Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Implement standardized procedures for accurate receiving and inspection of goods.
• Design and implement efficient stock location and **putaway strategies**.
• Master various **order picking techniques** to maximize labor productivity.
• Apply best practices for material handling and ensuring stock security and integrity.
• Develop and maintain high standards of housekeeping and safety in the store environment.
• Conduct daily or periodic stock counts and reconcile physical inventory discrepancies.
• Understand the role of FIFO/LIFO in storage and the management of expiry dates.
• Utilize basic WMS or inventory system functions for transactional accuracy.

• Warehouse, Store, and Stockroom Supervisors
• Inventory Clerks and Stock Control Personnel
• Receiving and Shipping Department Staff
• Material Handlers and Forklift Operators
• Retail Backroom Managers
• Production Line Material Planners

• Hands-on simulation of a cycle counting and discrepancy investigation scenario.
• Group activity: designing a safe and efficient store layout for a new product range.
• Individual exercise: developing a checklist for quality inspection at the receiving dock.
• Role-playing a safety audit and corrective action planning session.
• Discussions on balancing speed with accuracy in the picking process.

Unit 1: Store Organization and Layout

• Principles of efficient store layout (U-flow, L-flow, straight line)
• Designing secure and clearly demarcated receiving and dispatch areas
• Creating effective product location systems (addressing, zoning)

• Implementing 5S methodology (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain)
• Safety compliance: fire exits, material handling equipment (MHE) safety, stacking rules
• Securing high-value and hazardous materials stock (e.g., segregation)

Unit 2: Stock Movement and Transactional Control

• Detailed three-way matching at receiving (PO, physical goods, packing slip)
• Inspecting goods for damage and ensuring quality compliance
• Efficient putaway rules and the importance of confirming the final location

• Implementing different picking techniques based on order profile (batch, zone)
• Verification processes to ensure the **"right item, right quantity"** is picked
• Accurate documentation and manifesting for shipping (Proof of Delivery)

Unit 3: Inventory Accuracy and Counting

• Comparison of annual physical inventory vs. cycle counting
• Executing periodic and random inventory spot checks
• Investigating and documenting all stock discrepancies and root causes

• Managing returns, damaged goods, and quarantine stock areas
• Procedures for issuing stock to production or internal customers (requisitions)

Unit 4: Loss Prevention and Security

• Defining and measuring inventory shrinkage (loss from theft, damage, admin error)
• Physical security measures (access control, CCTV, external fencing)
• Internal controls and segregation of duties to prevent internal theft

• Storage rules for FIFO/LIFO and managing product expiry dates (shelf life)
• Protecting stock from environmental damage (humidity, temperature)

Unit 5: Performance and Improvement

• Measuring key operational performance (e.g., picking accuracy, receiving time)
• Tracking labor productivity metrics (units/hour, lines/hour)

• Using visual management boards to track and communicate performance
• Staff involvement in process improvement (Kaizen events)