This article explains how to create warehouse locations using best practices for organisation and efficiency. You'll learn how to structure locations, add them manually or in bulk, and set up the supporting attributes like zones, aisles, bays, and shelves.
Best practices for warehouse location structure
When creating new locations in your warehouse, use this recommended structure:
Zone: An area in your warehouse. If all locations are in a single unit, use the same zone name. Examples include 1, Unit A, or Mezzanine.
Aisle: The line of locations you walk past. A walkway may have an aisle on both sides. We suggest using double-digit numbers or letters like AA or 01.
Bay: A position where you stop when walking down the aisle, usually divided by a column in your racking. Use double-digit numbers or letters like AA or 01.
Shelf: A level within the bay.
Tip: If you have pick bins on shelves, consider using pick bin names instead of shelf levels, or combine them like A-1. This helps colleagues find products faster.
Name/Simple Name: Usually the same in both fields. This combines the above elements, so Zone 1, Aisle AA, Bay 01, Shelf A becomes 1AA01A or 1-AA-01-A.
Note: The Simple Location Name overrides the calculated name based on ZoneAisleShelf*Name and must be unique per location in the warehouse.
Location Type: Review the Creating Location Types article for guidance.
Pick Sequence: Review the Pick Sequence article after adding locations.
Add locations in bulk
Bulk upload is the quickest way to add multiple locations.
Note: The system can handle up to 5000 rows per upload. Larger uploads may time out and fail.
To add locations in bulk:
Click Warehouse.
Click Extras then Upload Locations.
Click Download Template.
Complete the spreadsheet:
ID: Leave blank to create new locations.
Zone, Aisle, Bay and Shelf: Enter if created, leave blank if not.
LocationType: Enter DEFAULT if you have no location types set. Otherwise, enter a value matching your types.
LocationName: Populate this column and leave SimpleLocationName blank initially.
Save the file.
In Mintsoft, click Choose file and select your file.
Click Upload Location Spreadsheet.
Note: To update existing locations, review our Updating Locations in bulk help guide.
Add locations manually
To manually add an individual location:
Click Warehouse then Manage Warehouses.
Click Locations against the desired warehouse.
Click Add New Location.
Select the Zone, Aisle, Shelf and Name.
Select the Location Type.
The Name field generates automatically based on ZoneAisleShelf*Name.
Optionally, enter a Simple Location Name to override the calculation.
Optionally, set the Pick Sequence.
Click Create.
Create location attributes
To create detailed locations, you must first add zones, aisles, bays, and shelves in this order:
Zones.
Aisles (require zones).
Bays (require aisles).
Shelves (require bays).
Note: These attributes aren't required for bulk upload.
Recommended naming format
Zone: Alpha or numeric.
Aisle: Alpha.
Bay: Numeric.
Shelf: Alpha.
Example: Zone1, Aisle A, Bay 01, Shelf A.
Create zones
Click Warehouse then Manage Warehouses.
Click Locations against the desired warehouse.
Click Zones.
Click Add Zone.
Enter a Name.
Click Add.
Create aisles
Click Warehouse then Manage Warehouses.
Click Locations against the desired warehouse.
Click Aisles.
Click Add Aisle.
Select the Zone that contains the aisle.
Enter a Name.
Click Add.
Create bays
Click Warehouse then Manage Warehouses.
Click Locations against the desired warehouse.
Click Bays.
Click Add Bay.
Select the Aisle that contains the bay.
Enter a Name.
Click Add.
Create shelves
Click Warehouse then Manage Warehouses.
Click Locations against the desired warehouse.
Click Shelves.
Click Add Shelf.
Select the Bay that contains the shelf.
Enter a Name.
Click Add.
Frequently asked questions
What are InUse locations?
When viewing warehouse locations, the InUse column shows:
Green tick: The location currently holds stock.
Red X: The location doesn't currently hold stock.