Comparing Approaches to Inventory Blocking in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3

Editor's Note: The following article is drawn from Dr. Hamilton's new book about Warehouse Management using Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3.  The book covers the major approaches to warehouse management and their integration with the broader contexts of supply chain management, quality management and transportation management. The numbering of sections and figures reflects the continuation of two previous articles (part 1, part 2), but this article can be read as an independent topic.    

Inventory blocking represents a key tool for quality management, such as preventing usage and indicating the need for inspection.  The warehouse management capabilities within Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 R3 support several approaches to inventory blocking, such as the use of quality orders and a blocked value of Inventory Status.  This article reviews the various approaches and related topics for effectively integrating quality and warehouse management, and consists of the following sections.

1. Summary of Inventory Blocking Approaches
2. Inventory Blocking based on a Blocked Value of Inventory Status
3. Inventory Blocking based on a Quality Order
4. Other Approaches to Inventory Blocking
5. Impact of Holds and Stop Flags on Warehouse Activities

3.1 Summary of Inventory Blocking Approaches

Inventory blocking in AX 2012 represents a key tool for quality management, such as preventing usage and indicating the need for inspection.  One approach to inventory blocking can be based on a blocked value of Inventory Status.  A previous article explained how to fully utilize different values of Inventory Status, and the use of a blocked status.  A second ...