If a received item's serial number does not match the documentation, what should you do?

• A. Investigate and resolve the discrepancy before acceptance.
• B. Accept the item and adjust the records to match the documentation.
• C. Ignore the discrepancy entirely.
• D. Return the item to the supplier.

Answer: (A)

When a received item’s serial number doesn’t match the paperwork, you stop and investigate the discrepancy before accepting the item. This keeps accountability accurate and prevents accepting the wrong item, a mislabel, or a swapped tag. Start by cross-checking the serial on the item with the packing slip, bill of lading, and purchase order, and look for labeling mistakes, mis-sorted crates, or entry errors. If you can’t resolve the difference immediately, bring it to the attention of the property accountability officer or supervisor and document what you found. Do not put the item into inventory until the issue is resolved. If after verification the item is confirmed, update the records; if it isn’t, arrange a return or other corrective action per policy.