Why the SCOR Process “Transfer Product” (S2.6) is a Critical Yet Overlooked Supply Chain Process
In most supply chains, when inventory accuracy issues show up on reports or in audits, the immediate assumption is often about scanning errors or miscounts. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll often find a breakdown in a much more fundamental process: S2.6 Transfer Product.
This SCOR process refers to the movement of accepted product to its proper storage or use location—whether that’s a picking face, buffer stock, production line, or a staging bay. It may sound like a simple step, but how well (or poorly) this process is executed directly influences everything from inventory accuracy to productivity and service levels.
Weak Controls, Big Consequences
When S2.6 is not clearly defined or controlled, it becomes a source of:
- Stock in the wrong location
- Lost or “ghost” inventory
- Manual rework
- Excessive cycle counting and reconciliation
- Delays in fulfillment
In these environments, inventory accuracy becomes a symptom of broader process weakness. Organizations compensate with extra checks, buffer stock, and firefighting—all of which drive cost and inefficiency.
Strong Process = Strong Performance
A well-structured S2.6 process, on the other hand, unlocks significant operational gains. It’s one of the few areas where a one-time investment in process design and discipline pays back repeatedly.
High-performing organizations treat this process with the seriousness it deserves—embedding it within their warehouse SOPs, system workflows, and staff training. As a result, they achieve:
- Higher stock accuracy
- Reduced need for manual checks
- Faster fulfillment
- Clearer visibility of stock movements
- Lower labor cost per transaction
Key Metrics to Track
The SCOR model outlines several key metrics to monitor the effectiveness of S2.6:
- % Product Transferred On Time (RL.3.42)
- % Product Transferred Without Transaction Errors (RL.3.43)
- Transfer Product Cycle Time (RS.3.11)
- Inventory Days of Supply (AM.2.2)
When monitored properly, these indicators can help diagnose both execution gaps and improvement opportunities.
Best Practices That Strengthen S2.6
Some practical best practices for improving your “Transfer Product” process include:
- Lot tracking and ERP integration (BP.012, HS.0046)
- Use of real-time location systems and barcoding (BP.198, HS.0009)
- Cross-docking and lean layout principles (BP.146, HS.0065)
- Repackaging and labeling standards (HS.0086, HS.0108)
- Master data discipline (HS.0033)
These are not just technology choices—they’re enablers of precision and flow.
Human and System Enablers
It’s not just about tools. The people side is just as vital:
- Staff must be trained in material handling, WMS, safety, and discrepancy resolution.
- Systems need to support location-level traceability, real-time status, and workflow control.
When you combine SCOR practices with the right people competencies, errors drop dramatically—and confidence in the data soars.
Final Thought: Don’t Let the Basics Fall Through the Cracks
S2.6 Transfer Product might seem like a low-level warehouse activity, but it is foundational to how a supply chain operates. If the product doesn’t land where it’s supposed to, when it’s supposed to, everything else—planning, replenishment, fulfillment, reporting—suffers.
At SupplyChainPlanning.ie, we help businesses use the SCOR model not just to assess, but to strengthen the real processes that matter. Because when “Transfer Product” is done right, the ripple effect improves everything.
