Set up 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.  

A location coding system allows stores to automate inventory management. Benefits to this include:

• Maintaining location codes follows best practices for implementing automated ordering.
• Allows you to start small and expand section by section reducing effort and resources.
• Easily locate items when helping customers and restocking.
• Ability to isolate certain classifications of products when ordering, reporting, and managing inventory.
• Allows you to focus on GMROI section by section.
• Gives you better control of cost per square foot.

How to set up a location system in your store

This section details:

• Numeric location systems
• Alphanumeric location systems

Note: The Loc Label Number appears 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. In Paladin, from the main menu, select File > Setup.
4. Select the Loc tab.
5. 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), then click Enter.
   3. In the Name box, enter the location name. For simplicity, it’s best to use the same ID number for the Name field.
   4. Click Save.

Note: A Location code must be entered before assigning it to an inventory item.

6. Optional: In the Locations pane, click Export to create an Excel spreadsheet with all location names and IDs. Save and then print this spreadsheet to use a reference when assigning locations to inventory items and to set a location in the RF unit.
7. Click Save, then click Close.

Assigning locations to inventory items can be done in any of the following ways:

1. In Paladin’s Inventory module, assign a location to every item.
   1. 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 F12 Save.
2. 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 and then imported into Microsoft Excel, which must be installed on the computer.
     • Learn more: Export inventory data
     • Learn more: Single store: Import inventory data into a Paladin database
3. Use the RF terminal to assign location codes when scanning items, or at the same time, count your inventory. 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, then press ENTER to trigger the new location prompt.
  • On Motorola or other units, press F1, then sign in with a different location ID. Repeat for each location.

Numeric location systems

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 = 01, Right = 02
    • Section:  01, 02, 03, 04 (as in each 4-foot section/gondola)
    • Shelf:  01, 02, 03, 04

Tip: An important goal is to follow a sequential range for reporting by location.

Loc Label Number	Name	Where is the item?
1020104	1020104	Extension cords are located in aisle 1, side left, section 1, shelf 4.
5010302	5010302	Sparkling white lights are located in aisle 5, side right, section 3, shelf 2.
For end caps, replace the 4 foot section/gondola with: 98: Front cap 99: Rear cap	10198 10199	Extension cords are located in aisle 1,side left, front  Sparkling white lights are located in aisle 1, side left, rear

Back to Top

Alphanumeric location systems

Use IDs to represent categories in the store.

1. 1. • Aisle:  1, 2, 3, 4
      • Side of aisle:  Left = L, Right = R
      • 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.

Back to Top