Warehouse Training Fundamentals¶
Welcome to the Warehouse Training Fundamentals course. This course teaches you the concepts, terminology, and best practices for warehouse operations at Scott Recycling -- from receiving and processing devices to shipping finished goods and tracking your performance.
Estimated Time: 1.5 hours Audience: Warehouse Techs, Processing Staff, Sorting Staff Last Updated: February 2026
Course Overview¶
| Lesson | Topic | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Your Role in the Recycling Process | 15 min |
| 2 | Understanding Inventory Processing | 20 min |
| 3 | Weighted Material Receiving | 15 min |
| 4 | Shipping & Containers | 15 min |
| 5 | Using Your KPI Dashboard | 15 min |
| 6 | Safety & Best Practices | 10 min |
After completing this course, move to the Warehouse Sandbox Workout for hands-on practice.
Lesson 1: Your Role in the Recycling Process (15 min)¶
Learning Objectives¶
- Understand the end-to-end flow of materials through the warehouse
- Know where your work fits in the bigger picture
- Recognize the different material streams
The Big Picture¶
Everything Scott Recycling handles passes through the warehouse. Whether it is a laptop from a corporate customer or a pallet of loose plastics from a manufacturer, the warehouse is the engine that turns incoming material into revenue. The flow looks like this:
Each step depends on the one before it. When receiving is slow, sorting has nothing to work on. When processing falls behind, shipping has nothing to send. Your work directly impacts every downstream step and, ultimately, the customer.
Material Streams¶
The warehouse handles two primary material streams:
| Stream | What It Includes | How It's Tracked |
|---|---|---|
| Reusable Electronics | Laptops, desktops, phones, tablets, monitors | Serial number tracking in Inventory Processing |
| Weighted Materials | Plastics, metals, e-waste, recyclables | Weight-based tracking in Weighted Receiving |
Both streams follow the same general flow but use different tools in Odoo.
The Four Stages¶
| Stage | What Happens | Who Does It |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving | Trucks arrive, materials are unloaded, items are logged into the system | Receiving staff, drivers |
| Sorting | Incoming material is separated by type, quality, and destination | Sort line staff |
| Processing | Devices are tested, graded, and entered into inventory; weighted materials are weighed and categorized | Warehouse techs, processing staff |
| Shipping | Finished items are packed into containers, weighed, verified, and shipped to customers | Shipping staff |
Why It Matters¶
Every device you process correctly and every weight you enter accurately feeds directly into sales, invoicing, and customer satisfaction. Errors at any stage create rework, delays, and unhappy customers.
One Team, One Flow
Even though different people handle different stages, the warehouse works as a single production line. Communication between stages is critical. If you notice something wrong with incoming material, say something -- do not pass the problem downstream.
Lesson 2: Understanding Inventory Processing (20 min)¶
Learning Objectives¶
- Know how to use Quick Entry for processing devices
- Understand device specifications and what to record
- Know the grading system and how to assess condition
- Understand warehouse locations
What Is Inventory Processing?¶
Inventory Processing is the Odoo module where every received device -- laptops, desktops, phones, tablets -- is tracked from receiving through processing, grading, and eventual sale or recycling. It is the core system for reusable electronics.
Quick Entry¶
Quick Entry is the fast form you use to enter new devices during receiving and processing. It is optimized for speed -- fill in the fields, save, and move to the next device.
Navigation: Inventory Processing --> Quick Entry
The workflow for each device:
- Scan or type the Serial Number
- Select the Manufacturer (HP, Dell, Lenovo, etc.)
- Select the Model (EliteBook, ProBook, Inspiron, etc.)
