The complete work flow for an inventory request from initial request, through approval and fulfillment, to receiving is described below.
An inventory request is submitted when a location is running out of an inventoried item. The request specifies the item and the requested quantity.
The IDI solution generates an approval alert when the designated approver logs on to the IDI Desktop Client.
The Initial Request Approver approves (or rejects, or cancels) the request.
If approved, the approver chooses whether to fulfill the request with a transfer or a purchase order (the fulfillment selection dialog lets the approver view the inventory dashboard to determine whether or not the item is available in a sufficient quantity at another location).
If the inventory request is to be fulfilled by purchase order:
The purchase order is submitted for approval.
The IDI solution generates an approval alert when the designated first approver logs on to the IDI Desktop Client.
The approver approves (or rejects, or cancels) the purchase order. The approver may adjust the requested quantity.
Steps 2 & 3 are repeated for as many approvers as called for by the inventory approval plan. The final approver makes the final determination whether the purchase order is approved or rejected, and the approved quantity (if approved).
The purchase order is sent to the distributor and is marked as sent.
The requested items are received at the destination (requesting) location. The receive transaction adds the items to the destination location's inventory.
If the inventory request is to be fulfilled by transfer:
The transfer is submitted for approval.
The IDI solution generates an approval alert when the designated first approver logs on to the IDI Desktop Client.
The approver approves (or rejects, or cancels) the transfer. The approver may adjust the requested quantity.
Steps 2 & 3 are repeated for as many approvers as called for by the inventory approval plan. The final approver makes the final determination whether the transfer is approved or rejected, and the approved quantity (if approved).
The requested items are picked and packed. This removes the items from the source location's inventory.
The transfer is marked as sent.
The requested items are received at the destination (requesting) location. The receive transaction adds the items to the destination location's inventory.