INVENTORY & WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS
Inbound Logistics
Inbound logistics manages goods moving into an operation, including relevant transport coordination, receiving and handoff into inventory processes.
INBOUND LOGISTICS IN PRACTICE
- Plan the inbound flow
- Coordinate transport & receipt
- Resolve the handoff
A WORKED EXAMPLE
Two suppliers. One receiving plan.
Two suppliers send 40 and 60 cartons to the same 3PL. The operation needs identifiers, expected quantities, appointments and handling instructions for both deliveries. Receiving 100 cartons in total does not prove each supplier’s shipment is correct: one can be short while the other is over.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOUR QUOTE
Make the requirement explicit
Use the same scope and units when comparing providers. Put the agreed responsibility, included work and exception process into the service description.
Put this term to work. Use the 3PL RFP guide to document the required scope and the 3PL selection guide to evaluate the provider and handover responsibilities.
A LITTLE MORE CONTEXT
Questions about Inbound Logistics
Does inbound logistics include purchasing?
It can interact with procurement, but the included responsibilities should be defined for the business or contract.
Is inbound complete when the truck arrives?
Arrival is only one milestone. Receipt, inspection and availability may still be outstanding.
Source & example notes
Oracle: managing receipts. Further reading on the related controls and terminology. Product documentation describes a particular implementation; it does not establish a universal procedure or service commitment.
Definitions and worked examples are prepared by 3PL Hub. Numbers are illustrative, not provider rates, operating targets or guarantees.
Last updated: · 3PL Hub
