• Client Login
  • Request a Demo
1-866-252-2373 [email protected]
Cadre Tech
  • Features
        • Cadre Technologies WMS Features

        • Receiving
        • Putaway
        • Inventory Management
        • Order Management
        • Multi Carrier Shipping
        • 3PL Billing
        • Reporting and Analytics
        • Kitting
        • Inventory Replenishment
        • Cycle Counting
        • Labor Reporting
  • Solutions
        • Cadre Technologies Solution

          Cadre Technologies is an industry leading innovator of warehouse management solutions and supply chain visibility tools for distribution, manufacturing, and 3PL, 4PL logistics operations.

          Our solutions can be installed on premise or hosted in the cloud. We are customer focused and want to find the best solution for you and your business.

        • Cloud Based WMS Solutions
        • Distribution & Manufacturing WMS
        • eCommerce Warehouse Management System
        • Supply Chain Visibility
  • Industries
        • Industries We Cover

        • 3rd Party Logistics
        • Cold Storage
        • Pharmaceuticals/Nutraceuticals
        • Wholesale and Industrial Distribution
        • 4PL Visibility
        • Food & Beverage
        • Consumer Packaged Goods
        • All Industries
  • Integrations
        • Wide Range of Integration Solutions

          At Cadre Technologies, our cutting-edge warehouse management system boasts unparalleled integration capabilities. We empower businesses to achieve seamless connectivity with a diverse array of applications and services.

          Whether you’re seeking to harmonize your operations with existing systems, seamlessly incorporate third-party applications, or embrace the future of warehousing through integration with automation technologies and warehouse robots, Cadre Technologies provides the robust integration solutions you need.

        • Accounting/ERP
        • Shipping
        • Ecommerce
        • Automation/Robotics
        • EDI
        • API
  • Services
        • Cadre Technologies Services

          Learn more about Cadre Technologies services and events including implementation, consulting, webinars, user conference, training, and software support.

        • Consulting
        • Implementation Services
        • Training
        • Software Support
  • Resources
        • Cadre Technologies Blog

          Don’t miss our recent updates. Subscribe to Warehouse Best Practices.

        • White Papers/Case Studies
        • Press Room
        • Blog
        • Videos
        • Data Sheets/Brochures
  • Company
        • Learn more about our company history, partnerships & associations, team and our dedication to providing the best WMS solutions for over 20 years.

        • About Cadre Technologies
        • Partners & Associations
        • Meet the Cadre Team
        • Customer Community
        • Contact Us
  • Insights
        • "Modern supply chain warehouse with robotic forklifts and digital transportation maps enhancing visibility."

          Enhancing Supply Chain Visibility: Practical Strategies for Improvement

          May 16, 2025 | By Christen Thomas

          "Automated conveyor belts and robotic forklifts manage ending inventory in a modern distribution warehouse."

          5 Common Mistakes in Ending Inventory Calculations to Avoid

          April 30, 2025 | By Christen Thomas

          Workers using tablets to manage inventory in a modern, well-organized warehouse.

          Understanding Days Sales in Inventory (DSI): Calculation and Importance

          | By Christen Thomas

          See More Blogs

  • Pricing
  • Menu Menu

How Warehouses Can Streamline Product Returns and Recalls

Blog

Recognized. Trusted. Proven. See why Cadre made the Top IT Providers list—and how we can help you succeed| Learn More

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Experienced warehouse managers know that product returns and recalls are inevitable, and that processing them quickly is a necessity. Distribution centers and 3PLs must provide exceptional logistics operations to keep costs down and maintain customer satisfaction, especially now with the higher influx of e-commerce business. This is where your warehouse management system (WMS) software is required. By providing the right tools, information and ERP system integrations, your WMS software can work with established return procedures for more efficient processing. In addition, product recalls that are required, can be handled in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner to satisfy the recall. For any warehouse that handles food or food related products, this isn’t a nice to have…it is a requirement.

