Functional Guide: Mastering Putaway Rules in Odoo Inventory

Managing a warehouse efficiently is not just about space—it's about intelligent placement. That’s where Putaway Rules in Odoo Inventory shine. These rules automate where each product goes once received, helping businesses eliminate guesswork, reduce errors, and streamline operations.

Whether you’re running an e-commerce business, a retail outlet, or a distribution center, this guide will walk you through how to configure and use putaway rules in Odoo—with zero coding required.

🧠 What Are Putaway Rules?

Putaway rules are a set of conditions that automatically assign the correct storage location for incoming goods based on their category or attributes.

Example: Vinyl records go straight to the "Vinyl Storage Zone", while electronics go to "Tech Rack A."

By automating this, businesses:

• Minimize manual handling
• Speed up storage
• Reduce warehouse errors

🚀 Why Should You Use Them?

Here’s how putaway rules add value:

✅ Automate warehouse decisions

✅ Improve order fulfillment speed

✅ Maximize space utilization

✅ Enhance traceability and compliance

✅ Reduce training time for new staff

🔧 Setting Up Putaway Rules in Odoo

Step 1: Activate Key Features

1. Go to Inventory > Configuration > Settings
2. Enable:
   • ✅ Multi-Step Routes
   • ✅ Storage Locations

These settings unlock the routing and location logic needed for putaway rules.

Step 2: Define Storage Locations

1. Navigate to Inventory > Configuration > Locations
2. Click Create
3. Enter:
   • Name: Vinyl Zone, CD Shelf, etc.
   • Type: Internal Location

Organize your warehouse into zones by product category or size.

Step 3: Create a Putaway Rule

1. Go to Inventory > Configuration > Putaway Rules
2. Click Create
3. Fill in the form:
   • Rule Name: e.g., "Vinyl Records Putaway"
   • Product Category: Music
   • Source Location: WH/Input
   • Destination Location: WH/Music/Vinyl
   • Priority: (Optional, higher = lower priority)

Once set, Odoo will automatically route items during receipt based on this rule.

🎯 Example: A Music Store Use Case

Let’s say you run a music warehouse that sells vinyl, CDs, and synthesizers. Here’s how your rules might look:

Each time new stock arrives, Odoo sends it to the correct zone—no manual instructions needed.

🧪 Testing Your Rules

Before going live:

1. Receive test items using the Inventory app
2. Verify the auto-selected destination
3. Adjust rules if necessary

Pro tip: Always involve warehouse staff in the testing—they’ll help spot issues early.

✅ Best Practices

• 📄 Document each rule: Include rule name, product type, source, destination.
• 📚 Train your staff: Ensure everyone understands the automation.
• 🧹 Audit regularly: Revisit rules if you reorganize or add new products.
• 🧠 Keep it simple: Avoid overly complex conditions unless necessary.

🔗 Integration Bonus

Odoo’s modularity means putaway rules can integrate with:

• Sales → Improve picking times
• Purchase → Auto-prepare space for incoming bulk shipments
• Manufacturing → Place raw materials near work centers

🛠️ Ready to Go Further?

For teams needing more control:

• Use Odoo Studio to add custom fields
• Build automated workflows to alert staff when rules fail
• Expand rules to handle dynamic conditions like stock levels

🚚 Final Thoughts

Putaway rules are like having a smart assistant for your warehouse—they reduce chaos, save time, and make your operations scalable.

Once configured, you’ll wonder how you ever managed inventory without them.

Start with a few basic rules today—and scale your way to a smarter warehouse.

Have questions or want help setting it up? Reach out to our Odoo experts or explore the official Odoo documentation.