Slotting Strategy for Peak Season

Peak season is when your warehouse operations are truly put to the test. Whether it’s back-to-school, holiday shopping, or a major sales event, volume surges can overwhelm even the most seasoned distribution teams. The good news? Smart warehouse slotting can make all the difference.

Why Slotting Matters More During Peak

Slotting: The process of determining optimal product placement within a warehouse, directly impacts travel time, pick efficiency, and labor allocation. During peak season, when demand spikes, poor slotting becomes a bottleneck.

Without a solid slotting plan:

• Pickers spend more time walking and less time picking

• Congested aisles slow throughput

• Misplaced fast-movers result in costly delays

Step 1: Analyze Historical Data

The first step is to review previous peak seasons. Which SKUs moved fastest?

Slot3D analyzes your warehouse data to visualize historical velocity and account for forecast data available.

With Slot3D, you can:

• Identify high-velocity SKUs

• Generate slotting plans and execute moves to prepare for peak season

• Simulate pick paths and layout changes in 3D

  
  

Step 2: Reslot Based on Velocity

Once you know your peak season heroes, you can reslot accordingly. Fast-moving items should be placed in the most accessible locations and typically near the front or closest to packing stations.

Slot3D enables you to:

• Slot SKUs economically taking into consideration velocity and costs

• Reduce total travel time

• Test different slotting configurations before making physical changes

Step 3: Prepare for Replenishment

Don’t just focus on picks, replenishment can make or break peak performance. Slot3D helps ensure that replenishment costs are minimized.

You’ll be able to:

• Visualize and analyze product placement strategically

• Minimize replenishments

Step 4: Simulate Peak Scenarios

The biggest advantage of slotting software is simulation. With Slot3D, you can model your warehouse for peak volume, labor constraints, and picking methods before go-time.

This allows you to:

• Test product placement without disruption

• Confidently communicate plans with your team

Step 5: Review, Adjust, and Repeat

Slotting isn’t a one-and-done process. As inventory, orders, and staffing evolve throughout the peak period, real-time slotting adjustments become essential. Slot3D makes iterative slotting possible with easy-to-use visual tools and data-driven insights.

How to feel prepared for peak season

Peak season doesn't have to mean peak stress. With the right slotting strategy and the right tools, you can reduce travel time, increase throughput, and meet demand with confidence.

Ready to get ahead of the rush?

Let Slot3D simulate your success before peak season hits. Schedule a Demo or Learn more