What Is Goods Received Note GRN and How It Works in Procurement & Accounting

goods received note explained

This verification method helps detect and prevent billing discrepancies or fraudulent invoicing practices. TranZact is a team of IIT & IIM graduates who have developed a GST compliant, cloud-based, inventory management software for SME bookkeeping manufacturers. It digitizes your entire business operations, right from customer inquiry to dispatch. This also streamlines your Inventory, Purchase, Sales & Quotation management processes in a hassle-free user-friendly manner. The software is free to signup and gets implemented within a week. Goods received note vs delivery order are two important documents.

Quality Assurance and Control

goods received note explained

This information can be obtained from the purchase order or the delivery note. The quality control team will perform quality checks to inspect the received goods. Damaged goods will be handled in coordination with goods received note the supplier for return or credit (obtaining RMAs and credit memos). It will usually be sent along with the invoice and the actual delivery of goods as a record of goods received.

Goods Receipt in the Purchase to Pay Process

In larger organizations, this process can sometimes take up to a week, causing suppliers to wait unnecessarily. A GRN is a document used in inventory and supply chain management to confirm that the goods received from a supplier match the purchase order in terms of quality and quantity. Without real-time systems, stock levels are often updated with delays, leading to inaccurate inventory management.

Receiving and Dispatch Note Processing

Goods receipt sits at the intersection of physical operations and financial records. It confirms that a transaction has moved from expectation to reality. The GRN should specify the exact quantity of goods received and the quantity ordered for comparison. It helps identify shortages, excesses, or partial deliveries. If there is a mismatch, it should be recorded in the GRN for further action. Having clear product descriptions ensures that the warehouse and inventory teams can properly categorize and store the items.

Future Ready Receiving Operations

It acts as proof that the goods were delivered as agreed. For example, if a supplier sends an invoice for 1,000 units, the GRN confirms whether all 1,000 units were actually received. This ensures that payments are made only for what was delivered, preventing overpayment or disputes. It’s a fair and transparent way to handle financial transactions. The goods received note plays a key role in keeping track of stock.

What does GRN stand for?

goods received note explained

By aligning received goods with quality criteria, GRNs prevent discrepancies and support efficient stock control. In the world of supply chain and inventory management, maintaining accurate records and ensuring the seamless receipt Liability Accounts of goods is critical. This is where the Goods Received Note (GRN) comes into play. Often overlooked but indispensable, the GRN is more than just a document—it’s the backbone of inventory accuracy, supplier accountability, and smooth business operations. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about GRNs, including how they streamline operations, reduce errors, and ensure transparency in your supply chain.

goods received note explained

Receiving documentation includes inspection records, quantity checks, and acceptance confirmations. These discrepancies must be resolved before inventory updates or payment approvals. Procurement teams use it to validate supplier performance. The primary purpose of a goods received note is verification. It confirms that goods delivered match what was ordered. It typically includes the supplier name, delivery date, purchase order reference, item description, quantities received, and inspection status.

goods received note explained

Goods Receipt in Retail and Distribution

  • This structured approach improves accuracy and supply chain efficiency.
  • A Goods Received Note (GRN) is an essential document in inventory and procurement management that confirms the receipt of goods from a supplier.
  • Unlike a delivery challan, which only accompanies the shipment, a GRN is a formal acknowledgment that the buyer has received and checked the goods.
  • This ensures that stock levels remain accurate and up-to-date.
  • At this stage, responsibility transfers from the supplier to the buyer, making accurate documentation essential.
  • Modern systems capture delivery details, validate purchase orders, and update inventory automatically.

♦  Automatically updates inventory levels upon GRN approval. As digital transformation accelerates, receiving operations evolve from manual verification to intelligent, data driven workflows. GRN finance workflows connect receiving to invoice approval. Incorrect receipts lead to stockouts or overstated inventory.

  • ♦  Automatically updates inventory levels upon GRN approval.
  • Receiving policies should define acceptance criteria and escalation paths.
  • A GRN is not just a routine administrative document but a vital tool that facilitates transparency, accountability, and efficiency in procurement and supply chain operations.
  • Mobile devices allow receiving teams to capture data at the dock.
  • Keep your team informed about upcoming orders to avoid delays or surprises.
  • For my business, one of the headaches was managing both stocks and expenses.

Seamless PO & Invoice Matching

goods received note explained

Once you receive the goods, your store’s department will inspect them and create the GRN accordingly. Once the GRN is created, inventory records are updated to reflect the newly received stock. This ensures that stock levels remain accurate and up-to-date. Businesses that rely on paper-based goods received receipts may face difficulties in storing and retrieving old records. Even digital records need proper organization and secure storage to prevent data loss.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *