Abstract:JIT-oriented parts distribution processes have some particular characteristics,such as abundant SKUs,small batches and dispersed in-out warehouse time.It is very challenging to optimize the storage loca_x005ftion assignment in the distribution center. This paper models the storage location assignment problem with time dimension as a special triangle packing problem,and develops a heuristic for solving it.Numerical study with the real case shows that the proposed model and heuristic method are very useful in practice; they can reduce the operating cost and improve the spatial utilization significantly.