Understanding Warehouse Transfers
Warehouse transfers are specialized stock movements that track goods moving between different warehouse locations. In Kezi, these transfers follow a specialized two-step workflow to ensure complete control and accountability.
Why Use Warehouse Transfers?
While simple internal movements handle shifting stock within the same facility, inter-warehouse transfers are designed for moving goods across different physical locations.
- Accountability: Separate responsibilities for shipping from the source and receiving at the destination.
- Visibility: Monitor stock while it is actually on the truck or in transit.
- Control: Verify quantities at both ends of the journey.
- Audit Trail: Complete record of who shipped, when they shipped, and who received the goods.
The Two-Step Workflow
Unlike a one-step movement where stock disappears from location A and appears in location B instantly, warehouse transfers use a ship → receive model.
1. Ship (Source to Transit)
When the sending warehouse ships the goods:
- Stock is removed from the Source Warehouse.
- Stock is added to a Virtual Transit Location.
- Physical stock is officially "on the road."
2. Receive (Transit to Destination)
When the receiving warehouse accepts the goods:
- Stock is removed from the Virtual Transit Location.
- Stock is added to the Destination Warehouse.
- Physical stock is officially "in stock" at the new location.
Simple vs. Two-Step Transfers
Choosing the right method depends on the nature of the movement:
Simple Internal Transfers
- When: Moving stock within the same physical warehouse (e.g., from Zone A to Zone B).
- Characteristic: Happens instantly.
- Requirement: Usually handled by a single person.
Inter-Warehouse Transfers
- When: Moving stock between separate warehouses or cities.
- Characteristic: Goods spend time "in transit" where they aren't physically at either warehouse.
- Requirement: Requires two-step verification (Shipping and Receiving).