3. Inbounds Processes
Written by sonia bahri
Updated at July 3rd, 2025
Table of Contents
Inbound Processes Workflow
1. Purpose
To receive goods into the warehouse—whether via an Advance Shipment Notification (ASN) or unannounced shipments—handling scheduling, RF-based or paper receiving, and, if required, blast/quick-freezing steps with temperature recording.
2. Legend & Roles
| Symbol / Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 🟢 Green oval | Start / Page Connector |
| 🟪 Purple rectangle | Data Input (ASN message) |
| 🟦 Cyan rectangle | Process (system or RF transaction) |
| 🔷 Diamond | Decision |
| 🟧 Orange rectangle | Output / Document |
| 🔴 Red oval | End / Page Connector |
3. Step-by-Step Process
-
Page Connector “3”
- Continues from the previous workflow.
- Decision: Advance Shipment Notification (ASN)? 🔷
- No → Skip to “Appointments Required?” (step 5).
- Yes →
Decision: Appointments Required? 🔷
Yes → Go
3.1. RE.01: Appointment Log 🟦
- Record the scheduled receiving appointment (date, time slot, carrier, dock).
No → Skip to RF usage check (step 5).
Decision: RF Used? 🔷
Yes →
4.1. RE.21: Link In-Transit to Receipt or Create Receipt Header 🟦
- Associate the physical arrival with the in-transit record, or start a new receipt header if no ASN existed.
4.2. RF.01: Bulk Receiving 🟦
- Scan multiple line items via RF gun in a single pass.
OR
4.3. RF.01: Single Receiving 🟦
- Scan and confirm one item/lot at a time.
No → Skip RF steps; proceed to freeze-check (step 6).
Decision: Blast/Quick Freezing Required? 🔷
Yes →
5.1. RE.51: Record Lot Temperatures 🟦
- Capture time-and-temperature data for each lot being frozen (can also be done via RF).
5.2. RE.52: Print Temperature-Readings Report 🟧
- Generate a report of all temperature readings captured during freezing.
5.3. RE.53: Print Frozen-Stock Removal Report 🟧
- Produce a list of lots that have reached the required freeze criteria and are ready for removal.
No →
5.4. Page Connector “4” 🔴
- Continue to the next inbound-process segment.
4. Outputs & Artifacts
In-Transit Receipt Record (RE.11)
Put-Away Worksheet (RE.12)
Appointment Log (RE.01)
RF Receiving Transactions (RE.21, RF.01)
Freeze-Temperature Log (RE.51)
Temperature-Readings Report (RE.52)
Frozen-Stock Removal Report (RE.53)
5. Operational Notes & Best Practices
ASN First: Whenever an ASN is available, it drives the creation of in-transit records—ensuring accuracy and minimizing data entry.
Appointments: Use RE.01 to manage dock schedules and avoid congestion. Skip if your operation accepts walk-ins.
RF vs. Paper: RF is strongly recommended for speed and accuracy; paper processes are supported but may require additional reconciliation.
Freezing: Always complete RE.51–RE.53 in cold-chain environments to maintain full auditability of temperature-sensitive goods.
Modular Design: This workflow hands off to “Page Connector 4” so that downstream steps (e.g., put-away, quality inspection) can be documented separately.
Next: 4. Inbounds Processes Continued