Start with a code that follows the building
For a large site, a possible convention is BLR01-G-ZA-A03-B07-L02-P01: site, ground floor, zone, aisle, bay, level and position. This is an illustrative scheme, not a mandatory Veristow format. A small warehouse may not need every segment. Choose the shortest unambiguous address that workers can read on a label.
| Segment | Meaning | Physical cue |
|---|---|---|
| BLR01 | Warehouse / site | Entrance and warehouse selector |
| G | Ground floor | Floor sign |
| ZA | Zone A | Zone boundary |
| A03 | Aisle 03 | Aisle-end sign |
| B07 | Bay 07 | Rack upright |
| L02 | Level 02 | Shelf or beam |
| P01 | Position 01 | Bin or pallet position |
Agree the rules that prevent ambiguity
Set the direction in which aisles and bays increase. Decide whether the lowest storage level starts at zero or one and use the same choice everywhere. Use fixed-width numeric segments where sorting matters. Avoid relying on colour alone, and distinguish similar characters when printing labels.
- Reserve separate prefixes for receiving, dispatch, quarantine and returns areas.
- Keep product and client names out of permanent physical location codes.
- Maintain unique codes within the agreed site scope.
- Walk the labels with somebody who did not design the layout.
Handle irregular buildings and changing stock
An L-shaped building, mezzanine or detached storage room still needs a predictable route. Use floor and zone identifiers to distinguish the areas instead of forcing a rectangular numbering assumption. A location keeps its physical identity when a new client or product moves in. If the physical layout changes, review both the code and its mapped position.
Change codes without losing the stock trail
Before relabelling, export the current location list, identify open work and prepare a mapping from each old code to its new address. Pilot one area, scan every label and reconcile its stock. Coordinate updates to the WMS, printed documents and staff instructions; do not casually rename active locations while workers are following older labels.
Common questions
Should the location code contain the SKU?
Usually the code should describe the physical position, not the product occupying it. Product assignments can change while the address stays stable.
How long should a warehouse location code be?
Long enough to identify one position, but short enough to read at work. Include site and floor only where they resolve a real ambiguity; test the convention on your labels and devices.
