Configure Production Pick and Input Bins

This warehouse model adds a dedicated Input bin to the basic warehouse configuration with one Pick bin.

The Pick bin contains inventory available for picking or replenishment. The Input bin serves as a controlled staging location for raw materials or components moved to the production floor.

This configuration is useful for manufacturers that want visibility into production-area inventory without implementing a full multi-bin Warehouse Management System.

Before You Begin

Complete the setup described in Configure a Basic Warehouse with One Pick Bin before adding the production Input bin.

Confirm that this model fits the organization’s production process. It is generally appropriate when:

• Components are staged before production
• Materials are replenished from warehouse inventory to the shop floor
• Production-area inventory should be separated from generally available inventory
• Employees need visibility into components awaiting consumption
• Actual material consumption may differ from bill-of-material quantities
• Shop-floor inventory will be counted periodically

If the operation requires separate receiving, shipping, cross-dock, return, or quality-control areas, consider a more advanced warehouse structure.

Understand the Two Bins

Pick Bin

The Pick bin contains inventory available for warehouse picking, production replenishment, or other operational use.

Inventory remains in the Pick bin until it is moved or consumed through an approved GoldFinch transaction.

Input Bin

The Input bin represents materials staged for production.

Inventory moved into this bin remains part of warehouse inventory but is separated from the primary Pick bin. This provides visibility into materials released to or positioned near the shop floor but not yet consumed.

Create the Input Bin

Create a new bin for the applicable warehouse using the following general setup:

• Bin Name: Input
• Warehouse: Select the applicable warehouse
• Bin Type: QC
• Active: Selected

Use the QC Bin Type so inventory in the Input bin is not treated as available for ordinary picking. Inventory can still be moved into and out of a QC-type bin through approved warehouse transactions.

Although the bin uses the QC Bin Type for system control, its business purpose in this configuration is production input staging.

Assign the Input Bin

Assign the new bin to the applicable Input Bin field on the warehouse or location setup.

Review the warehouse record to confirm that:

• The Pick bin remains assigned correctly
• The Input bin is assigned to the appropriate production function
• The Input bin belongs to the correct warehouse
• Users have the required access
• The bin names and identifiers match the physical warehouse labels

Replenish the Input Bin

Materials can be moved from the Pick bin to the Input bin based on production requirements.

Depending on the organization’s GoldFinch configuration, users may select one or more work orders and replenish the required components to the production Input bin.

A typical replenishment flow is:

1. Review the work orders scheduled for production.
2. Determine the required component quantities.
3. Create the applicable replenishment or warehouse movement.
4. Move components from the Pick bin to the Input bin.
5. Verify the item, quantity, unit of measure, lot, and destination bin.
6. Complete the transaction.
7. Confirm the updated Bin Contents.

Detailed replenishment procedures depend on the customer’s manufacturing and warehouse configuration.

Record Production Consumption

Consume components through the appropriate GoldFinch manufacturing transaction.

When actual consumption follows the quantities defined by the bill of materials, GoldFinch can reduce the related component inventory according to the configured production process.

When actual consumption regularly differs from planned quantities, establish a controlled procedure to identify and record the differences.

Count the Input Bin

Some manufacturers do not consume components in exactly the quantities specified by the bill of materials or production formula. Differences may result from scrap, yield variation, spillage, measurement, substitutions, or other shop-floor activity.

In these environments, periodic cycle counting of the Input bin can help identify and record actual gains or losses.

The appropriate frequency depends on:

• Production volume
• Material value
• Expected consumption variance
• Lot or regulatory requirements
• Frequency of replenishment
• Required inventory accuracy

High-volume operations may perform an Input bin count daily, while other organizations may use a different schedule.

Review inventory differences and post them through approved GoldFinch counting or adjustment procedures.

Lot- and Serial-Controlled Items

When components require lot or serial tracking, confirm that the applicable information is maintained when inventory:

• Moves from the Pick bin to the Input bin
• Is staged for a work order
• Is consumed in production
• Is returned to warehouse inventory
• Is adjusted after a count

Warehouse and production employees should verify tracking information before completing each transaction.

Returning Unused Materials

Unused components may need to be returned from the Input bin to the Pick bin or another designated location.

Use an approved warehouse movement to record the return. Confirm:

• Item
• Quantity
• Unit of measure
• Lot or serial number
• Source bin
• Destination bin

Do not physically return inventory without recording the corresponding GoldFinch transaction.

Test the Configuration

Before using the Input bin in Production, test representative scenarios:

• Replenish components from the Pick bin
• Replenish multiple work orders, when applicable
• Process lot-controlled components
• Consume materials in production
• Return unused materials
• Count the Input bin
• Record an inventory difference
• Review resulting Bin Contents and Warehouse Entries

Confirm that inventory remains excluded from ordinary picking while stored in the Input bin.

Operating Controls

For accurate production inventory:

• Record every movement between the Pick and Input bins
• Do not use the Input bin for general storage
• Label the physical Input location clearly
• Restrict transactions to trained users
• Investigate negative or unexpected quantities promptly
• Count the Input bin according to the established schedule
• Review recurring consumption differences
• Maintain lot and serial traceability when required

Next Steps

If the warehouse requires additional control, consider adding:

• Production output bins
• Receiving and put-away bins
• Quality-control or quarantine bins
• Cross-dock and return bins
• Shipment staging bins
• Mobile barcode scanning
• More detailed storage and picking locations

Work with a GoldFinch Implementer before changing an active warehouse structure or introducing additional production and warehouse processes.