Name one example of a supply discrepancy.

• A. Shortage (short on hand) or overage (more than records show) during an inventory or receipt.
• B. A mismatch in labeling colors alone.
• C. A scheduling error in receiving hours.
• D. A clerical typo on a packing list.

Answer: (A)

In supply accountability, a discrepancy means a difference between what the records show and what you actually have on hand. When you perform an inventory or receive goods, any mismatch between the counted quantity and the recorded quantity is a supply discrepancy.

The best example is a shortage or overage discovered during inventory or receipt. A shortage means there are fewer items than the records indicate; an overage means there are more items than the records indicate. Both situations directly reflect a gap between actual stock and recorded data, which is exactly what a supply discrepancy is.

Mismatches in labeling colors, scheduling errors in receiving, or a clerical typo on a packing list don’t by themselves represent a quantity discrepancy. They are labeling, timing, or documentation issues, which can lead to problems but don’t show a real difference between stock on hand and what the records say.