(#114) How to Manage Storage Categories & Locations in Odoo 18

Efficient inventory management is essential for any business, and Odoo 18 provides powerful tools to optimize product storage. The Storage Categories feature allows you to organize warehouse locations based on product type, weight, and other attributes. By implementing putaway rules, you can automate product placement, ensuring optimal use of space and preventing storage errors. This guide will walk you through the process of configuring storage categories and locations in Odoo 18 for improved warehouse efficiency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Configuring Storage Categories in Odoo 18

1. Activate the Storage Category Feature

To begin using storage categories, follow these steps:

• Navigate to Inventory Settings in Odoo 18.
• Enable the Storage Category option.
• Save the changes to activate this feature.

2. Create a Storage Category with Custom Restrictions

Once activated, define a Storage Category based on your warehouse requirements. This category can include specific restrictions such as:

• Max Weight: Set the maximum weight allowed for storage.
• Allow New Product Rules:

To create a new storage category:

1. Navigate to Inventory Module → Configuration → Storage Categories.
2. Click New and enter relevant details.
3. Define storage restrictions as per business needs.

3. Assign Storage Categories to Warehouse Locations

Once you have created a storage category, you must assign it to warehouse locations:

• Go to Inventory Module → Configuration → Locations.
• Select a location or create a new one.
• Assign the Storage Category to the selected location.

For example, if you create a storage category named Heavy Items, you can assign it to a warehouse location that is best suited for handling high-weight products.

Managing Storage Capacity in Odoo 18

Odoo 18 enables businesses to manage storage capacity effectively using three different criteria:

1. Capacity by Weight

• In the Storage Category Form, specify the Max Weight to limit the weight for each location.
• This feature ensures that no location is overloaded beyond its capacity.

2. Capacity by Package

• If your business uses packaging, you can configure storage locations based on package type.
• Example: If a storage location allows a maximum of two boxes, the system will prevent additional storage once the limit is reached.

3. Capacity by Product

• Assign specific product limits to each storage category.
• Example: You can configure a storage category to hold 20 storage boxes and 10 large cabinets per location.

Implementing Putaway Rules for Automated Storage Management

What Are Putaway Rules?

Putaway rules automate the process of assigning products to storage locations upon arrival. These rules enhance efficiency by ensuring that products are placed in the correct warehouse sections. Putaway rules can be set based on:

• Individual Products
• Product Categories
• Package Types

Configuring Putaway Rules in Odoo 18

To set up putaway rules:

1. Navigate to Inventory Module → Configuration → Putaway Rules.
2. Click Create to define a new rule.
3. Select the appropriate Storage Category under the "Having Category" field.
4. Define the "To Location" where products should be placed.
5. Save the configuration.

For instance, if you receive a shipment of high-frequency medium-sized items, you can configure a putaway rule directing them to a designated warehouse section.

Assigning Storage Locations Using Putaway Rules

Odoo 18 provides additional sublocation assignment options for better warehouse organization:

• No Sublocation: The system will not suggest a specific sublocation.
• Last Used: Products are stored in the last used location.
• Closest Location: The system assigns the product to the nearest available storage location.

Example Workflow: Receiving and Storing Products

Once putaway rules are configured, Odoo 18 automatically assigns storage locations when new shipments arrive:

1. A purchase order is created for incoming stock.
2. Upon receiving the shipment, Odoo suggests storage locations based on predefined putaway rules.
3. The system directs the product to the optimal warehouse section for efficient storage and retrieval.

For instance, if a new batch of storage boxes arrives, Odoo might move them to WH/Stock/Box1, ensuring proper warehouse organization.

Conclusion

Odoo 18’s Storage Categories and Putaway Rules streamline warehouse management by optimizing storage allocation, preventing overloading, and ensuring efficient retrieval. By leveraging these features, businesses can improve inventory tracking, reduce errors, and maximize storage space.

By implementing Storage Categories and Putaway Rules, your warehouse can operate more efficiently, reducing manual workload while improving stock accuracy. Start optimizing your Odoo 18 inventory management today to experience a well-structured and automated storage system.