How to set up a location system in your store

IMPORTANT:  A location code is a string of characters that represent a physical location in your store.  There are many ways to set up a location system.  We recommend that you talk to a Paladin Support representative before you begin this procedure.  

Note:  Two examples of a location system are at the end of this article.

How to set up a location system in your store

Note:  The Loc Label Number will appear as the ID number in the Locations list, in applicable reports, and for the location ID in the RF unit.

1. Create a map of all the locations in your store.
2. Create a numeric ID and name for each location.
3. On the File menu, click Setup, and then click the Loc tab.
4. For each location, do the following:
   1. In the Locations pane, click New.
   2. In the Loc Label Number box, enter the location ID (up to 8 digits), and then click Enter.
   3. In the Name box, enter the location ID (up to 30 characters), and then enter a letter before the number.  For example, enter L for the left side of the aisle, or enter R for the right side of the aisle.
   4. Click Save.
5. Optional: In the Locations pane, click Export to create an Excel spreadsheet with all location names and IDs.  You can print or save this spreadsheet to assign locations to inventory items and to set a location in the RF unit.
6. Click Close.
7. Assign locations to inventory items in any of the following ways:
   • In the Inventory module, assign a location to every item.
     1. Search for the part number.
     2. Click the General tab.
     3. In the Item Information pane, in the Location list, select a location.
     4. Click Save or press F12.
   • Use the inventory export and import feature to update the items in bulk.
     • You must be experienced with Excel.
     • Before you start this process, create a backup of your data.
     • Perform these procedures after store hours.
     • Inventory data must be exported from Paladin Point of Sale and then imported into Microsoft Excel, which must be installed on the computer.
       • Learn more:  How to export inventory data to Microsoft Excel
       • Learn more:  How to import inventory data into a Paladin Point of Sale database
   • You can use an RF unit.
     • In the Append to SOH mode or Overwrite SOH mode, enter a location ID. Everything that you scan will be assigned to that location.
     • To change to another location, do one of the following:
       • On Worth RF units, press the BEGIN key, and then press ENTER to trigger the new location prompt.
       • On Motorola or other units, press F1, and then sign in with a different location ID. Repeat for each location.

Example 1:  Numeric location system

Use IDs to represent areas in the store.  The Loc Label Number and the Name should be identical.

• Aisle:  1, 2, 3, 4
• Side of aisle:  Left = 1, Right = 2
• Section:  1, 2, 3, 4 (as in each 4-foot section)
• Shelf:  1, 2, 3, 4

Loc Label Number	Name	Where is the item?
1214	1214	Extension cords are located in aisle 1, side right, section 1, shelf 4.
5132	5132	Sparkling white lights  are located in aisle 5, side left, section 3, shelf 2.

Example 2:  Alphanumeric location system

Use IDs to represent categories in the store.

• Aisle:  1, 2, 3, 4
• Side of aisle:  Left = 1, Right = 2
• Section:  1, 2, 3, 4 (as in each 4-foot section)
• Shelf:  1, 2, 3, 4

Loc Label Number	Name	Where is the item?
10	1L12	Hammers are in 1L12.
20	2R34	Light bulbs are in 2R34.
30	3L23	Paint is in 3L23.
40	4R44	Paint brushes are in 4R44.