The short answer: transfer stock between branches by recording every movement as a formal transfer that reduces stock at the sending branch and increases it at the receiving one — ideally with an “in-transit” step so items are accounted for while they travel. Informal, unrecorded swaps are the number-one cause of unexplained shrinkage.
Why transfers go wrong
A quick “just send five over” with no record means the sending branch still shows the stock, the receiving branch doesn’t, and the totals no longer match reality. Multiply that across a busy month and your inventory becomes untrustworthy — which breaks ordering and profit.
The correct transfer process
- Create a transfer listing the items and quantities leaving branch A.
- Reduce stock at A and mark the items in transit — still owned by the business, just moving.
- Receive at branch B, checking the quantities actually arrived.
- Increase stock at B only for what was received, and note any discrepancy.
Now both branches’ records are correct, and there’s a trail showing what moved, when, and who handled it.
Handle discrepancies openly
If B receives fewer items than A sent, don’t just adjust and move on — record the shortfall. A pattern of transfer shortfalls points to a real problem (handling, theft, or sloppy counting) worth fixing at the source.
The “in-transit” safeguard
The in-transit step matters because stock in a van between shops still belongs to you. Tracking it separately means it’s never invisible, and a delayed or lost delivery shows up immediately rather than as a mysterious gap weeks later.
Transfer with a proper trail
RushFlow handles branch-to-branch transfers with an in-transit state and receiving checks, so both sides stay accurate and every movement is recorded. See the live demo, or read multi-location inventory management.