It is accepted that certain products will require more stringent checking on receipt. These include high-value items, food, hazardous goods, temperature-sensitive product and pharmaceuticals. New suppliers will also fall into this category. An area close to the receiving bay should be set aside to spot check items on arrival. This needs to be done as promptly and as efficiently as possible so as to avoid congestion and to get the products onto the system quickly.
If there are issues, the items need to be taken to a specific quarantine area or, if space is an issue, to the storage area – but must be identified as defective or awaiting the results of tests. Most WMSs are able to block access to products on the system, making them unavailable for picking. A physical sign at the location is an additional failsafe.
