Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): Product Ingestion Workflow

SOP 1
1. Purpose
To standardize the process of evaluating incoming product data, preventing duplicate records, ensuring accurate inventory cataloging, and streamlining Purchase Order (P.O.) generation.
2. Scope
This procedure applies to all team members responsible for inventory management, procurement, data entry, and supplier coordination.
3. Workflow Steps & Decision Logic
Step 1: Initial Record Check
Locate the incoming item in the master inventory database.
Decision: Does a similar product already exist in our records?
NO: Proceed directly to Step 5 (Create New Product Master Record).
YES: Advance to Step 2.
Step 2: Brand Verification
Compare the brand of the incoming item against the existing record found in Step 1.
Decision: Is it a different brand?
YES: Proceed directly to Step 5 (Create New Product Master Record).
NO: Advance to Step 3.
Step 3: Specification Review
Compare the technical specifications, dimensions, and core features of the item.
Decision: Are the specifications different?
YES: Proceed directly to Step 5 (Create New Product Master Record).
NO: Advance to Step 4.
Step 4: Supplier and Pricing Evaluation
Check the vendor details, unit pricing, and contact information for the item.
Decision: Is there a different supplier, different price, or different contact person?
YES OR NO: Proceed directly to Step 6 (Maintain Product Reference & Update Data).
Note: Regardless of whether the supplier data matches or varies, an existing product master record is used.
4. Action Items & Execution
Step 5: Create New Product Master Record
Execute this action if triggered by Step 1 (NO), Step 2 (YES), or Step 3 (YES).
Generate a brand new system entry.
Populate all fields completely based on the provided data:
Technical Specifications
Model Number
Part Number
Brand Name
Once saved, pass the new data to Step 7.
Step 6: Maintain Product Reference & Update Data
Execute this action if triggered by Step 4.
Do not create a new system profile. Stick with the existing product and the same product reference number.
Review the profile for missing attributes. Update any blank or outdated fields with the new supplier, contact, or pricing information provided.
Once updated, pass the data to Step 7.
Step 7: Create Purchase Order & Finalize
Receive the finalized product data (from either Step 5 or Step 6).
Generate a new Purchase Order (P.O.) utilizing the verified product information.
Review the P.O. for accuracy, submit it for approval, and terminate the current workflow cycle (END).

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