- Enter the specs: CPU, RAM, HDD size
- Set the Grade based on condition assessment
- Note any damage (screen, hinges, battery, cosmetic)
- Set the Location code
- Save and move to the next device
Device Specifications¶
| Spec | What to Record | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Brand name | HP, Dell, Lenovo, Apple |
| Model | Product line | EliteBook, ProBook, Latitude, ThinkPad |
| Model Number | Specific model identifier | 840 G6, 640 G2, 5570 |
| Serial Number | Unique device serial | Scan barcode or type manually |
| CPU Model | Processor category | i3, i5, i7, Ryzen 5 |
| CPU Speed | Specific processor | i5-8265U, i7-9750H |
| RAM | Memory in GB | 4, 8, 16, 32 |
| HDD | Storage size and type | 256GB SSD, 500GB HDD, 1TB SSD |
Grading¶
Grading determines the device's quality and resale value. Assess each device honestly -- overgrading leads to customer complaints, undergrading leaves money on the table.
Key condition factors to check:
| Factor | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| LCD/Screen | Scratches, dead pixels, cracks, brightness |
| Battery | Present/missing, holds charge, swollen |
| Hinges | Tight/loose, cracked, missing |
| BIOS Lock | Locked or unlocked |
| Cosmetic Damage | Dents, scratches, sticker residue, broken ports |
| Keyboard/Trackpad | Missing keys, worn keys, sticky trackpad |
Be Consistent
Grade the same way every time. If you are unsure about a grade, ask your lead. Consistency across the team means customers get what they expect.
Locations¶
Every item gets a warehouse Location code that tells the team where to find it physically. Examples: C-29A, C-29B, Shelf-12. Always set the location so items can be found when it is time to ship.
Lesson 3: Weighted Material Receiving (15 min)¶
Learning Objectives¶
- Know the different types of weighted materials
- Understand how container tare weights work
- Use the Quick Receive wizard
What Are Weighted Materials?¶
Weighted materials are bulk items tracked by weight rather than serial number -- plastics, metals, e-waste, and other recyclables. Each item receives a barcode in the format WGT-YYYYMMDD-XXXXX and moves through the statuses: Received, Available, Reserved, In Sales, Sold, and Shipped.
Material Attributes¶
When receiving weighted materials, you describe them with four attributes:
| Attribute | What It Means | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Category of material | Plastic, Aluminum, Copper, Steel, E-Waste |
| Color | Material color | Clear, Mixed, Natural, Green |
| Form | Physical shape | Baled, Loose, Granulated, Shredded |
| Grade | Quality level | #1 Grade, #2 Grade, Mixed |
Container Tare Weights¶
When you weigh material, the container is on the scale too. The system subtracts the container weight (tare weight) automatically to get the true material weight (net weight).
| Container Type | Typical Tare Weight |
|---|---|
| Box | 75 lbs |
| Pallet | 35 lbs |
| Gaylord | Varies by container type |
| Drum | Varies by container type |
Verify Tare Weights
If a container looks damaged or different from the standard, do not assume the default tare weight is correct. Use the full Weighted Receiving interface where tare weights are configurable per container type, or notify your lead.
Quick Receive Wizard¶
The Quick Receive wizard is the fastest way to enter weighted materials.
Navigation: Weighted Receiving --> Operations --> Quick Receive
| Field | What to Enter | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Select from dropdown | Yes |
| Color | Material color | No |
| Form | Physical form | No |
| Grade | Quality grade | No |
| Container | Select container type (tare weight auto-fills) | Yes |
| Gross Weight | Total weight from the scale | Yes |
| Net Weight | Calculated automatically | Auto |
| Location | Storage location | No |
Simplified Recycling Receiving¶
For high-volume days when you do not need detailed attributes, use the simplified Receive Material wizard. It only requires three fields: Material Type, Container Type (Box or Pallet), and Gross Weight.
Navigation: Weighted Receiving (Scott Recycling) --> Operations --> Receive Material
- Box tare weight: 75 lbs (pre-set)
- Pallet tare weight: 35 lbs (pre-set)
Items received through either interface end up in the same inventory system.
