5 Things to Consider Before You Receive Products in SnapTracker
When preparing to receive inventory for the first time in SnapTracker there are several things to consider. Sorting and organizing the product is important. The product needs to be organized into two main groups:
- New Product. These are products that require new descriptions to be created.
- Existing product. These are products that can be found in the current inventory.
This article will examine new product only. Once the process of sorting and organizing is complete, it’s time to deal with the product being inventoried for the first time. Below we have outlined 5 key points to consider when receiving new inventory.
1. “What is it?”
The first step in creating an excellent product library is product knowledge. Strong product knowledge is necessary to identify and create proper descriptions of the product arriving to the warehouse. Being able to identify manufacturers, product lines and individual component parts significantly speeds up the time necessary to build a proper product library. Without this knowledge a proper standard (product library) takes considerably longer to create.
2.“How to create a product description?”
In order to create an accurate and consistent product library an organization needs to create a formal process for writing descriptions. Our recommended best practice is to have someone with a strong knowledge of furniture identify the product, and describe it from top to bottom.
Example 1: Chair-Conference, Closed Mid Bk, w/Fixed Loop Arms, Hgt Adj
The example identifies the furniture as a (Chair), then its function (Conference).
The chair is described from top to bottom:
Example 2: Pedestal-Freestanding, BBF Lk, w/Classic Pulls, 15Wx18D
In this example the product is (Pedestal) and (Freestanding).
The pedestal is described from top to bottom:
Note: Color is not added to the primary description. It is added under User-Defined 2 field: Color Finish.
3. “Is this an Asset or Like Item?”
There is no definitive rule about what is or isn’t an asset or like item. Asset items are the only ones that receive a serial number (barcode). The goal here is to make sure the organization is consistent in its approach in determining what’s considered an asset or like item.
Generally, asset items are large, complete, or have a high dollar value. Like items do not receive a barcode but they are still fully identified in the product library, they simply receive a unit count.
Finally, correctly asset tagging in a consistent place on each furniture type is also very important. By doing so everyone in the warehouse can quickly identify where the barcode should be and it will prevent unnecessary double tagging of product.
4. “What condition is it in?”
One of the fundamental benefits of asset management is being able to identify the condition items are received in inventory. By carefully determining the state of the furniture returning we add tremendous value to our end client by helping them to make quick decisions about which furniture is ready to be redeployed vs. furniture that requires service or has reached its end of life. This knowledge can translate to large time and cost savings for the end client.
5. “Where is it going?”
The last step in the process is to determine the location of where the item is being stored. Often a critical step is missed when putting items into a specific location. How an item is put away is as important as where it is put away. But taking the time to organize the furniture and putting it away in a location and in a way where the asset handlers have easy access to the barcodes will make pulls easier and improve efficiency.