Inbound Processes

The inbound function consists of processes that deal with ordering, receiving and storing material used to manufacture products. As with the outbound discussion, there are certain processes for which there is no choice. These processes include purchasing and purchase order generation, vendor invoice processing, cash disbursement, and accounting activities as indicated in the inbound processes chart.
Disposing of these administrative tasks, the physical act of receiving and storing the inventory in the warehouse can best be accomplished in the WMS.

Even when not using ERP software, purchasing information needs to be ported to the WMS in order that receipts can be validated and approved. Since at some point information must be transferred and inputted into the WMS, receiving represents a clean demarcation. This being the case, the receiving process initiates the inbound processes resident in the WMS. A WMS will have putaway logic to suggest stock locations whereby ingredients and goods are more readily accessible, reduce warehouse travel time, and maximize the use of available space. Likewise, since this inventory will eventually be used to satisfy production and customer orders, it is logical to use the barcode and label functionality available in a WMS as materials are being placed into stocking locations. Again, inventory updating would need to be accomplished in both software systems.