4 Steps In The Warehouse Receiving Process

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What comes to mind when you think of your receiving process? Warehouse receiving is a vital component of running an efficient warehouse. As the first step in your e-commerce fulfillment process, you need to ensure it runs smoothly to avoid impacting your downstream processes.

Receiving is sometimes referred to as the lynchpin phase in warehousing because it occurs before all other activities. It has a detrimental impact on all downstream processes if it is not operating at peak efficiency.

Warehouse Receiving Process

There are four components to a warehouse receiving process that need to be completed thoroughly to maintain the correct stock levels and the correct products to be ordered as required.

Preparing for Shipment

At this point, the business owner needs to make the decisions regarding the levels of inventory being sent to the warehouse, the packaging you require, and any formalities as laid out by your chosen 3PL partner, which typically looks like;

  • Create a warehouse receiving order label (WRO)
  • Attach the label to your shipment
  • Scan the barcode on the label via your warehouse management system (WMS)

Receiving Inventory

Here you will receive the shipment at the warehouse loading dock. The inventory will be unloaded and placed in the designated area. All items and quantities are recorded on the shipping document, and any concerns should be noted with the driver before both the employees and the driver sign to confirm delivery.

Count and Confirm

This next step involves the warehouse checking the delivery. Main points to loot at include;

  • Quantity
  • Seal integrity
  • Quality of the inventory
  • Product codes
  • The boxes match what is on the WRO

If any inconsistencies are found in the warehouse receiving process, the cargo should be double-checked to confirm before making manual adjustments to the document.

Storing Inventory

This is the final stage of the warehouse receiving process. It involves organizing and arranging all of the new goods in the warehouse once unloaded and examined. How the inventory is stored is based on your warehouse and the facilities you have in your warehouse.

If you use a third-party logistics provider, this will all be the possibility of their warehouse and operation to ensure all of your inventory is stored safely and efficiently to reduce damage, carry expenses, and improve order fulfillment processes.

The warehouse receiving process can be lengthy and time-consuming, and finding a system that works for your business can take some time and trial and error. Consumers, however, won’t be as forgiving and will require a delivery service that meets their requirements.

One way to enable a smoother inventory and to receive process is to partner with a reliable third-party logistics provider skilled at optimizing the process and ensuring your orders and stock levels are managed professionally to benefit your business.

ShipJoy is an eCommerce fulfillment company that can help you ot streamline your warehouse receiving process and offer a better service for your customers.