General About Arrival and Receipt

The arrival and receipt function is flexible, allowing you to perform actions even if they are not planned and/or set up from the beginning. The most efficient way of working is to use one of the receive cases together with default locations adapted to the actions in the receive case.

Overview of the Receipt function

In the receipt function, you can perform the following:

The working process of the receipt function is affected by:

Receive Cases

One of the main components of the receipt function is the receive case. Receive cases can be seen as guidelines in the working process.

The most common way of working is to establish a default receive case and any inspection code specified on the supplier for the purchase part relationship. This receive case and any quantity to inspect is then indicated by default when the purchase order is entered. However, you can change a receive case directly on a purchase order line or in connection with the arrival registration. The receive case Receive into Arrival is indicated by default if nothing else is specified.

The flexibility of the receipt function allows you to perform actions even if they are not included in the current receive case.

Example: If you have a receipt line with an inventory registered purchase part and the receive case Receive into Arrival (no inspection demand at all), you can move the parts to an inspection location, inspect the parts and enter the results, and then move them into a stock location.

The available receive cases are: Receive into Inventory, Receive into Arrival, Perform Putaway, Receive into Arrival, Receive into Arrival/Inspect at Arrival, Receive into Arrival/Inspect at QA, and Receive into QA/Inspect at QA.

Overview of Receive Cases and possible Part Types

Receive Case Inventory registered purchase part (single handled) Inventory registered purchase part (pallets) Non-inventory registered purchase part No-number part
Receive into Inventory Yes **No No No
Receive into Arrival, Perform Putaway Yes Yes No No
Receive into Arrival Yes Yes Yes Yes
Receive into Arrival, Inspect at Arrival Yes *Yes Yes Yes
Receive into Arrival, Inspect at QA Yes Yes No No
Receive into QA, Inspect at QA Yes **No No No

* This receive case is not recommended for pallet-handled parts since no scrap or return can be done when pallets are in an arrival location. However, you can handle pallet-handled parts in the same manner as single handled parts and then create pallets in IFS/Inventory.

** You can handle pallet-handled parts in the same manner as single handled parts and then create pallets in IFS/Inventory.

Receive Case: Receive into Inventory

When the arrival registration is done, the parts are received directly into a stock location, e.g., a picking location.

This receive case is only used with inventory registered purchase parts (single handled) and is only valid if the quantity to inspect is zero (0).

You cannot use this receive case with pallet-handled parts since the pallets are created in pallet arrival. However, you can handle pallet-handled parts in the same manner as single handled parts and then create pallets in IFS/Inventory.

You cannot use this receive case if mandatory create analysis has been chosen in IFS/Quality Management. (A receive case with inspection is recommended for such instances).

Receive Case: Receive into Arrival, Perform Putaway

When the arrival registration is done, the parts are received to the default arrival location and then moved to the best possible location available. Transport tasks are created suggesting the move from the arrival location to the best available location(s) in stock.

This receive case can be used for inventory purchase parts (single handled or pallets).

For pallet-handled parts, pallet locations need to be entered.

Receive Case: Receive into Arrival

When the arrival registration is done, the parts are received into an arrival location. (When entering a purchase order line, the receive case Receive into arrival is indicated by default if nothing else is specified for the supplier relationship for the purchase part.) Then the purchase parts entered in inventory should be moved into a stock location. For non-inventory registered purchase parts and no-number parts, the receipt is completed.

This receive case is used for inventory registered purchase parts (single handled or pallets), non-inventory registered purchase parts, and no-number parts.

Pallet-handled parts need a pallet arrival for creating pallets. The stock location type can be pallet, pallet deep, or pallet buffer. However, you can handle pallet-handled parts in the same manner as single handled parts and then create pallets in IFS/Inventory. 

You cannot use this receipt case when using Control Plans - Purchasing in IFS/Quality Management (It is recommended that you use a receive case with inspection for such instances). 

Receive Case: Receive into Arrival, Inspect at Arrival

When the arrival registration is done, the parts are received into an arrival location. The inspection should be done at the arrival location. Then, you can enter the inspection results and move the inventory registered purchase parts to a stock location. For non-inventory registered purchase parts and no-number parts, the receipt is completed.

This receive case is used with both inventory registered purchase parts (single handled), non-inventory registered purchase parts, and no-number parts.

It is not recommended to handle pallets in connection with this receive case. This is because no scrap or return can be done on pallets that are in an arrival location. However, you can handle pallet-handled parts in the same manner as single handled parts and then create pallets in IFS/Inventory.

Receive Case: Receive into Arrival, Inspect at QA

When the arrival registration is done, the parts are received into an arrival location. Move the parts to an inspection location, inspect the parts, and then enter the inspection results before moving the parts to a stock location.

This receive case is only used with inventory registered purchase parts (either single handled or pallet-handled).

Pallet-handled parts need a pallet arrival for creating pallets and a pallet quality location for the inspection. The stock location type can be any of the following: pallet, pallet deep, or pallet buffer. However, you can handle pallet-handled parts in the same manner as single handled parts and then create pallets in IFS/Inventory.