Your WMS Software Can Ease the Process

 Dealing with product returns and recalls doesn’t have to be a headache. With the best software for warehouse management, your 3PL or distribution facility can capture real-time data related to product returns and recalls efficiently, allowing for better decision-making and increased productivity overall.

pexels-tiger-lily-4481258

WMS software should always provide traceability and product information for each item received, shipped, and stored. This includes bin and pallet assignments, lot numbers, serial numbers, and expiration dates. Cadre Technologies’ Cadence WMS provide(s) access to complex data in an instant. Lot and expiration date information is attached to each item’s bar code as it is received. All inventory transactions require a scan of the bar code so you know where each piece of inventory is in your warehouse at any given time and can easily access information on returned or recalled inventory. Also, it provides a history of any movement, what is remaining in inventory, who it was shipped to, etc. And the history is available for years.

Inbound and outbound logistics operations are key to product returns and recalls. Quality WMS software includes scheduling features that will simplify returns, allowing preplanning of order and material routing to their proper staging area upon receipt. While return standards are typically pre-set per customer, recall processes happen on an individual item basis that can also be traced and tracked through your WMS software. In addition, the WMS will integrate with internal or external ERP systems, to track returns and provide information regarding the labor requirements to complete the return process. And to properly handle the returned product to either make available for sale or to return to the vendor.

Establishing Overall Return Guidelines

Every company has a set of specific return guidelines that are adjusted for customer requirements. However, each warehouse also follows a standard set of procedures for returned goods. Every step in the process can be stored in Cadence for full return traceability, very similar to standard receiving.

1. Following RGA/RMA Procedures

Upon initial product return, a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) or Return Goods Authorization (RGA) form must be executed and can be generated through the ERP system. Form information usually includes the customer’s name, the date the return was authorized, the order number, and the carrier tracking number. When a return arrives at the warehouse, it is compared to the issued RMA/RGA for accuracy. Once received, returned products should be sent to a specified area in the warehouse for inspection and marked accordingly. When utilizing Cadence, it will guide receiving on where to take the inventory and how to handle its quality control process through user-defined process steps. It is important to properly record disposition and reason codes.

2. Product Inspection

All items returned to the warehouse should go through a thorough quality inspection process that includes checking for carton and product damage. It is important to note that when receiving returned food, it must always be logged and disposed of as food items cannot be resold once returned. For other non-food products, if the packaging is damaged and the item is not, products may be repackaged and added back into inventory for resale. Actual damaged products are returned to the manufacturer or destroyed per customer instructions, recycling procedures, or governing agency guidelines. All processes follow standard WMS workflows depending on the disposition.

3. Repackaging for Resale

Sometimes, these items are offered at discounted prices, donated to charity or destroyed. Repacks occur either at the warehouse facility or the manufacturer depending on the 3PL’s agreement with the client.

Product Recall Procedure

Distributors and 3PLs can both be involved in product recalls. When handling a recall, a warehouse must be able to provide complete life cycle information on a particular SKU, including lot number and expiration date. It’s imperative that the warehouse knows what recalled inventory is on hand, quantities shipped out already and to whom, and how much recalled product is to be received at the facility. As a general rule, a recall system needs to include the following:

  • Report all prior shipments of recalled products to client.
  • Immediately put a hold on all of the recalled SKUs. No product marked for recall should be allocated or shipped, even if it is on the staging dock.
  • Assign a segregated area of the warehouse for recalled products. For better visual identification, indicate the area with appropriate signage and mark items with hold tags.
  • Alert customers. This may be done by the manufacturer or distributor depending on procedural recall assignments. Customer communication typically is in the form of an email and sometimes accompanied by a press release.
  • Do not receive additional recalled product from the manufacturer even if it is on order.
  • Change the class (i.e., disposition) code of the recalled product SKU for potential ordering, picking, receiving (returned), or destroy under specified guidelines and regulations.
  • Generate and issue appropriate reports to the client.
  • Some clients may require a mock recall as part of their partnership with the warehouse to ensure that the process will run smoothly and accurately, should a recall occur.

Spotting Trends in Returned or Recalled Items

The best software for warehouse management can also aid your clients in identifying return or recall trends. Customized reports can include which products have been returned, why, when, and how often over selected periods of time. This could help identify potential recalls, uncover packaging or shipping issues and problems, and highlight possible product improvements. The ability to provide this information to your clients gives your warehouse a competitive advantage.

