Separate receipt from release for issue
At receiving, establish product, quantity, origin and return reason. This differs from assessing whether the goods can serve another order.
Undamaged packaging does not explain every situation. The appropriate checks depend on the product and company rules. A delivery received without a driver's objection is not proof of resale readiness.
Retain the earlier transaction link
Batch, original issue and return documentation help reconstruct history. For a partial return, record the amount actually received rather than automatically reversing the entire earlier order.
Where origin cannot be established, keep that uncertainty visible. Assigning a batch from similar packaging creates apparent certainty that complicates later investigation.
Give the next step an owner
Stock awaiting assessment needs an identifiable location and a decision owner. “Return” alone does not say what should happen or who closes the matter.
For quality teams, continuity from receipt to assessment outcome is useful. WMS can distinguish inventory types and retain batch history. An agreed process keeps physical quantity visible while availability follows an actual decision rather than receipt alone.