All transfers pass through the same basic stages, although the detailed aspects of each stage may vary for the different transfer types. These stages are:
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Initiating the transfer
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Approving the transfer (requested transfers only)
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Picking and packing the SKUs, and marking the transfer as shipped (Stock Keeping Unit (ID) for item included in this transfer)
A receiving transaction is required at the specified destination location when the transferred items actually arrive at the destination (not applicable for return to agent transfers).
Initiating a Transfer
Requested transfers are initiated by inventory request transactions configured to be fulfilled by a transfer (the other option is to fulfill via a purchase order). The inventory request specifies the SKUs to be transferred, the source and destination locations, and the respective quantities. Adjustments to SKUs and SKU quantities can be made later in the transfer process. When the inventory request is approved, the transfer transaction is created and opened in the Add/Edit Inventory Transfer window. From here a transfer reason must be specified.
If the requested transfer requires approval, it must be saved at this point and then submitted for approval before the transaction can be completed. This is described in Approving a Transfer below.
Unsolicited and return to agent transfers are created on demand via the POS Back Office > Transfers menu. This opens a new transfer transaction in the Add Inventory Transfer window. From here you must specify a transfer reason, source and destination locations, and SKUs. SKU quantities are specified later in the picking and packing step as described below. The destination location is not required for return to agent transfers; however, return to agent transfers do require a return agent and code to be specified. Once this information has been specified, you may save the transfer and complete it later, or continue with picking and packing the selected SKUs. If you choose to save now and finish later you'll need to use either the Pending Transfers window or Transfer Search window to find the transfer and then open the transfer in an edit window.
Approving a Requested Transfer
This step is not required for unsolicited and return to agent transfers. Requested transfers require approval if the Inventory Approval Plan specifies approval is required. Inventory Approval Plans may be configured on a location-by-location basis or be inherited from a parent location.
If approval is required, the plan may specify one or several approvers. When multiple approvers are required, the transfer must be approved in the order set by the Inventory Approval Plan.
To start the approval process, a user with the proper authority must submit the transfer for approval from either the Pending Transfers window or from a transfer search result.
After the transfer is submitted for approval, the transfer alert icon in the lower right part of the IDI Desktop Client window will flash when the designated first approver is logged in to the Client.
The designated first approver can access all transfers pending their approval by double-clicking the alert icon, or using the transfer search tool. From either one of these windows, the transfer must be opened in the Edit Inventory Transfer window which lists all SKUs for the selected transfer and the respective quantities. The approver must approve (or reject) each SKU individually. Each approver has the option to adjust the approved quantity up or down. When all SKUs have been approved (or rejected), the approver must save the transfer. This triggers the transfer alert icon for the next approver in the sequence. After all designated approvers have approved the transfer, the transfer can be completed by picking, packing, and shipping.
Picking, Packing and Marking as Shipped
Picking and packing involves physically picking (setting aside) the applicable items so they cannot be used in another transaction, packing the items in shipping containers, and then updating the status of these items accordingly in the IDI solution. When you update the status you also specify the quantity. You can set the status of an item to picked, meaning the item has been removed from the shelf but not packed yet. Also, you can set the status of an item directly to packed (skipping the picked status) if you pick and pack the item at the same time.
Note
For requested transfers that require approval, picking and packing cannot occur until the transfer has been approved by ALL designated approvers.
After all SKUs have been picked and packed, the transfer must be saved. Once this has occurred, the transfer must be marked as shipped.
See also: