Location-based storage means every shelf and bin has an address in the system and every stock movement is recorded with that address. Mikro ERP keeps stock quantities per warehouse; the warehouse application that manages locations knows which shelf an item sits on. Nitrogen PDA manages locations on the floor with handhelds and posts the movement itself to Mikro.
1. Design the address structure
Map the physical layout first: mezzanines, aisles, rack blocks, levels and bins. There is no limit on hierarchy levels, and off-site storage can be defined as virtual locations. Then choose a fixed code everyone can read, for example A-03-02-B: aisle A, rack 3, level 2, bin B.
- Use a fixed length: writing 3 instead of 03 breaks sorting.
- Be consistent with separators: the separator is a parameter in the app; pick one character.
- Reserve a free zone: define a “free zone” address for receiving and cancelled transactions.
2. Set capacity and rules
Define each location's capacity (volume or units) and which product groups it may hold. With capacity and permission checks on, the system will not allow put-away to a full or unsuitable location.
3. Print and apply location labels
Create locations in bulk instead of one by one: for example “10 locations starting from rack 10” in a single step, or import them from Excel. Then put a barcoded label on every bin; Nitrogen PDA prints location labels in bulk. You can also set the picking order by drag and drop.
4. Choose a tracking method and move current stock
Nitrogen PDA offers two tracking methods. Full tracking requires a location on every receipt. Hybrid tracking sends unlocated stock to the free zone, giving flexibility during the transition.
You do not need to close the warehouse for a count. When location tracking is switched on, current stock moves to the free zone automatically. You then put items away to their shelves with the location transfer screen, and fix any differences per item with a warehouse count slip.
5. Record daily movements with locations
- Receiving: goods go to the free zone first, then are scanned into their target location.
- Location transfer: when an item moves, the location transfer screen records it with two scans.
- Picking: picks are sorted by location priority; mandatory location and item scans prevent picking from the wrong shelf.
- Shipping: picked goods become a dispatch note and stock drops in Mikro at the same moment.
6. Check with reports
The location report shows how much of each item is in each location; the warehouse dashboard shows occupancy per location. Checking them daily in the first weeks helps new habits settle.
Common mistakes
- Starting the switch-over before location labels are printed
- Letting the free zone turn into permanent storage
- Allowing staff to leave items without a location “to scan later”
