Inventory Orders (Inbound)
What this does
Inventory orders are inbound orders used to receive new inventory into the warehouse system.
An inventory order:
- Represents inventory that is expected to arrive
- Lists one or more SKUs and quantities
- Is associated with a single warehouse
- Creates the operational record used for receiving
Inventory orders are the primary way new stock enters the system.
ℹ️ Where to find it: Inventory Orders is its own item in the side navigation (it used to sit under Inventory).
Why this matters
Inventory orders define:
- What inventory is expected
- Where it will be received
- Which customer owns the inventory
- How receiving workflows are prepared
Incorrect or incomplete inventory orders can result in:
- Receiving delays
- Inventory mismatches
- Misapplied ownership
- Operational or billing issues
Types of inventory orders
Teamship supports two types of inbound inventory orders:
- Regular inventory orders
- Blind inventory orders
Both result in inventory being received, but they differ in when and how information is provided.
Regular inventory orders
Regular inventory orders are created before inventory arrives using a structured intake process.
These orders:
- Are created in advance
- Provide the warehouse with visibility into expected inventory
- Support planning, scheduling, and documentation
- Can be created by either the customer or the warehouse
Regular inventory orders are typically used when shipment details are known ahead of time.
Regular order intake process (wizard-based)
The regular inventory order process follows a guided, multi-step intake flow.
At a high level, this process captures:
- Arrival and shipment information
- Inventory details
- Receiving warehouse
This structure ensures all required information is collected before the inventory arrives.
Step 1: Arrival and shipment information
This stage defines how and when inventory will arrive.
It captures information such as:
- Estimated arrival timing
- Shipment type (e.g. truck or container)
- Carrier or shipment reference details
- Supporting documentation (when applicable)
This information is used to prepare receiving operations.
Step 2: Inventory details
This stage defines what inventory is being sent.
It includes:
- One or more SKUs
- Expected quantities
- Supplier or reference identifiers (if applicable)
Inventory listed here represents what the warehouse expects to receive.
Step 3: Receiving warehouse
This stage assigns the inventory order to a specific warehouse.
Inventory orders are always associated with a single warehouse. All inventory on the order will be received into that location.
Blind inventory orders
Blind inventory orders are created in real time, typically during receiving.
They are used when:
- Inventory arrives without a prior order
- Details were not provided in advance
- Receiving must proceed immediately
Blind inventory orders allow the user to:
- Select the customer
- Select the warehouse
- Identify SKUs and quantities as inventory is received
This approach prioritizes operational continuity over advance planning.
Key differences between regular and blind orders
| Aspect | Regular inventory order | Blind inventory order |
|---|---|---|
| Created | Before arrival | During receiving |
| Planning visibility | High | Minimal |
| Customer association | Predefined | Selected at creation |
| SKU details | Provided in advance | Entered in real time |
| Typical use case | Planned inbound shipments | Unplanned or ad-hoc arrivals |
Both order types result in inventory being recorded and available once receiving is complete.
Who can create inventory orders
Inventory orders may be created by:
- Warehouse users
- Internal administrative users
- Customers (depending on permissions)
The available order type and required fields may vary by role.
Common mistakes
- Creating a regular order without complete shipment details
- Using a blind order when shipment information was available
- Associating inventory with the wrong customer
- Selecting the incorrect receiving warehouse
These issues can cause receiving delays or inventory reconciliation problems.
After an inventory order is created
Once created:
- The order becomes available for receiving
- Warehouse staff can process inbound inventory
- Inventory is recorded against the order during receiving
- Final received quantities may differ from estimates
Inventory becomes available for operational use based on receiving outcomes and inventory state.