Receiving inbound goods

This page describes what happens when a delivery comes in: checking, labelling, booking in and storing. Accurate inbound processing is the foundation of correct stock — a mistake here carries through into every order we pick later.

The four steps

  1. Receive & check — check the delivery against the purchase order.
  2. Label & approve — have stickers/labels approved by the Warehouse Manager.
  3. Book in — update stock in the system.
  4. Store — products to their location in the racking.

Step 1: Receive & check

Check every incoming delivery against its purchase order:

  • Does the number of parcels match the supplier's packing slip?
  • Does the quantity per item match what was ordered?
  • Is there visible transport damage on the outside of the boxes?

Note discrepancies immediately — shortages, overages or damage — and report them to the Warehouse Manager before continuing. Never process a delivery that doesn't match without it being aligned first.

Step 2: Label & approve

Products get the correct stickers/labels so they can be picked error-free later.

When labelling, pay extra attention to look-alike products — items that closely resemble each other (such as piston ring variants). These are deliberately kept apart to prevent picking errors.

Step 3: Book in

Update stock in the system once the delivery has been checked and approved:

  • Book the received quantities against the relevant purchase order.
  • Check that the booked quantity matches what you physically counted.
  • Only close the purchase order once everything is in; for a partial delivery, keep the remainder open.

Step 4: Store

  • Store products at their assigned location in the racking (section A, B or C).
  • Does a new product not yet have a location? Align this with the Warehouse Manager before putting it away.
  • Place bulk stock at the bottom of the same rack, so restocking later is easy.
  • Keep look-alike products physically separated.

When there are problems

SituationAction
Shortage or wrong product deliveredReport to the Warehouse Manager; he aligns with the supplier.
Transport damageRecord with photos, report to the Warehouse Manager before booking in.
Product without a locationDon't put it away — have a location assigned first.
Stock about to run outFlag this; if urgent, an emergency order via Aircargo (Asia/India) may be needed.