Receiving Inventory (Warehouse Execution)
What this does
Receiving inventory is the process where inbound inventory orders are finalized at the warehouse.
During receiving:
- Actual quantities are confirmed
- Inventory is assigned to locations and LPNs
- Billing charges may be applied
- Inventory state is finalized
- Operational records are created
Receiving establishes the source of truth for inventory entering the system.
⚠️ Actions taken during receiving are operationally and financially significant. Many changes made here are not reversible after completion.
When this process occurs
This process begins after an inventory order has been created and inventory has physically arrived at the warehouse.
Receiving applies to:
- Planned inventory orders
- Blind inventory orders
The receiving interface is where expected inventory becomes recorded inventory.
Receiving order overview
Each receiving session is tied to a receiving order.
A receiving order:
- Has a unique order number
- Is associated with a single customer and warehouse
- Contains expected inventory details
- Tracks received quantities and outcomes
The receiving order remains open until receiving is completed.
Confirming received quantities
During receiving, warehouse users record the actual quantities received.
Key behaviors:
- Received quantities may differ from expected quantities
- Partial receipts are supported
- Multiple receiving rows may be used for the same SKU
- Final received quantities determine inventory availability
Once receiving is completed, quantities are locked and reflected across inventory views.
Assigning locations and LPNs
Received inventory must be assigned to:
- A warehouse location
- Optionally, an LPN (License Plate Number)
LPNs:
- Represent grouped inventory units
- Support tracking, movement, and labeling
- Can be generated during receiving
- May be associated with tags for searchability
Location and LPN assignments determine how inventory is stored and referenced operationally.
Tags and searchability
Tags may be applied to LPNs during receiving.
Tags:
- Improve search and filtering
- Support operational identification
- Do not change inventory ownership or quantity
Tags are optional but recommended for environments with high inventory volume.
Billing and additional charges
Receiving may involve billing-related actions.
During receiving:
- Additional charges may be reviewed or applied
- Charges may be quantity-based or fixed
- Billing confirmation may occur before completion
Billing behavior depends on customer configuration and warehouse pricing rules.
⚠️ Billing actions taken during receiving may affect invoicing and customer charges.
Messaging and documentation
Receiving orders include communication and documentation tools.
These allow warehouse users to:
- Send messages to customers
- Record notes or instructions
- Attach supporting documentation
- Maintain an audit trail for the order
Messages and documents become part of the receiving record.
Printing and operational outputs
During receiving, warehouse users may generate operational artifacts such as:
- LPN labels
- Inbound labels
- Inventory tags
- Warehouse receipts
Printed outputs support physical handling, identification, and documentation.
Mobile receiving
The receiving interface is available on mobile and scanner devices.
Mobile receiving supports:
- Quantity confirmation
- Location assignment
- LPN creation
- Messaging and documentation
This allows receiving to be performed directly on the warehouse floor without returning to a desktop workstation.
Completing receiving
Once all inventory has been processed:
- Receiving is marked as complete
- Inventory state is finalized
- Inventory becomes available based on receiving outcomes
- The receiving order is closed
After completion:
- Quantities cannot be edited
- Locations and LPN assignments are locked
- Billing outcomes are finalized
Common receiving issues
- Receiving incorrect quantities
- Assigning inventory to the wrong location
- Applying incorrect billing charges
- Completing receiving before all inventory is processed
Care should be taken to review all details before completing receiving.