What is Catch-to-Kmart Inbounding?

Catch-to-Kmart Inbounding is the set of processes, documentation, and physical handling steps that move product from a supplier named Catch (or an equivalent upstream seller) into Kmart's receiving and inventory management system. For beginners, think of it as the journey a box takes from a supplier's packing bay, onto a truck, through the Kmart receiving door, and finally onto the shelf or into storage — with checks and data updates at every stage.

At a high level the process includes order creation, shipment preparation, transportation booking, arrival scheduling, receiving inspection, and putaway. Each of these stages has both physical activities (like palletizing and scanning) and digital activities (like sending an Advance Shipping Notice, or ASN). Doing these well helps Kmart keep the right stock on hand, minimize returns and damage, and keep customers happy.

The primary stakeholders in Catch-to-Kmart Inbounding are:

• Catch (supplier) — packs and prepares goods, labels cartons and pallets, and sends shipment communications.
• Carrier/Transport Provider — moves the freight from Catch to Kmart, possibly offering services like FTL, LTL, or express depending on shipment size.
• Kmart Receiving Team — inspects, scans, and updates inventory in the warehouse management system (WMS).
• Warehouse Management System (WMS) / Logistics Systems — track inventory and process ASNs, purchase orders (POs), and receipts.

Key documents and digital messages used in the inbound flow include the Purchase Order (PO), Advance Shipping Notice (ASN), packing list, bill of lading (BOL), and any customs paperwork if the goods cross borders. For Catch-to-Kmart Inbounding, the ASN is particularly important because it provides Kmart with the expected shipment contents and helps the receiving team plan space and labor.

Typical steps in a Catch-to-Kmart inbound cycle:

1. Order Confirmation: Kmart issues a PO to Catch. The PO specifies SKU, quantities, delivery date windows, and special instructions (e.g., labeling rules).
2. Packing & Labeling: Catch prepares cartons and pallets according to Kmart's requirements — correct cartonization, pallet configuration, and barcode labels (UPC, GTIN, SSCC pallet labels).
3. ASN Transmission: Catch sends an ASN (via EDI, API, or email) that lists the shipment contents, pallet IDs, and expected arrival time.
4. Transport Booking: Catch or Kmart books the carrier and secures a pickup window. Carrier provides BOL and tracking details.
5. Pre-Arrival Planning: Kmart uses the ASN to reserve dock space, assign receiving staff, and prepare putaway locations in the WMS.
6. Arrival & Check-In: Carrier delivers. Kmart performs check-in procedures — verifying BOL, inspecting seals, and confirming pallet counts.
7. Receiving Inspection: Receiving staff scan pallet and carton barcodes, compare against the ASN/PO, check for damage, and record exceptions.
8. Putaway: Accepted inventory is moved into storage locations or allocated directly to stores/fulfillment if needed. The WMS updates stock levels and availability.
9. Reconciliation: Any variances (overages, shortages, damage) are investigated and resolved between Catch and Kmart via claims or adjustments.

Real-world example: imagine Catch ships a pallet of winter jackets to Kmart. The ASN lists 10 cartons, each with 20 jackets of SKU 12345. The carrier delivers, Kmart scans the pallet SSCC and opens cartons to verify counts and quality. Two jackets are damaged — receiving records these exceptions and begins a claims process with Catch while the remaining jackets are putaway and made available for sale.

Why this matters: good inbounding reduces stockouts, shrinks, and errors, and shortens time-to-shelf. For a large retailer like Kmart, hundreds of inbound shipments arrive daily, so standardization, clear communication, and reliable carrier performance are essential. For suppliers such as Catch, meeting Kmart's inbound requirements avoids delays, chargebacks, and wasted labor.

Beginner tips:

• Always match ASN details to the PO before shipment.
• Use clear, scannable barcodes and correct SSCC pallet labels.
• Confirm carrier bookings and delivery windows in advance.
• Keep documentation accessible during transit for rapid discrepancy resolution.

In short, Catch-to-Kmart Inbounding is a coordinated series of logistics and data steps that bring supplier goods reliably into Kmart's inventory system. Mastering these basics builds a foundation for efficient retail replenishment and strong supplier-retailer relationships.