Lesson 4: Shipping & Containers (15 min)¶
Learning Objectives¶
- Know how to create and manage shipping containers
- Understand the weight verification process
- Follow the shipping workflow from packing to shipped
Shipping Containers¶
The Shipping module manages outbound shipments. Everything ships in a container -- either a box or a pallet. Each container tracks its contents, weight, customer, and delivery status.
Navigation: Shipping (in the main Odoo menu)
Creating a Container¶
- Open Shipping
- Click New
- Select the Customer and Sale Order
- Choose the Container Type (box or pallet)
- Save to generate a container barcode
Adding Items¶
Once a container exists, add items to it:
- Reusable items -- add by serial number
- Weighted materials -- add by WGT barcode
The system automatically calculates the weight and item count as you add items.
Weight Verification¶
Before a container ships, its weight must be verified:
- Physically weigh the container on a scale
- Enter the actual weight in the container record
- Click Verify
- If the actual weight does not match the expected weight, the system flags it for review
| Weight Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Not Verified | Weight has not been checked -- do not ship |
| Verified | Weight matches expected -- ready to ship |
| Needs Attention | Weight discrepancy detected -- investigate before shipping |
Never Ship Unverified
Every container must have its weight verified before it leaves the building. Weight discrepancies can mean missing items, wrong items, or billing errors.
Shipping Workflow¶
| Status | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Packing | Container is being filled | Add items, verify weight |
| Ready for Pickup | Container is complete and verified | Stage for carrier pickup |
| Shipped | Container has left the building | Enter carrier and tracking info |
Key Columns in the Shipping List¶
| Column | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Container | Container ID/barcode |
| Customer | Who it is going to |
| Item Count | Number of items inside |
| Weight | Total weight |
| Weight % | How close to target weight |
| Verified | Whether weight has been verified |
| Status | Current shipping status |
Lesson 5: Using Your KPI Dashboard (15 min)¶
Learning Objectives¶
- Find your personal performance metrics
- Understand performance targets and status colors
- Build a daily KPI routine
What Are KPIs?¶
KPI stands for Key Performance Indicator. It is the number that measures how much work you complete each day. Every warehouse role has a specific KPI target:
| Role | Primary Metric | Daily Target |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop Tech | Laptops Processed | 20 |
| Desktop Tech | Devices Processed | 15 |
| HD Operator | Drives Processed | 100 |
| Head Sorter | Boxes Sorted | 40 |
| Disassembly Tech | DA Gaylords | 3 |
Finding Your Metrics¶
Navigation: SR Operations --> My Performance
This view shows your individual KPI records -- how many items you have processed today, your performance percentage, and your status.
You can also see yourself on the team dashboard: SR Operations --> Operations Dashboard. Find your name in the list to see how you compare to the team.
Performance Status Colors¶
| Status | Color | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Above Target | Green | You are exceeding your daily target |
| On Track | Yellow | You are progressing toward your target |
| Below Target | Red | You are behind -- talk to your lead if you are stuck |
Your Daily KPI Routine¶
Start of Day:
- Open SR Operations --> Operations Dashboard
- Check your status from the previous day
- Note any alerts that affect your area
During the Day:
- Process items steadily -- the system tracks your count automatically
- Check your progress at midday to make sure you are on pace
End of Day:
- Review your final numbers in My Performance
- Note any issues that slowed you down (equipment problems, missing parts, etc.)
Consistency Over Sprints
Steady, consistent processing beats working fast in bursts then slowing down. Aim for an even pace throughout the day to hit your target reliably.