Receive Case: Receive into QA, Inspect at QA

When the arrival registration is done, the parts are received directly into an inspection location. Inspect the parts and enter the inspection results before moving the parts to a stock location.

This receive case is only used with inventory registered purchase parts (single handled).

You cannot use this receive case with pallet-handled parts since the pallets are created in pallet arrival. However, you can handle pallet-handled parts in the same manner as single handled parts and then create pallets in IFS/Inventory.

Possible Statuses in Receipt

The different statuses on a receipt line and on the corresponding purchase order line are:

Locations

In the arrival and receipt function, you can use three location categories: arrival locations, inspection locations, and stock locations. (Note: No-number parts and non-inventory registered purchase parts do not use any locations.)

When performing an action, such as an arrival registration or a movement, the system is searching for an adequate location dependent upon the step that is performed in the receive case flow. The proper location is indicated corresponding to the priority order described below. Notice that a default stock location cannot be retrieved per site.

Arrival locations

Pallet-handled parts need pallet arrival locations.

An arrival location can be any of the following:

  1. user-entered
  2. a default location specified on the inventory part
  3. a default location entered on the site
  4. the latest used location

Inspection locations

Pallet-handled parts need pallet quality locations.

An inspection location can be any of the following:

  1. user-entered
  2. a default location specified on the inventory part
  3. a default location on the site
  4. the latest used location

Stock locations

For pallet-handled parts, you must specify a location group on the inventory part. When a pallet is moved into a stock location, a default location from this location group is indicated by default. If this location group holds several locations, the location with the highest priority is indicated.

A stock location can be any of the following:

  1. user-entered
  2. a default location specified on the inventory part
  3. the latest used location

Lot/Batch Tracking

A lot or batch is a quantity of parts produced together that shares the same production specifications and costs. Each item is uniquely numbered to make it possible to track back to the original shipment or production run. In IFS/Part Catalog, you can indicate Lot Tracking, Not Lot Tracking, or Order Based. If you have indicated Order Based, the lot/batch number is automatically generated in connection with the arrival registration. If Lot Tracking is indicated, you must enter a lot/batch number either at the arrival registration or later on in the receipt function.

Serial Tracking

The arrival registration is performed in different dialog boxes, depending on whether the parts are serial handled and whether serial numbers will be defined at the arrival registration or at a later time. If you are handling serial handled parts and have decided to postpone the serial numbering, you should enter the arrival by using the dialog box for parts without serial numbers.

To be able to specify serial numbers, serial tracking at receipt and issue and serial tracking after delivery must have been activated in IFS/Part Catalog. If serial tracking in inventory is activated, then serial tracking at receipt and issue must also be activated. A serial rule, automatic or manual, also must be specified. Serial numbers can be reserved via the Operations menu on the purchase order line. Reserved serial numbers are used first and are automatically displayed at the arrival registration. Automatically generated serial numbers are automatically displayed. When specifying the serial numbers manually, you can click Sequence and create a sequence of numbers, adding prefixes and suffixes (both numerical and alphanumerical). When the serial tracking is activated, it will be mandatory to specify serial numbers during the arrival and receipt flow. If the part is serial tracked in inventory, it will always have a serial number in inventory and throughout the life cycle. If the part is serial tracked at receipt and issue but not serial tracked in inventory, the part will not have a serial number in inventory.

Cancel Arrival/Receipt

The arrival and receipt can be canceled anywhere in the work flow, allowing you to begin again by entering the purchase order arrival. However, this is not possible if an invoice has been matched to the receipt, if any parts have been scrapped or returned, or if the connection between the receipt line and the stock location is broken. (Note: On a receipt line with a quantity scrapped or returned, you can undo this and then cancel the receipt).

When an arrival or a receipt is canceled, the status is changed to Canceled. The purchase order line is automatically opened, and the status on the purchase order line is rolled back to Confirmed. If all receipt lines on a purchase order are canceled, even the status on the purchase order header is rolled back to Confirmed.

Close Purchase Order Line

The purchase order line is automatically closed when all receipt lines corresponding to that purchase order line have the Received status or when the received quantity of the purchase order line is within the specified closing tolerance. This assumes that the automatic closing function is enabled. The purchase order line is closed, and the status is updated to Closed.

A purchase order line might need to be closed manually if, for example, it is determined that the supplier cannot deliver the entire order or if the automatic closing function is not activated. Close the purchase order line by right-clicking and then clicking Close in the lower part of the window.

Miscellaneous Settings and Terms

Inspection Codes

An inspection code indicates that the purchased parts must be inspected. A purchase order line having a receive case containing an inspection demand also has an inspection code. You cannot change the inspection code on the receipt line, but the quantity to inspect can be changed in the proper field/column whenever you desire. Even if the receipt line does not demand any inspection, it is possible to specify a quantity to inspect.

