Inbound and outbound flows
Configuring inbound and outbound flows in Bridge ERP is key to optimizing efficiency, traceability, and cost. Warehouse managers must balance speed and control, choosing between a streamlined process or added checkpoints.
Bridge ERP offers one-step, two-step, and three-step flows, with more steps providing greater control but increasing operations. The best setup depends on quality checks, packaging, and warehouse size.
This guide helps businesses determine the most suitable configuration.
One-step flow
The one-step inventory flow is the simplest option, with minimal handling steps and the least traceability. In this setup, products move directly from vendors to stock or from stock to customers, with Bridge ERP only tracking when items enter or leave the warehouse. This makes it ideal for businesses with high-volume, low-risk products or fast-moving operations where additional validation steps aren’t necessary.
Receiving: Products go directly into stock.
Shipping: Products ship directly from stock.
Best for: Small warehouses, low stock levels, and non-perishable items, where minimal processing is needed before products are stored or shipped.
See also
One-step receipt and delivery
Two-step flow
A two-step flow adds an input or output area for processing products before storage or shipment. Incoming goods can be unboxed and inspected before shelving, while outgoing shipments are sorted and consolidated before dispatch. This setup improves efficiency by assigning storage teams to picking and stocking, while dedicated teams handle unboxing, (possibly) packing, and final verification to reduce order fulfillment errors.
Receiving: Products move to an input area before being transferred into stock.
Until transferred, received products are not automatically reserved for manufacturing, shipping, or other operations.
Shipping: Products move to an output before shipping to allow for sorting or consolidation.
Best for: Large warehouses, high stock levels, bulky items, and workflows that separate receiving from storage to improve organization and efficiency.
See also
Two-step receipt and delivery
Three-step flow
A three-step flow builds on the two-step process by adding a quality check and packing area, enforcing stricter processes and improving oversight.
Important
While this setup enhances process control, separating picking and packing requires validation at each step. If the same person handles both, it may cause redundancy and slow operations.
Quality checks and packing do not require a three-step flow. Enable quality control points separately or activate the Packages feature in Bridge ERP to incorporate these processes without adding extra transfer steps.
Receiving: Products follow a structured process: input area → quality control → stock.
Shipping: Products are picked, packed, and then shipped, ensuring proper handling and organization.
Best for: Very large warehouses with strict quality control requirements, dedicated picking and packing workflows, and a need for clear traceability across multiple handling stages. Suitable when multiple teams manage different steps before products are stocked or shipped.
See also
Three-step receipt
Three-step delivery
Add-ons
To optimize each flow, Bridge ERP provides additional features that can enhance the process.
Storage
To organize and store products efficiently, use:
Putaway rules
Guide products to specific storage locations based on predefined rules
Storage categories
Set item or weight limits to prevent overstocking at the location and ensure proper organization
Consignment
Keep track of products owned by third parties
Delivery
Tailor the outgoing shipment process to fit the business needs. Picking methods and removal strategies control how products are reserved for orders, while cross-docking and dropshipping determine how they move. Configuring these options in Bridge ERP ensures visibility into product movement and confirms that items reach customers efficiently.
Cross dock
Receive products and immediately transfer them to another warehouse without storing them
Dropshipping
Coordinate with vendors to deliver orders directly to customers, bypassing internal stock
Picking methods
Optimize picking operations using piece, batch, cluster, or wave picking techniques
Removal strategies
Use FIFO, LIFO, or FEFO strategies to automate the selection of products for delivery
Customization
Bridge ERP’s flexible framework enables businesses to tailor workflows to match specific operational needs.
Custom routes
Define tailored receiving or delivery workflows to meet specific business needs