Lesson 6: Safety & Best Practices (10 min)¶
Learning Objectives¶
- Know required PPE for warehouse work
- Follow safe lifting and material handling practices
- Handle e-waste materials safely
- Report safety issues through the helpdesk
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)¶
| Area | Required PPE |
|---|---|
| General warehouse | Closed-toe shoes, safety glasses |
| Sort line | Gloves, safety glasses, closed-toe shoes |
| Baler operations | Gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection |
| Forklift operations | Hard hat (if overhead hazards), high-visibility vest |
| E-waste handling | Gloves, safety glasses, dust mask (if breaking down CRTs or toner) |
Safe Lifting¶
- Lift with your legs, not your back
- Get help for anything over 50 lbs
- Use a hand truck or pallet jack for heavy or bulky items
- Keep pathways clear -- do not stack items in walkways
- Never climb on shelving or pallets
E-Waste Handling¶
Electronic waste can contain hazardous materials. Handle it with care:
| Material | Hazard | Precaution |
|---|---|---|
| CRT monitors | Lead in glass | Do not break; handle with gloves |
| Batteries | Fire risk if punctured or swollen | Store separately; do not stack; report swollen batteries immediately |
| Toner cartridges | Fine dust inhalation | Wear a dust mask; do not open or shake |
| Mercury switches | Toxic if broken | Handle gently; store upright |
| Circuit boards | Lead solder, heavy metals | Wear gloves; wash hands after handling |
Swollen or Damaged Batteries
If you find a swollen, punctured, or leaking battery, stop what you are doing and notify your supervisor immediately. Do not place it in a regular waste container. Damaged lithium batteries are a serious fire hazard.
Reporting Safety Issues¶
If you see a safety hazard or have an incident:
- Immediate danger -- stop work, move to safety, notify your supervisor verbally
- Non-immediate hazard -- submit a helpdesk ticket describing the issue, location, and severity
- Equipment problems -- submit a helpdesk ticket or maintenance request so the issue is tracked and resolved
Do not assume someone else will report it. If you see it, report it.
Best Practices¶
| Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Keep your workspace clean | Prevents trips, falls, and lost items |
| Label everything | If it is not labeled, it will get lost or misidentified |
| Double-check serial numbers | One wrong digit means the wrong item ships |
| Weigh accurately | Incorrect weights affect pricing and customer trust |
| Communicate with your team | Flag issues early before they become bigger problems |
| Close out your records daily | Do not leave half-finished entries in the system overnight |
What's Next?¶
Now that you understand the concepts, it is time to practice:
- Warehouse Sandbox Workout -- Hands-on exercises in the training sandbox
- Inventory Processing Guide -- Detailed reference for the Inventory Processing module
- Weighted Receiving Guide -- Detailed reference for weighted material receiving
- Shipping Guide -- Detailed reference for shipping operations
- Using the KPI Dashboard -- Detailed reference for the dashboard
Quick Reference¶
Common Tasks¶
| Task | Where to Go | Key Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Process a new device | Inventory Processing --> Quick Entry | Scan serial, enter specs, grade, set location, save |
| Find a device by serial | Inventory Processing --> Search bar | Paste serial number, press Enter |
| Receive weighted material | Weighted Receiving --> Quick Receive | Select material type, container, enter gross weight, receive |
| Receive recycling (simplified) | Weighted Receiving (SR) --> Receive Material | Select material type, box or pallet, enter gross weight, receive |
| Create a shipping container | Shipping --> New | Select customer, sale order, container type, save |
| Verify container weight | Shipping --> Open container | Weigh on scale, enter actual weight, click Verify |
| Check your KPIs | SR Operations --> My Performance | Review your daily numbers and status |
| Report a safety issue | Helpdesk --> New ticket | Describe the issue, set priority, submit |
Device Grading Checklist¶
When processing a device, always check:
- Screen condition (scratches, cracks, dead pixels)
- Battery (present, holds charge, not swollen)
- Hinges (tight, not cracked or broken)
- BIOS lock status
- Keyboard and trackpad condition
- Ports (all functional, not broken)
- Cosmetic damage (dents, scratches, sticker residue)
Weight Math¶
| Container | Default Tare |
|---|---|
| Box | 75 lbs |
| Pallet | 35 lbs |