A SKU identifies the product
The product code does not always establish the unit used in a particular transaction. The same product may arrive in cartons and leave as individual pieces.
Define the base unit and the agreed conversions for the packaging handled. A description such as “pack” is insufficient when different suppliers use it for different quantities.
Make the conversion clear during the operation
The operator needs to know whether the entered quantity represents pieces, cartons or another unit. For mixed quantities, show the resulting amount in the unit used to hold stock.
Scanning does not automatically remove this problem. If the code identifies a pack, the data must describe its contents. A wrong conversion will repeat the mistake at every successful scan.
Investigate before correcting
Compare the delivery document, transaction record and physical packaging. A discrepancy equal to a carton size may indicate a unit error, but it does not prove the cause.
This check is especially useful to an operations manager when suppliers or pack sizes change. WMS can use product specifications during warehouse work. First, the organisation needs to establish which unit and conversion apply to the process concerned.