When there is an arrival with purchase order lines having a receive case with an inspection demand, the quantity to inspect is calculated or indicated by the inspection code. On the other hand, these inspection codes may also be used in control plans, which may in turn be used during the receipt process. Here too, inspection codes determine the sample size of the received goods to be inspected. The inspection code can be either a percentage or a fixed quantity. However, if the inspection code has a fixed quantity to inspect, such as 5 parts, and the purchase quantity is 2 parts, the system decreases the fixed quantity to inspect to 2 parts. A message box informs you about the change.

W/D/R Number

A W/D/R number indicates that specific parts are somehow not fit for use, i.e., they are discrepant, deviant, rejected, etc. A particular location can contain the same parts, but the parts have different W/D/R numbers. This number is used for tracking or selection purposes and can be used, together with the availability control.

You can specify a W/D/R number on the receipt line in connection with the arrival registration. Then, you can update an existing W/D/R number or specify one or more new numbers for a receipt line in the receipt function. To specify or change W/D/R numbers on pallets, you must specify a specific pallet. In connection with this action, you can print new barcode labels.

A W/D/R number can be specified for parts located in particular stock location types (picking, floor stock, and production line) or ordinary pallet location types (pallet, pallet deep, and pallet buffer). This is also possible for the location types arrival, quality assurance, and pallet quality. However, it is not possible for the location types pallet arrival and pallet delivery.

Expiration Date

The expiration date is the validity period of storage for the part. Commonly, this date is calculated in connection with the arrival registration by using any settings for durability days and durability weeks on the inventory part. However, you can manually specify an expiration date on a specific receipt line via the selection Set Expiration Date... in the Operations menu in the receipt function. Independent of how this date is specified, you can change this date by using the previously mentioned operation.

It is strongly recommended to use the expiration date along with serial numbers or lot/batch numbers. Otherwise, the expiration date is valid for all parts with the same part number on this specific location; if you change the expiration date on a receipt line, you are changing the expiration date for all parts with this part number on this particular location. However, if you have the same part number but different W/D/R numbers in a specific location, only the parts with the same W/D/R number must have the same expiration date.

Barcode Labels

Barcode labels should be printed when the purchase order arrival is entered. Information printed on the barcode label for single handled parts are part number, any lot/batch number, any W/D/R number, pack size, any serial number, engineering change level, and the barcode. The barcode ID is randomly assigned by the system. For pallet-handled parts, only the pallet ID is printed.

When printing barcode labels for single handled parts, a dialog box appears where the number of copies and standard pack size can be entered. The standard pack size is either automatically indicated or should be specified. This depends on whether a default value for the standard pack size is entered for the supplier for the related purchase part. The quantity of barcode labels that will be printed is calculated from the standard pack size. Example: The supplier always delivers the parts in packages of 10 parts. This receipt line has an order quantity of 50 parts. Enter 10 in this field and the system calculates how many barcode labels will be printed. In this case, 5 barcode labels will be printed. If serial tracking is used, the standard pack size must be 1; in the aforementioned example, 50 barcode labels would be printed if the parts were serial-handled.

Barcode labels can be printed several times. For single-handled parts, a barcode ID is assigned every time you reprint the barcode labels.

If barcode labels have been printed for the receipt line and you must change the W/D/R number, you must specify which specific barcode ID you are changing. You must also specify whether you want to reprint the barcode label after the update.

Quality Management

Functionalities of IFS/Quality Management can be used to enhance the receipt process. If you are using IFS/Quality Management and have created an analysis, tested the parts in question, and reported the results in this component, you should use these results as a guideline when you enter the inspection results in the receipt function. 

You can either maintain the use of IFS/Quality Management in the receipt function as an open option, or make it an integral part of the receipt process. This depends on how the basic data is set up in IFS/Quality Management: 

The quantity to inspect in the receipt process may be obtained directly from the receive case and its inspection code, or from the control plan and its inspection code (if IFS/Quality Management is used), and is based on the quantity available after any returning or scrapping. 

Ownership Transfer 

The ownership transfer point decides if parts received into an arrival or quality assurance location should be considered company-owned or supplier-owned. If the Ownership Transfer Point list in the Company/General Data for Distribution tab is set to Receipt into Arrival, parts received into an arrival or quality assurance location are owned by the company. As such inventory postings are created at the point of receiving stock into an arrival or quality assurance location. 

In the event the Ownership Transfer Point list is set to receipt into inventory, parts received into an arrival or quality assurance location are considered owned by the supplier until they are moved into a stock location, e.g., picking, floor stock, shipment, pallet.  As such inventory postings will not be created until the parts are moved into a stock location, these parts will not affect the inventory value or inventory part statistics. Quantities of these parts in arrival or quality assurance locations will be included in the supply/demand views so as to avoid multiple supplies for a demand created. Receipts made into arrival and quality assurance locations will be included in the inventory calculation of purchase costs.

Post Price Difference at Arrival

The Post Price Difference at Arrival check box in the Company/General Data for Distribution tab decides whether price differences should be calculated and posted at purchase order arrival or at the time of matching invoices. If this check box is selected, price differences will be booked both at purchase order arrival, against the purchase order price, and then later at invoice matching, against the invoiced price.