Inbound Logistics
Inbound logistics is the movement, receiving and storage of goods coming into an organisation from its suppliers.
Inbound logistics covers everything involved in getting purchased goods from suppliers to the buyer's premises — transport booking, delivery scheduling, goods receiving, inspection and putaway into storage. It is the physical counterpart to procurement: procurement agrees what and when to buy, inbound logistics makes sure it actually arrives and is recorded correctly.
Efficient inbound logistics reduces delays, prevents receiving errors and keeps stock levels accurate. It relies on good coordination with suppliers on delivery windows and documentation, and links directly to processes such as goods received notes and three-way matching that confirm what was ordered was delivered.
Frequently asked questions
- What is inbound logistics?
- Inbound logistics is the set of activities that bring purchased goods into an organisation — transport, delivery scheduling, receiving, inspection and storage of items arriving from suppliers.
- What is the difference between inbound and outbound logistics?
- Inbound logistics handles goods flowing in from suppliers to your business. Outbound logistics handles finished goods flowing out from your business to customers.
Related terms
Outbound Logistics
Outbound logistics is the storage, handling and delivery of finished goods from an organisation to its customers.
Read definitionGoods Received Note (GRN)
A goods received note (GRN) is a document recording the goods actually delivered against a purchase order, used to confirm receipt before payment.
Read definitionLead Time
Lead time is the total time between placing an order and receiving the goods, a key measure of supplier responsiveness and supply reliability.
Read definitionExplore related across the knowledge graph
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