A worker scans pallet P104, receives location B-03-02, moves it there, and scans the location to confirm.
When this method works well—and when it does not
Works well when
- Many active locations
- Variable receipt mix
- Shared operators or high turnover
- Warehouse management system (WMS) capable of location status and capacity
Usually a poor fit when
- Very small fixed-location stores
- Bulk floor storage selected by visual capacity
- Material requiring engineering review for every placement
Show exactly what happens at each step
Write down actions that someone can see or confirm: what the worker does, what moves, who owns the next step, and what happens if something goes wrong.
- 1Receive
- 2Look for space
- 3Choose location
- 4Remember problem
- 5Enter later
- 1Identify load
- 2Evaluate rules
- 3Direct location
- 4Confirm load + location
- 5Release task
Get these basics right before adding technology
- One named person owns the process, and everyone agrees what one task includes
- Current time, accuracy, problem, and volume numbers collected using written rules
- One named person corrects product and location information
- A written backup method and a clear path for getting help
If workers cannot reliably identify the item, order, or location, correct that problem before expecting new guidance equipment to improve accuracy.
Step-by-step procedure
- 01
Confirm pallet, case, tote, or carton identity before movement
- 02
Filter prohibited or incompatible locations first
- 03
Rank valid locations by pick frequency, cube, family, and future pick cost
- 04
Require a scan or check of the destination
- 05
Create a separate overflow rule rather than silent improvisation
Information the process must track
For each task, decide what item or order is being worked, where it comes from, where it goes, how much is expected, how the worker confirms completion, what happens when something goes wrong, and which system records the final result.
Technical notes for the warehouse software or IT team
Use one unique task ID. Re-sending the same message should not create a duplicate move or pick. Keep a way to compare records and repair differences when messages are delayed, repeated, or missed.
Decide what workers should do when something goes wrong
Record capacity defect, choose approved alternate, and correct the location master.
Review travel, capacity, and compatibility rules using override reason codes.
Block the pallet, case, tote, or carton and reconcile before later allocation.
Numbers to watch
Before the test starts, write down what is counted, what it is divided by, when the clock starts and stops, what is excluded, and where the data comes from. Keep those rules the same through the test.
Test it on a small scale before a full rollout
Trial steps
- Choose one realistic area, shift, and order mix
- Watch the current method long enough to include normal work and a busy period
- Test the new method using exactly the same measurement rules
- Review every problem and worker workaround before expanding the change
What must be true before rollout
- The target output is maintained for one full, realistic shift
- Accuracy and problem recovery meet the written target
- New workers can follow the process without unwritten tips from experienced workers
- The backup method works, and the team can return cleanly to the normal process
Voodoo is one possible way to guide the work—not the answer to every problem.
Where it may help
Displays can identify temporary staging that changes by task and destination locations, especially where fixed labels are not enough.
See how Voodoo worksWhen to choose something else
The core decision belongs in the warehouse management system (WMS). A light should execute a good location decision, not invent one.
Read how recommendations are made