# Inventory Returns Overview
## **Purpose**
Control returns from the inventory section: approve requested returns, plan collections, and receive scheduled or unexpected returns back into the yard/warehouse.
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## **How to Access**
Open the **main menu** → Select **Inventory** → Click **Returns**\
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> **Note:** \
> You must have the correct inventory permissions to see and use Returns.
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## **Step-by-Step Workflow**
### Review Pending Returns
View Submitted Returns, Outbound Returns, and Completed Returns to decide what to action.\
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### Approve requested returns
* Open a submitted return, confirm items/quantities
* Add date/time and vehicle details
* In Return Information, set Return Date
* In Transport Details, enter Driver Name, Driver Phone No, and Vehicle Description.
### Schedule collection
Click Schedule Collection in the footer (visible while status is Submitted).
### Mark the vehicle arrival and start receiving
* Reopen the return when the vehicle checks in (status on-route).
* Capture the driver signature under Signature, then click Return Collected.
### Receive returns (scheduled or unexpected)
Enter received quantities and condition.
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## **Key Rules and Notes**
| Rule | What it Means |
| ------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Stock updates on submission | Balances change immediately when you post the return |
| Over-returns managed separately | Extra quantities are handled in the Over-Returns table within the same return document |
| Condition drives handling | Good stock restocks; damaged can be quarantined or written off |
| Completed returns are locked | Make corrections with a new return |
**What Happens Next**
* Stock increases and/or stock is written off if damaged.
* Audit log records user, time, items, quantities, and condition.
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## **Permissions Required**
| Action | Permission (or role) |
| ------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| See Returns tab | inventory-returns (or Inventory Admin role) |
| Create return | inventory-returns-create (or Inventory Admin/Super Admin) |
| Update a submitted return | inventory-returns-update (or Inventory Admin/Super Admin) |
| Schedule collection / mark collected | Return is editable; no extra permission beyond access |
| Approve return | inventory-returns-approve (or Inventory Admin/Super Admin) |
| Approve immediately | inventory-returns-immediate (or Inventory Admin/Super Admin) |
| Void return | inventory-returns-void (or Inventory Admin/Super Admin) |
| Manage over-returns table | inventory-over-returns-edit / inventory-over-returns-approve; reversals use inventory-returns-reverse (or Inventory Admin/Super Admin) |
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## **Troubleshooting and Common Questions**
Quick fixes for access, validation, and stock update issues during returns.
| Cannot see Returns tab | Ask an admin to add inventory-returns to your role |
| --------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| Quantity blocked by validation | Lower qty to issued/available stock for that item |
| Stock didn’t update after submit | Confirm submission succeeded, then refresh; check audit log |
| Need to change a completed return | Create a new return to offset the original |
**Related Pages and Links**
* Inventory – Issuing Material
* Inventory – Stock Adjustments
* Roles and Permissions
* Reporting – Return Audit Logs
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