Returns management also assigns returns to the original invoices to ensure the correct price, discount etc. are used and that returns policies are not violated. If the original invoice number is not known, control files are set to determine which invoice to use. For example: oldest, newest, cheapest or most expensive. The system automatically tracks the number of returns permitted against each invoice ensuring that no more returns than were originally sold (or more than your threshold) are processed and that the correct price is used.
For unauthorised returns, the system repeats the same process and allows management to decide on whether to allow the returns without interrupting the normal workflow in the warehouse.
The Warehouse Returns process is fully integrated with Warehouse Management, Accounts Receivable and Claims Control.
Returned stock can be made available for immediate sale. When processing the return an adjustment transaction to update inventory is generated if the return is required to update stock immediately. When the credit is finalized, the adjustment is reversed as the credit updates the stock. TMSDS/RCT-ADJ defines the default value for the returns adjustment transaction that makes returned stock available for immediate sale.
Stock can be “putaway” without first entering a claim or receiving authorisation. Rules for putaways are defined separately for returns and receipts. For example returns could use paper putaways and receipts could use radio frequency (RF) putaways. For example RF devices may be used for the putaway of a large shipment but returns which are usually small in quantity are better suited to a putaway list. The putaway method to use is established in control file TMSWH/USE-RF.
The following features are in the Warehouse Returns.
- Facility to register incoming returns prior to processing a claim.
- Independent completion of returns loading and claims entry.
- Returned goods are registered in and assigned to a pallet to aid in identifying outstanding returns.
- Pallet sheets identifying the contents of a returns pallet can be printed and attached to the pallet.
- Can accept pre-authorised claims and unexpected returns.
- Barcode scanning of returns to eliminate keying of titles.
- Receiving goods for each return can be kept open until warehousing personnel have completed the scanning or entering.
- Pre-authorised returns can be loaded into receiving pallet.
- System can recommend putaway instruction for returned titles based on physical condition of the goods and amount being returned.
- Received goods can be putaway by pallet, one claim and location at a time.
- Physical stock updates before credits process.
- Stock can be putaway immediately into a pickable location or received into a clearing location to be put away at a more convenient time but allowing for immediate stock update. It has the ability to receive stock which is not valid, that is your company does not sell the stock and return it to the customer. This stock can be put in a special location to be returned to the customer. An invoice will be generated to instruct picking of the product/s and to accompany the goods for return. A freight charge may be added to this invoice at pick confirmation or may be generated through the existing freight charging facility.
- A putaway program suggests a putaway location for the returned stock.
- Goods received from a customer which need to be returned to the customer are credited at no value and produce an invoice and handling charge. The handling charge is calculated using the freight calculation system.
- Stock received into the warehouse displays immediately on the Claim Entry Detail panel.
- If an invoice to which the return can be allocated is not found, a search is conducted of other customers in the same billing group for an eligible invoice.
- Pending return policies are defined by customer and title.
- Records user date and time that returns are processed.
- Ability to generate return labels which may be sent with the goods.
- Extra check in returns receiving being the number of cartons expected versus number of cartons returned.
- Claims/returns entry warning if the returned quantity is greater than the user defined criteria.
- Error tracking by credit reason and user responsible.
- Allows alteration of customer numbers without affecting the putaways.
If putaway movements are to be by container, but require the stock to be stored as units, rather than remaining in the carton quantities in which they were picked up; the existing putaway action code P will retain the carton quantity, but using code I would require individual putaway confirmations per item. This new flag, single only, on the zone definitions file similar to a P however will break the carton into singles at putaway time.
