datardatar

🔄 Inventory Transfers

Efficiently move inventory between locations with full tracking, approval workflows, and automated stock updates.

Overview

What are Inventory Transfers?

Inventory transfers allow you to move stock between different locations in your network. Whether redistributing inventory for better availability or moving items for specific business needs, transfers maintain accurate tracking throughout the process.

The system provides complete visibility into transfer status, automatic stock level updates, and integration with shipping carriers for real-time tracking.

Key Benefits
• Automated stock level updates
• Real-time transfer tracking
• Approval workflows for control
• Multi-item batch transfers
• Integration with shipping carriers
• Complete audit trail and documentation

Transfer Types

  1. 🚚
    Standard Transfers
    Regular movement of inventory between locations
    Common Scenarios
    • Restocking retail locations from warehouse
    • Moving excess inventory to other stores
    • Redistributing seasonal products
    • Balancing stock levels across locations
    Key Features
    Multi-item transfers
    Batch processing
    Delivery tracking
    Automatic receiving
  2. 🚨
    Emergency Transfers
    Urgent inventory movements for critical needs
    Common Scenarios
    • Emergency stock for customer orders
    • Critical replacement parts
    • Urgent restocking for high-demand items
    • Emergency response supplies
    Key Features
    Priority processing
    Express shipping
    Real-time tracking
    Expedited approval
  3. ↩️
    Return Transfers
    Moving returned or damaged inventory
    Common Scenarios
    • Customer returns to central processing
    • Damaged goods to repair facility
    • Warranty returns to manufacturer
    • Quality inspection transfers
    Key Features
    Condition tracking
    Return processing
    Quality flags
    Vendor coordination

📊 Transfer Performance Analytics

Monitor transfer volumes and completion times to optimize your inventory distribution processes and identify bottlenecks in the supply chain.

Monthly Transfer Volume
Number of completed transfers per month showing 58% growth
Average Completion Time
Improvement from 3.1 to 2.1 days average completion time
Performance Insights
Based on current transfer data:
• Transfer volume has increased 58% over the past 6 months
• Average completion time improved from 3.1 to 2.1 days
• June showed highest transfer volume with 71 completed transfers
• Process optimization has reduced delays significantly

Transfer Status Lifecycle

Every transfer goes through a defined lifecycle with specific states that track progress from creation to completion

Draft
Transfer being prepared
Pending Approval
Awaiting management approval
Approved
Approved and ready to ship
In Transit
Items have been shipped
Received
Items received at destination
Completed
Transfer fully processed
Cancelled
Transfer was cancelled

Stock Reservations

How Stock is Reserved During Transfers

When a transfer is approved, stock is automatically reserved at the source location to prevent overselling while the transfer is in progress.
Reservation Process
• Stock reserved when transfer is approved
• Reserved stock not available for sale
• Reservation released when shipped
• Stock removed from source location
• Stock added to destination when received
Important Notes
• Available stock = On hand - Reserved
• Cancelling transfers releases reservations
• Transit time affects stock availability
• Plan transfers around sales periods
• Monitor reserved stock levels regularly

Best Practices

✅ Recommended Practices
• Plan transfers based on demand forecasts
• Consolidate multiple items in single transfers
• Use appropriate packaging for item protection
• Verify stock availability before creating transfers
• Include clear handling instructions
• Track and measure transfer performance
❌ Common Mistakes
• Not verifying destination capacity
• Creating transfers for out-of-stock items
• Ignoring shipping restrictions and requirements
• Not updating transfer status promptly
• Inadequate packaging causing damage
• Not communicating with receiving location

Transfer Performance Metrics

📊 Efficiency Metrics
• Average transfer completion time
• Transfer accuracy rate
• Cost per transfer
• Volume efficiency
🎯 Quality Metrics
• Damage rate during transit
• Quantity discrepancy rate
• On-time delivery performance
• Customer satisfaction scores
💰 Financial Metrics
• Transfer cost as % of inventory value
• Savings from optimized distribution
• Reduction in stockouts
• Improved inventory turnover

Troubleshooting

Transfers may require specific approvals based on value or type.
Check who has approval authority for this transfer
Verify transfer meets approval criteria
Contact the approver if needed
Review approval workflow settings
Stock updates may be delayed or require manual intervention.
Verify transfer status is marked as 'Received'
Check for any error messages in the system
Ensure receiving was processed correctly
Contact support if stock levels don't update
Available stock may be lower than displayed due to reservations.
Check available vs. on-hand quantities
Review pending transfers and reservations
Consider partial transfers or alternative sources
Verify stock at the source location

Was this documentation helpful?