During the receiving process, what is the initial preparation required?

The initial preparation during the receiving process involves arranging the delivery area. This step is crucial because it ensures that there is a designated space to efficiently and effectively receive incoming shipments. A well-organized delivery area allows staff to quickly offload items, preventing damage and confusion.

By setting up the space prior to receiving shipments, it facilitates a smoother operation, enabling employees to handle new inventory in an orderly fashion. This preparation also helps to ensure that all necessary tools and resources are available, such as carts or bins for sorting and storing received goods.

The other steps, while also important in the overall receiving process, typically follow after the delivery area is properly arranged. For instance, matching paperwork and inspecting the condition of items are subsequent actions that need to be conducted to ensure accuracy and quality of the received merchandise. Preparing items for shelving comes last when all checks have been completed and items are ready to be placed on display or storage.