How Locators Work in iDempiere

A Locator defines the exact physical location of stock inside a warehouse. Once active, iDempiere automatically applies locators during receipts, issues, transfers, and reservations based on priority and availability, ensuring accurate inventory tracking without manual selection.

Where Locators Fit in the Warehouse Workflow

A locator is always created inside a warehouse and works together with:

• Warehouse definition
• Storage records
• Material policies (FIFO / LIFO)
• Replenishment rules
• Accounting postings

This makes the locator the foundation for real inventory control, not just a reference field.

Creating a Locator in a Warehouse

When creating a locator, the user is defining how iDempiere should store and pick products.

To create a working locator:

• Select the warehouse where inventory will be stored (mandatory)
• Enter a search Key to uniquely identify the location
• Keep the locator active so it can be used in transactions
• Mark it as default if this should be the primary storage location

Once saved, the locator becomes immediately available for material receipts and issues.

Defining Physical Storage Structure

Locators support both simple and structured warehouses.

• Aisle (X), Bin (Y), and Level (Z) define the physical position
• Leaving these as 0 creates a simple warehouse layout
• Using values enables rack-based or zone-based storage

Locator Priority and Default Behavior

The Relative Priority controls which locator iDempiere prefers when multiple locations exist.

• Higher priority locators are selected first
• Default locators are automatically used during receipts and picking
• Users are not required to manually choose locators in daily operations

This ensures smooth operations while maintaining precise control behind the scenes.

Understanding the Storage Tab

The Storage tab shows live inventory data for the locator.

Here users can see:

• Products currently stored
• On-hand quantity
• Reserved quantity
• Ordered quantity
• Last material policy date

This confirms that the locator is actively used and fully operational.

How Locators Are Used in Daily Operations

Once created, locators work automatically in:

• Material Receipts – stock is placed into the locator
• Material Issues – stock is removed from the locator
• Reservations – quantities are blocked at locator level
• Inventory Counts – adjustments are applied per locator
• Replenishment – minimum and maximum rules apply by location

Users do not need to manage locators manually—iDempiere applies them intelligently.

Outcome

With locators correctly configured, inventory is tracked at the precise physical location level, making every stock movement controlled, fully auditable, and transparent. Warehouse operations remain consistent and predictable, as the system always knows exactly where stock is placed or picked. Errors from misplaced or hidden stock are effectively eliminated. Ultimately, locators transform a warehouse from a simple storage space into a fully managed inventory system that supports accurate, efficient, and reliable daily operations.