Pharmacy inventory needs a view of the product, quantity, batch, expiry and location together. This ERP workflow focuses on the records behind availability and expiry decisions, with supported controls confirmed during pilot scoping.
FOLLOW THE WORKFLOW
See how the work fits together.
01Receive goods with batch context
02Confirm product, pack & expiry
03Review expiry exposure
04Investigate a stock difference
FICTIONAL WORKFLOW EXAMPLE
A count that does not match the receipt
A fictional distributor books a receipt for 120 strips of a batch, but the physical count is 118. The receipt, the batch movement and any later correction stay separate records, so the difference can be explained rather than absorbed into the balance.
The useful connection is receipt → batch movement → reviewed correction. Which document types, expiry horizons and adjustment approvals are included depends on the agreed pilot scope.
Establish reliable batch records
Batch context starts when goods are received. Inconsistent product names, mixed packing units or ambiguous dates can make an apparent stock difference difficult to investigate later.
Confirm the product master and unit-of-measure convention.
Check batch identifiers and expiry dates against the receipt.
Separate an opening stock balance from a new purchase movement.
Review expiry exposure
An expiry review should help a team identify stock that deserves attention. The action still depends on physical stock checks, supplier terms and the business process agreed for returns or adjustments.
Agree the expiry review horizon used by your team.
Review quantity and location along with the batch date.
Check return eligibility and evidence before an adjustment is approved.
Trace a stock difference
When a quantity does not match expectations, review the movement history before changing the balance. Purchases, sales, returns and corrections can each explain part of the difference.
Compare source documents with the affected batch.
Distinguish a data-entry correction from a physical stock adjustment.
Retain the reason and reviewer for the agreed correction process.
Questions about stock and expiry
Does the product decide what to do with near-expiry stock?
No. An expiry review helps a team identify batches that deserve attention. The decision still depends on physical checks, supplier return terms and the process your business agrees.
Is a stock adjustment the same as a data-entry correction?
No. A physical adjustment and a correction to a mistyped record are different events. Each should be recorded separately with its own reason and reviewer.
What to bring to the discussion
How batches and units appear in current exports.
Which locations and expiry review periods matter.
A fictional example of a return or disputed stock balance.
