Stock Receiving, Storage and Inventory Handling
What this domain tests
This domain checks the receiving sequence, documentation at the gate, storage discipline, and safe handling. Expect questions on discrepancy handling and FIFO/FEFO.
Core concepts
- Receiving sequence: check the delivery appointment and vehicle, unload, count cartons and units, inspect for damage and expiry, match with the purchase order and invoice/challan, raise the GRN (Goods Receipt Note), sign only after counting, then put away.
- Discrepancies: short supply (fewer units), excess supply, damaged goods, wrong item, near-expiry stock. Record each on the GRN and get the delivery person's signature; do not quietly accept.
- Storage principles: fixed location codes (rack-bin-number), heavy items low, fast movers near the pick face, chemicals separated from food and apparel, temperature zones respected, pest control and cleanliness maintained.
- FIFO (First In, First Out) for general goods; FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) for dated goods such as food, medicine and cosmetics.
- Safe handling: use trolleys and pallet trucks, bend the knees, keep the load close, do not lift beyond your safe capacity, wear closed shoes, stack within rack load limits.
Worked example
A delivery of 10 cartons × 24 units = 240 units is expected. On counting, 2 cartons are torn and 2 units are missing. Accepted stock = 240 − 2 damaged cartons' contents (48) − 2 missing = 190 units; 48 damaged units are returned and 2 are recorded as short supply. The GRN notes both, and the delivery person signs.
Traps that cost marks
- Signing the GRN before counting.
- Mixing damaged stock back into saleable stock.
- Using FIFO where FEFO is required.
- Recording only the carton count without opening and checking.