During implementation, several questions must be answered:
Who defines which batch is received? The buyer, the 3PL warehouse, or the vendor?
- Buyer:
Make sure the relevant mapping is in place on the 'Warehouse - Receipts list to XML' message.
A common question in this scenario is:
- What if the batch in the product receipt differs from the one defined on the receipts list?
You are advised to use staging. So, you can set up validations that define how to manage batch deviations.
- 3PL warehouse:
Common questions in this scenario are:
- Is the packing slip number defined in the message?
Make sure the packing slip number is defined in the 'Warehouse - XML to Arrival journal registration' message or a custom 'XML product receipt to EDI inventory order' message. Without a packing slip number defined, you can only do the item arrival and not the receipt.
- Who defines the internal batch number for received batches? The buyer or the 3PL warehouse?
If the 3PL warehouse defines the internal batch numbers, make sure you can receive these batch numbers with the 'Warehouse - XML to Arrival journal registration' message or a custom 'XML product receipt to EDI inventory order' message.
- Vendor:
A common question in this scenario is:
- Do you use the vendor batch number as your own batch number or as vendor batch number?
Define the relevant field mapping in the 'Warehouse - XML to Arrival journal registration' message or a custom 'XML product receipt to EDI inventory order' message.
What type of inventory do you have? 'Normal' inventory or vendor managed inventory?
- Extend the 'Warehouse - XML to Arrival journal registration' message or a custom 'XML product receipt to EDI inventory order' message with the creation of a purchase order.
Do you use the Warehouse management module?
- If you use the Warehouse management module, set up a custom message to manage the receipt via loads in Warehouse management.
Do you apply quality control?
- If you apply quality control, check if this is supported by the field mapping of the 'Warehouse - XML to Arrival journal registration' message or a custom 'XML product receipt to EDI inventory order' message.
Do you allow over/under delivery?
- You are advised to use staging. So, you can set up validations that define how to manage over/under deliveries.
How are lines communicated?
- With InventTransId/LotId (advised) or with line number + order number
Make sure the mapping of all inbound and outbound messages supports your choice of line communication.
Note: line number + order number can result in errors if you allow splitting lines.
Use staging in the product receipt process?
- Yes: Set up and use the custom 'XML product receipt to EDI inventory order' and 'EDI inventory order to product receipt' messages. With these messages, you can get the data into and out off the EDI inventory order journal. You can also use validations on the EDI inventory order journal.
- No: Use the 'Warehouse - XML to Arrival journal' message.