A systematic quality control process where incoming goods, stored inventory, or outbound shipments are examined to verify their condition, quantity, and compliance with specified standards before proceeding to the next stage in the warehouse workflow.
Inspections are critical for maintaining inventory accuracy, preventing defective products from reaching customers, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Modern WMS platforms automate inspection workflows by routing items to designated inspection zones, providing digital checklists, and capturing quality data that integrates with inventory records.
For example, when a pharmaceutical company receives temperature-sensitive medications, the WMS triggers an inspection process that verifies package integrity, expiration dates, and temperature logs. Failed inspections automatically quarantine items and generate exception reports, while passed items update inventory status to “available” and proceed to putaway. This systematic approach reduces human error, creates audit trails, and helps warehouses maintain high service levels while minimizing the risk of shipping compromised products.
