How the Boltrics WMS Inbound Process Works: Scanner Receiving and Directed Putaways

For 3PL warehouses and distribution operations, inbound efficiency sets the tone for everything that follows. If receiving is inaccurate or delayed, inventory visibility suffers, putaways stall, and downstream fulfillment is impacted.

Boltrics WMS for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central streamlines the entire inbound process using scanner-based workflows, structured status controls, and system-generated warehouse activities.

In this guide, we walk through the complete Boltrics WMS inbound process — from EDI notification through scanner receiving, deviation handling, and directed putaways into storage locations.

Overview of the Boltrics WMS inbound process

The inbound workflow in Boltrics follows a structured status flow that provides visibility and control at every step:

• EDI notification received
• Receipt created
• Truck arrival confirmed
• Goods unloaded
• Handling units scanned
• Inventory posted
• Deviations processed (if required)
• Putaway warehouse activities generated

This end-to-end process ensures warehouse staff and administrators remain aligned, while maintaining accurate inventory in Business Central.

Step 1: Receiving goods using handheld scanners

Once a receipt reaches the “Arrived” status, warehouse staff switch to the Inbound scanner menu to begin unloading and scanning handling units.

Using handheld scanners, teams:

• Confirm pallet quantities
• Capture unloading documentation
• Post inventory into Business Central
• Trigger deviation workflows if discrepancies exist

Boltrics automatically updates receipt statuses and prepares the next stage of warehouse processing.

For a detailed walkthrough of scanner-based receiving, including the full status flow and deviation handling process, see the walkthrough of how scanner-based receiving works in Boltrics.

Once inventory is posted, the system transitions from receiving to directed putaway – a critical automation point in Boltrics WMS.

This automation prevents inventory from remaining on the dock and accelerates dock-to-stock time.

Scanner-based putaways in Boltrics WMS

After receiving is complete, warehouse staff move to the next logical step: putting inventory away into storage locations.

Boltrics calculates destination locations based on warehouse configuration and strategy.

Warehouse activities are generated after receiving

Putaway tasks appear automatically in the Inbound scanner menu.

Each task references:

• The received handling unit
• The system-calculated destination location
• The required warehouse movement

This structured approach ensures inventory is directed to the correct storage zone.

Directed putaway logic in action

Boltrics uses warehouse setup and rules to calculate where pallets should be stored.

When executing putaways via scanner, users:

1. Scan the handling unit
2. Confirm the suggested storage location
3. Scan the destination location
4. Complete the task

If necessary, users can propose or override a location — depending on configuration and permissions.

End-to-end inbound visibility in Business Central

By combining scanner-based receiving with automated warehouse activities and directed putaways, Boltrics creates a controlled inbound workflow inside Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Key benefits include:

• Real-time inventory visibility
• Reduced manual data entry
• Structured status tracking
• Automated task generation
• Controlled deviation handling
• Improved dock-to-stock speed

For 3PL providers, this level of structure is critical to maintaining client trust, operational efficiency, and accurate billing.

Bringing it all together

The Boltrics WMS inbound process is designed to move goods efficiently from notification to storage — without manual workarounds or disconnected systems.

By leveraging scanner-based workflows, warehouse activities, and directed putaway logic, organizations can:

• Increase receiving accuracy
• Improve warehouse throughput
• Maintain clean inventory records in Business Central
• Reduce delays between unloading and storage

If you’re evaluating Boltrics or optimizing your 3PL warehouse processes, understanding this end-to-end inbound workflow is essential.

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