Before the first
pallet arrives.
Use this checklist to prepare a receiving, stock-management and release plan.
01 / Describe the inventory
- Product names, SKU references and units of measure.
- Carton or pallet quantities, dimensions and weights.
- Lot, serial, shelf-life or handling information where applicable.
- Expected inventory range and the period goods will be stored.
02 / Connect shipment and receiving records
- Supplier, purchase order and packing references.
- Expected arrival date and agreed delivery location.
- Receiving contact, appointments and unloading requirements.
- Labels needed to identify the goods on arrival.
03 / Decide how exceptions are handled
Identify who receives discrepancy reports and who can approve a correction, hold or release. Establish what receiving checks cover and what requires a separate inspection or customer decision.
04 / Establish inventory control
- Required item and movement records.
- Count and reconciliation schedule.
- Treatment of allocated, available and held goods.
- Reporting format, timing and the person receiving it.
05 / Document release instructions
Use clear customer references, SKU quantities, shipping addresses and requested dates. Identify authorized requesters and any packaging or labeling instructions. Confirm how dispatch and delivery information will be communicated.
06 / Clarify the cost scope
Discuss receiving, storage, counting, handling, packing, transport and any special work as separate cost categories. Product size, duration, movement frequency and the service scope affect the quotation.
Copy a practical receiving or release brief
| Receiving notice | Stock release request |
|---|---|
| Supplier / PO / shipment reference | Authorized requester / release reference |
| Expected arrival / receiving location | Required dispatch or delivery date |
| SKU / unit / expected quantities | SKU / unit / quantities to release |
| Cartons / pallets / labels / handling | Consignee / address / delivery instructions |
| Difference or damage contact | Packaging / labeling / exception contact |
Confirm the agreed notice period and receiving appointment process before arranging transport. Include the required stock status: a release request cannot assume goods on hold are available.