How do you verify the serial numbers when receiving property?

• A. Ignore serial numbers and rely on quantity only.
• B. Record serial numbers after issuing items.
• C. Compare the item's serial numbers (if applicable) to the documentation and ensure they match.
• D. Assign new serial numbers to items.

Answer: (C)

Verifying the serial numbers on received property ensures accountability by matching the item's unique identifiers to what's recorded on the documentation. When property arrives, you check the serial number on each item (if it has one) and compare it to the serial numbers listed on the packing slip or receiving records. If they match, you record those numbers on the appropriate property records and proceed, confirming that the right items and quantities have been received. This prevents mix-ups, enables traceability, and helps catch discrepancies early.

Ignoring serial numbers would break accountability, and recording serials only after issuing items loses traceability at the receipt stage. Assigning new serial numbers would corrupt the records and create confusion. For serialized items, the match against documentation is the essential step to maintain accurate property accountability.