Locations
A Location (sometimes called a bin) is the smallest unit of storage inside a cabinet. Every item in FTS must be assigned to a location so its quantity, min/max levels, and activity can be tracked.
Locations are defined in a grid pattern inside each cabinet — made up of drawers, columns, and rows (similar to Excel).
Also known as: Bins, Cabinet Locations, Storage Locations
Why Locations Matter
- Inventory Tracking: Each location holds the current quantity of its assigned item.
- Purchasing Control: Min/Max values on a location determine when items are re-ordered.
- Flexibility: Locations can be created manually, in bulk with Cabinet Builder, or with a spreadsheet import.
- Accuracy: Keeping item assignments and counts tied to locations ensures clean reporting and auditing.
- Mobility: Items can be moved between locations when needed, and all of their data (open POs, transactions, on-hand quantities, alerts, etc.) moves with them.
Methods to Create Locations
There are three ways to create locations inside a cabinet. Each method is best for a different situation.
| Method | Best For | How It Works | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Create a New Location | One-off, single locations | Manually add a single location by selecting drawer, column, row, and optional item details. | You need to add a new location in drawer 3, row 5, column B. |
| Cabinet Builder | Building many empty locations quickly | Select drawers, rows, and columns to auto-generate multiple locations at once. | You’re setting up a new cabinet with 10 drawers, each with 6 columns and 5 rows. |
| Location Import | Assigning items or updating many locations | Fill out an Excel template with locations, items, Min/Max, Capacity, etc., then upload it. | You want to update 200 locations to assign items and adjust Min/Max values. |
Quick Recommendations
- Use Create a New Location for one location at a time.
- Use Cabinet Builder for bulk creation of empty grids.
- Use Location Import for bulk updates or assigning items to many locations.
FAQ
What is a location?
A location (or bin) is a storage spot inside a cabinet, defined by drawer, column, and row.
Do items have to be assigned to a location?
Yes. Every item must be tied to a location so the system can track quantities and purchasing rules.
Can I move items between locations?
Yes. Items can be moved to a new location using the Move link. When an item is moved (or swapped), all of its associated data — including open purchase orders, transactions, on-hand quantities, unreturned inventory, alerts, and min/max settings — moves with it.
Which method should I use to create locations?
- Few locations → Create a New Location
- Lots of locations (rows/columns) → Cabinet Builder
- Lots of items or updates → Location Import
Can a location hold more than one item?
Yes, if Location Expansion is enabled.