> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.batchlane.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Receiving

> Receive supplier lots, capture cost and expiry, and open document follow-up.

Receiving is the first live operational step for purchased ingredients, packaging, and other stocked materials. A good receiving record makes [inventory](/inventory), [documents](/documents-qa), [traceability](/traceability), [reports](/reports), and [QuickBooks handoff](/quickbooks-handoff) reliable later.

## Prerequisites

* Item exists with the correct SKU, type, default unit, shelf life, storage class, and reorder point. See [CSV imports](/imports) or [Settings and roles](/settings-and-roles).
* Supplier exists in [Address book](/address-book).
* Destination location exists.
* Receiving user has permission to manage receiving.
* QA knows whether a COA or supplier document is required before use.

## Receive a lot

1. Open Receiving.
2. Select the item and supplier.
3. Choose destination location.
4. Enter internal lot code, supplier lot code, quantity, unit, cost, received date, and expiry.
5. Save the receiving event.
6. Upload the COA if available, or let Batchlane create a missing-document follow-up.

## Records created

| Record           | Why it matters                                                            |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Inventory lot    | The sellable or consumable lot that appears in [Inventory](/inventory).   |
| Receive movement | The ledger reason inventory increased.                                    |
| Balance row      | Current quantity by item, lot, and location.                              |
| Document record  | COA or supplier document follow-up for [Documents and QA](/documents-qa). |
| Audit event      | History for support, QA, and compliance review.                           |

## Operating rules

* Use supplier lot exactly as provided by the supplier when possible.
* Use internal lot codes consistently so scanning, traceability, and support can find lots later.
* Enter expiry during receiving whenever known. FEFO depends on expiry data.
* Put questionable material into quarantine or hold instead of making it available.
* Do not receive finished goods as raw materials if they will be sold or shipped as finished items.

## Common receiving issues

* Item is missing: create or import the item before receiving.
* Supplier is missing: create or import the supplier in [Address book](/address-book).
* Location is unclear: create a receiving or storage location in [Settings and roles](/settings-and-roles).
* COA is missing: leave the document follow-up visible in [Documents and QA](/documents-qa) until QA accepts the file.
* Lot is not selectable for production: check lot status, quantity, expiry, and whether the item is a recipe component.

Related pages: [Inventory](/inventory), [Documents and QA](/documents-qa), [Traceability](/traceability), [Common errors](/common-errors).