Effectively manage product returns and recalls at your warehouse with the right technology by your side, including the best software for warehouse management, Cadence WMS from Cadre. By being proactive and working together with your clients, 3PLs and distributors can improve the overall return and recall process, saving both the manufacturer and warehouse time and money.

Are you struggling with returns or product recalls? Is it time to switch to a new WMS? Contact Cadre Technologies today to help you find a solution that is catered to your needs.

May 6, 2022/by Cadre

Recent Posts

  • "Modern supply chain warehouse with robotic forklifts and digital transportation maps enhancing visibility."Enhancing Supply Chain Visibility: Practical Strategies for Improvement
    May 16, 2025
  • "Automated conveyor belts and robotic forklifts manage ending inventory in a modern distribution warehouse."5 Common Mistakes in Ending Inventory Calculations to Avoid
    April 30, 2025
  • Workers using tablets to manage inventory in a modern, well-organized warehouse.Understanding Days Sales in Inventory (DSI): Calculation and Importance
    April 30, 2025

Table of Contents

Subscribe to Warehouse Best Practices


Recognized. Trusted. Proven. See why Cadre made the Top IT Providers list—and how we can help you succeed| Learn More

Ready to Learn More About Cadre’s WMS Solutions? Request a demo today

Success Stories

“Cadence WMS provides us real time data to allow us to monitor our daily activities in all of our warehouses. It has provided us the visibility to flex our staff across our network and also provides our clients the transparency they want into our daily operations.”

How Warehouses Can Streamline Product Returns and Recalls 3 -
Dave Jesse, COO, Bonded Logistics, Charlotte, NC

“We’ve used Cadre products for quite some time now. Their willingness to work with us to customize and connect to other systems and provide seamless solutions for our customers through their online tools has been invaluable. Logiview has been a cornerstone of our logistics platform for many years.
”

How Warehouses Can Streamline Product Returns and Recalls 4 -
ArcBest, Director, Supply Chain Solutions, ABF Logistics, An ArcBest CompanyFort Smith, AR

“Cadre’s software allows us to meet the changing requirements of our warehouse clients and helps us remain competitive with new opportunities. The people are great to work with because they are responsive and understand our business.”

How Warehouses Can Streamline Product Returns and Recalls 5 -
Paul Delp, President, Lansdale Warehouse Company, Lansdale, PA
More testimonials

Recent Articles

"Modern supply chain warehouse with robotic forklifts and digital transportation maps enhancing visibility."

Enhancing Supply Chain Visibility: Practical Strategies for Improvement

Blog
Discover how to boost operational efficiency with enhanced supply chain visibility. Learn effective strategies for real-time oversight and risk management.
May 16, 2025
"Automated conveyor belts and robotic forklifts manage ending inventory in a modern distribution warehouse."

5 Common Mistakes in Ending Inventory Calculations to Avoid

Blog
Discover how to perfect your ending inventory calculations and avoid common pitfalls with our expert tips and strategies. Enhance your financial accuracy today!
April 30, 2025
Workers using tablets to manage inventory in a modern, well-organized warehouse.

Understanding Days Sales in Inventory (DSI): Calculation and Importance

Blog
Unlock the secrets to efficient inventory management with our deep dive into Days Sales in Inventory. Learn to calculate and utilize DSI for better financial outcomes.
April 30, 2025
More Articles

Denver Office
7900 East Union Avenue
Suite 1007
Denver, CO 80237
303-217-7030
[email protected]

Lenexa Office
8371 Melrose Drive
Lenexa, KS 66214
913-492-5700

How Warehouses Can Streamline Product Returns and Recalls 6 -
Follow Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter Follow Us on Linkedin Follow Us on Youtube
  • Solutions
  • By Job Role
  • Company
  • Industries
  • Resources
  • Careers
  • Products
  • Services
  • Partners

Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms and Conditions |© 2025 Cadre Technologies. All rights reserved.

Link to: Keeping it Cool with Cold Chain Storage Link to: Keeping it Cool with Cold Chain Storage Keeping it Cool with Cold Chain StoragePreventing Cold Chain Fail Link to: Unified Business Solutions: Integration Link to: Unified Business Solutions: Integration Unified Business Solutions: Integration 2 -Unified Business Solutions: Integration Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top