Outbound Operations Guide
Outbound operations ensure accurate and timely order fulfillment from customer order through final delivery. InvenTrack optimizes every step of the outbound process with intelligent picking strategies, automated packing verification, and real-time shipment tracking to maximize customer satisfaction while minimizing operational costs.
Sales Order Processing
Efficiently manage customer orders from entry through fulfillment with automated inventory allocation and credit checking.
Order Entry Features
- • Customer catalog integration
- • Available-to-promise (ATP) checking
- • Custom pricing and discounts
- • Delivery date scheduling
- • Order prioritization rules
- • Backorder management
- • Drop-ship coordination
Order Validation
- • Credit limit verification
- • Inventory availability check
- • Shipping address validation
- • Hazmat compliance review
- • Export documentation
- • Customer-specific requirements
- • Order hold management
Supported Order Types
Standard Orders
Regular customer shipments with standard lead times
Rush Orders
Expedited processing with priority picking and shipping
Scheduled Orders
Future dated deliveries with appointment scheduling
Picking & Order Fulfillment
Optimize warehouse picking with multiple strategies, route optimization, and real-time verification to maximize productivity.
Picking Strategies
Discrete Picking
One order at a time, ideal for complex or high-value orders
Batch Picking
Multiple orders simultaneously, reduces travel time
Wave Picking
Scheduled picking waves aligned with shipping schedules
Zone Picking
Pickers assigned to specific warehouse zones
Pick List Generation
- • Optimized pick path routing
- • Mobile device integration
- • Voice-directed picking support
- • Pick-and-scan verification
- • Quantity confirmation
- • Exception handling
Performance Tracking
- • Lines per hour metrics
- • Pick accuracy rates
- • Travel time analysis
- • Individual productivity
- • Error tracking
- • Real-time dashboards
Mobile Picking: Use handheld devices or tablets with the InvenTrack mobile app for paperless picking. Features include barcode scanning, photo capture for damaged items, and real-time inventory updates.
Packing & Quality Verification
Ensure order accuracy and protect products with intelligent packing recommendations and verification processes.
Packing Station Setup
- • Integrated scale systems
- • Barcode label printing
- • Packing material dispensers
- • Document insertion
- • Camera for evidence
- • Cartonization logic
Verification Process
- • Order completeness check
- • Weight verification
- • Serial number capture
- • Quality inspection
- • Photo documentation
- • Packing list generation
Special Handling
- • Fragile item protection
- • Temperature control
- • Hazmat compliance
- • Gift wrapping options
- • Custom packaging
- • Marketing inserts
Standard Packing Workflow
Scan Order
Verify Items
Select Box
Pack Items
Weigh & Seal
Print Label
Shipping & Carrier Management
Integrate with multiple carriers, optimize shipping costs, and provide end-to-end tracking visibility to customers.
Carrier Integration
- • Multi-carrier rate shopping
- • Label generation APIs
- • Tracking number capture
- • Proof of delivery retrieval
- • Service level selection
- • Insurance and COD
Load Planning
- • Route optimization
- • Load consolidation
- • Dock scheduling
- • Trailer utilization
- • Stop sequencing
- • Delivery appointments
Supported Shipping Methods
Parcel
UPS, FedEx, DHL
LTL
Less Than Truckload
Full Truck
FTL shipments
Local
Own fleet delivery
Customer Tracking Portal
Provide customers with real-time shipment visibility including current status, estimated delivery, and proof of delivery documents. Automatic email/SMS notifications keep customers informed at each milestone.
Customer Returns & RMA
Efficiently handle customer returns with automated RMA generation, quality inspection, and restocking processes.
Return Authorization
- • Online RMA portal
- • Return label generation
- • Reason code tracking
- • Photo upload capability
Receipt & Inspection
- • Condition assessment
- • Restock determination
- • Refurbishment routing
- • Disposal processing
Resolution
- • Credit processing
- • Exchange shipments
- • Inventory updates
- • Customer notification
Outbound Performance Metrics
Track key performance indicators to optimize outbound operations and ensure customer satisfaction.
Operational Metrics
Best Practices & Tips
Optimization Tips
- ✓ Implement wave picking for similar orders
- ✓ Use zone skipping for single-zone orders
- ✓ Position fast-movers near packing stations
- ✓ Batch small orders for efficiency
- ✓ Pre-stage orders for scheduled pickups
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- ✗ Over-promising delivery dates
- ✗ Insufficient packing materials
- ✗ Poor communication with carriers
- ✗ Inadequate peak season planning
- ✗ Ignoring customer preferences
Quick Reference - Common Tasks
Create sales order
Documents → New → Sales Order → Enter Details
Generate pick list
Outbound → Pick Lists → Create Wave
Print shipping labels
Shipping → Manifests → Generate Labels
Track shipment status
Shipments → Search → Enter Tracking #