One pallet, from goods-in to stock reconciliation
A pallet identifier links a physical load to its product, batch, quantity and location. A product barcode identifies the item; it does not, by itself, identify which pallet or batch moved. The example below uses made-up transaction references to explain the workflow, not a customer screenshot or a performance claim.
A connected operational flow
Workflow illustration—not a customer screenshot or live performance data.
- 01
Receive P-104
Book 60 cases against PO-2048; record batch B-072 and expiry.
- 02
Label & locate
Print a pallet label and assign location A-03.
- 03
Pick 18 cases
Validate the product and pallet against an allocated order.
- 04
Reconcile 42
Retain the balance, movement history and valuation basis.
Receipt and putaway establish the record
At goods-in, compare what arrived with the purchase order. Record accepted quantity, pack size, batch and expiry where applicable, plus any discrepancy. Assign a unique pallet reference and print the agreed label. The putaway step associates that pallet with a usable location, so an operative can find it without relying on the person who unloaded it.
- Purchase order → receipt → pallet reference
- Rejected or damaged quantities kept separate
- Location and actor recorded with the movement
A partial pick must leave a traceable balance
Allocate 18 of the example 60 cases to a customer order. Verify the expected product and pallet during picking. The remaining 42 cases stay linked to their batch and location unless moved in a separate transfer. If goods are split onto another pallet, establish the new reference and retain the relationship. A repeated scan, short pick or wrong product should be an explicit exception to resolve.
- Available stock distinguished from allocated stock
- Transfers retain origin and destination
- Pack-to-unit rules tested before rollout
Dispatch and valuation answer different questions
Loading checks connect picked goods with the vehicle, delivery run and customer documents. The stock history explains what physically moved; the configured valuation and finance rules explain its financial treatment. Reconcile quantity, units and effective dates before comparing stock-value and accounting reports. Do not assume the WMS replaces your accountant's valuation policy.
- Pallet → pick → load → customer delivery
- Returns and credits linked to the original movement
- Counts, adjustments and valuation reviewed together
Your practical checklist
- Confirm scanner models, wireless coverage and label readability.
- Test duplicate, damaged and unexpected barcodes.
- Practise partial pallets, transfers, shortages and returns.
- Reconcile an opening count and a full transaction cycle before cutover.