Managing orders where customers want items delivered at a future date—especially when they’re already in stock—requires a different workflow than standard inventory reservations. The Future-Dated Inventory Request process helps you request incoming stock for later delivery without tying up existing inventory, keeping your warehouse efficient and your customers satisfied.
📍 When to Use Future-Dated Requests
Clients sometimes need items delivered months down the line. If those items aren’t in stock, it’s simple: request them with a future arrival date.
But if they are in stock, reserving them prematurely can block sales opportunities. Instead, you’ll create a Purchase Order Request scheduled to arrive just in time.
🧩Possible Scenarios
Scenario 1: Item Not in Stock
If the item is unavailable, you can request it directly.
Open the Check Stock box in the Order page.
Choose Request Item.
Select your future Needed By Date instead of immediate delivery.
This ensures the product is brought in at the right time without additional steps.
Scenario 2: Item Is Already in Stock
If the product is currently available, avoid reserving it. Instead, create a timed request through the Purchase Order page.
🆕 Step 1: Create a New Request
Navigate to the Purchase Order page.
Click Add a Request.
Enter the Model Number.
Enter the Quantity needed.
Add the Location (optional).
Click Save.
This logs a request without affecting existing sellable inventory.
📌 Step 2: Locate Your Request
After saving:
Use the Model Number filter at the top-left to find your request.
Set Needed By to All so every request appears.
You’ll now see the newly created request in the list.
📝 Step 3: Set the Needed By Date
Click the Edit Pencil under the Needed By column.
Choose the future date when you want the item in stock.
Pad the date by a couple of days to ensure timely arrival.
Click Save.
This schedules the arrival exactly when your delivery timeline requires.
🔗 Step 4: Assign the Request to the Order
Once your request is ready:
Click Assign next to the line item on your order.
Link it to your request.
Hit Save.
Your order is now connected to a future-dated inventory arrival instead of the current warehouse stock.
📦 Step 5: Confirm the Order
Return to your original order page to confirm:
The item is now marked as properly requested.
The quantity reflects your scheduled request instead of pulling from in-stock items.
Your inventory manager will now know exactly when to bring the product in—without locking up today's inventory.
🎉 You’re All Set!
This workflow ensures your warehouse stays agile while meeting customer delivery expectations—whether the order ships tomorrow or months from now. You can confidently schedule future inventory without sacrificing current selling opportunities.