AUDITRIBE
PRACTICAL AUDIT GUIDE

Warehousing & Logistics

Assess whether goods are received, stored, handled and dispatched accurately, securely and efficiently.

Key Risks

  • Inventory loss or theft
  • Incorrect receipts or dispatches
  • Poor storage conditions
  • Unauthorised stock movement
  • Delivery delays

Documents & Data

  • Goods received notes
  • Dispatch notes and waybills
  • Warehouse stock records
  • Gate records
  • Stock counts
  • Damage/expiry reports
  • Delivery tracking reports

Key Controls

  • Controlled receiving and dispatch
  • Restricted warehouse access
  • System-recorded movements
  • Periodic stock counts
  • Storage standards
  • Dispatch and gate reconciliation

Practical Audit Procedures

  1. Observe receiving, storage and dispatch activities.
  2. Trace selected receipts and dispatches to system records and supporting documents.
  3. Review stock adjustments and unusual movements.
  4. Compare gate records, waybills and dispatch records for completeness.
  5. Inspect storage, security and segregation of damaged/obsolete stock.
  6. Analyse delivery delays, damages and unresolved discrepancies.

Questions to Ask

  • What could prevent this process from achieving its objective?
  • Which controls are considered critical, and who owns them?
  • What evidence shows the controls actually operated during the period?
  • What exceptions, incidents or recurring problems occurred?
  • What has management changed since the last review?

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