel and fulfill them completely before going live.
User access and training
Define roles: Admin, Supervisor, Receiver, Picker, Packer, Shipping Clerk. Assign permissions by role—restrict sensitive functions (adjustments, deletions) to supervisors. Create user accounts with unique logins—no shared accounts. Train by role: receivers learn receiving workflow, pickers learn picking, etc. Conduct hands-on training with real (or realistic test) transactions. Document procedures and post quick-reference guides at workstations. Schedule go-live support during first week of operations.