Activate the dock lock to secure the trailer. Open the trailer doors carefully, as contents may have shifted during transit. Inspect the first row of pallets from the ground before entering with equipment.
Unload pallets one at a time using the forklift or pallet jack. Place each pallet in the staging area in the order unloaded. Do not stack pallets more than two high in the staging area unless they are structurally stable. Count the total number of pallets and cartons as they come off the truck and compare against the BOL count.
Select a sample from each pallet for detailed inspection based on your quality sampling plan, typically 10% of cartons per pallet. Open sampled cartons and verify the product matches the PO: correct SKU, description, unit of measure, and quantity per carton.
Check product condition: no visible damage, correct labeling, within expiration date (for date-sensitive goods), and proper packaging integrity. For temperature-sensitive products, take and record a temperature reading using a calibrated probe thermometer. Document any quality issues with photographs.
Using the handheld barcode scanner, scan each pallet's label or the carton barcodes into the WMS receiving module. Match each scan against the corresponding PO line item. The system will flag any mismatches between scanned items and expected products.
Enter the actual quantities received for each SKU. If partial shipments are received, record the quantity delivered and mark the PO line as partially fulfilled. The WMS will automatically update inventory levels and generate a receiving report once all items are scanned.
Print warehouse location labels from the WMS for each pallet. The system assigns bin locations based on product type, velocity class, and available space. Apply the location label to the pallet in a visible position, typically the upper right corner of the shrink wrap, facing outward.
If pallets need to be broken down for shelf storage, stage the individual cartons on a separate table and label each carton with its assigned bin location. Ensure all labels are scannable. If a label is smudged or wrinkled, reprint it before sending the product to the floor.
Transport each pallet or carton to its assigned WMS location using the forklift or pallet jack. Scan the bin location barcode, then scan the product label to confirm the putaway. The WMS will flag if you attempt to place a product in the wrong location.
Place pallets squarely in their rack position with labels facing the aisle for easy scanning during picking. For shelf locations, place cartons with labels facing outward and ensure the shelf is not overloaded beyond its rated capacity. Confirm each putaway in the WMS before moving to the next item.
If the received quantity does not match the PO or BOL, document the discrepancy on the receiving report. Common issues include short shipments, overages, wrong items, or damaged goods. Photograph all discrepancies and retain any damaged packaging as evidence.
Notify the purchasing department of shortages or wrong items within 2 hours of discovery so they can contact the supplier. For damaged goods, complete a damage claim form and set the affected items aside in the designated quarantine area. Do not put damaged or incorrect product into active inventory.
Finalize the receiving report in the WMS with all actual quantities, noted discrepancies, and quality inspection results. Have the receiving clerk and the driver sign the BOL: one copy for the driver, one for the warehouse file.
File the completed receiving report, signed BOL, and any discrepancy documentation in the daily receiving folder. Update the receiving log with the shipment close time. Clear the dock area and reset it for the next delivery. Notify the inventory team that new stock is available for picking.