Active Stock

Active stock refers to inventory placed in easily accessible pick locations within a warehouse, typically at ground level or ergonomic heights. These items are in high demand and are positioned to minimise travel time during order picking. Active stock contrasts with reserve stock, which is stored in higher racking or bulk areas and is used to replenish active pick locations.

Proper active stock management directly impacts fulfilment speed and labour efficiency. When fast-moving items are correctly positioned in forward pick areas, warehouse workers spend less time travelling between locations. This becomes critical for e-commerce fulfilment operations where same-day or next-day delivery promises require rapid pick-and-pack cycles.

A warehouse management system (WMS) analyses order frequency data to determine which products should occupy active pick locations. Items with the highest pick frequency — known as A-class items in ABC analysis — are assigned to the most accessible slots. As demand patterns shift seasonally, the WMS can trigger re-slotting to keep the most current fast-movers in prime positions.