How can you determine the cause of missing goods?

1 Check your records

The first step is to check your records and verify the accuracy of your data. You should compare the information from your warehouse management system (WMS), your order management system (OMS), and your shipping documents to see if there are any inconsistencies or errors. For example, you should check if the quantity, location, and status of the goods match across the systems, if the goods were scanned correctly at each stage of the process, and if the goods were shipped to the right destination. If you find any discrepancies, you should correct them and update your records accordingly.

2 Inspect your warehouse

The second step is to inspect your warehouse and look for any physical signs of missing goods. You should check your storage areas, aisles, loading docks, and other places where goods might be misplaced, damaged, or stolen. You should also look for any evidence of tampering, such as broken seals, torn packaging, or missing labels. If you find any clues, you should document them and report them to your supervisor or manager.

3 Review your procedures

The third step is to review your procedures and see if there are any gaps or weaknesses in your warehouse operations that could lead to missing goods. You should evaluate your policies and practices for receiving, storing, picking, packing, and shipping goods, and see if they are followed consistently and correctly by your staff. You should also assess your inventory control methods, such as cycle counting, physical counting, and auditing, and see if they are effective and reliable. If you find any areas for improvement, you should implement changes and train your staff accordingly.

4 Analyze your data

The fourth step is to analyze your data and look for any patterns or trends that could explain the cause of missing goods. You should use your WMS, OMS, and other tools to generate reports and metrics that can help you identify the source and scope of the problem. For example, you should look at the frequency, timing, and location of missing goods incidents, the types and categories of goods involved, and the impact on your inventory accuracy and customer satisfaction. If you find any correlations or anomalies, you should investigate them further and find out the underlying reasons.

5 Communicate your findings

The fifth step is to communicate your findings and recommendations to your stakeholders and customers. You should share your results and analysis with your supervisor or manager, and propose solutions and actions to prevent or reduce missing goods in the future. You should also inform your customers about the status and resolution of their orders, and apologize and compensate them for any inconvenience or loss caused by missing goods. You should also solicit feedback and suggestions from your staff and customers on how to improve your warehouse operations and customer service.

6 Monitor your performance

The sixth step is to monitor your performance and see if your actions have made a difference. You should track and measure your key performance indicators (KPIs), such as inventory accuracy, fill rate, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction, and see if they have improved or worsened after implementing your changes. You should also review your records and reports regularly and see if there are any new or recurring incidents of missing goods. If you find any issues, you should repeat the steps above and make adjustments as needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?