Quality Control in Odoo 18 Transfer Operations
By Braincuber Team
Published on January 7, 2026
A shipment of 500 electronic components arrives at your warehouse. The receiving team counts boxes, enters quantities into the system, and moves everything to storage. Three weeks later, production discovers 47 units are defective—sensors that passed no inspection on arrival. Now you're tracing which batch had the issue, sorting good units from bad, processing returns with the supplier, and explaining to customers why their orders are delayed. The root cause: no quality check at the point of receipt.
Odoo 18 Quality module integrates inspection points directly into warehouse transfer operations. Configure quality control points that trigger automatically during receipts, deliveries, internal transfers, and returns. When a transfer reaches a control point, operators see a Quality Check button—they can mark pass/fail, take photos, enter measurements, or follow step-by-step instructions. Failed checks block the transfer until issues are resolved, display configurable failure messages, and log everything for traceability. Catch defects when they arrive, verify products before they ship, and maintain complete quality records across all stock movements.
Core Benefit: Quality checks are embedded into transfer workflows. Configure once per product/operation → checks trigger automatically during receipts, deliveries, returns → operators pass or fail items at the moment of transfer → defects caught immediately, not weeks later.
Understanding Quality Control in Transfers
Quality Control Points
Define inspection rules for specific products, categories, or operations. Control points specify when checks trigger, what type of inspection to perform, who is responsible, and what happens on failure.
Pass/Fail Checks
Simple binary inspections: product either meets standards or doesn't. Failed checks can block transfers, trigger workflows, and display custom failure messages guiding operators on next steps.
Photo Documentation
Require operators to capture photos during inspection. Document incoming shipment conditions, package damage, product defects—visual evidence stored with the transfer record.
Measurement Checks
Record specific values: dimensions, weight, temperature, pH levels. Set acceptable ranges and automatically flag measurements outside tolerance for review.
Setting Up Quality Control Points
Quality Control Points define when and how inspections occur. Each control point targets specific products or categories and links to operation types where the check should trigger.
Access Quality Control Configuration
Navigate to the Quality module:
- Go to Quality → Quality Control → Control Points
- View existing control points or click New to create
- Each control point defines a complete inspection rule
- Control points can apply to products, categories, or all items
Configure Control Point Details
Set the basic parameters:
- Title: Descriptive name ("Incoming Electronics Inspection")
- Product: Specific product or leave blank for category
- Product Category: Apply to all products in category
- Operations: Select transfer types (Receipts, Deliveries, Returns)
- Company: Restrict to specific company if multi-company
Select Check Type
Choose inspection method:
- Pass/Fail: Simple binary outcome
- Measure: Record numeric value with tolerance range
- Take a Picture: Require photo documentation
- Instructions: Step-by-step inspection guide
- Assign responsible person and quality team
Configure Failure Handling
Define what happens when checks fail:
- Message if Failure: Custom instructions displayed to operator
- Failure Instructions: Detailed steps for handling failed items
- Notes: Additional context for quality team
- Failed checks can block transfer completion
Control Point Configuration Examples
1. Incoming Electronics Inspection:
QUALITY CONTROL POINT: Incoming Electronics Inspection ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ BASIC CONFIGURATION ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Title: Incoming Electronics Inspection Product Category: Electronics Components Operations: Receipts Company: Acme Electronics Inc. INSPECTION SETTINGS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Check Type: Pass/Fail Responsible: Quality Inspector (John Smith) Quality Team: Incoming QC Team Frequency: Every Transfer FAILURE HANDLING ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Message if Failure: "QUALITY ALERT: This shipment has failed inspection. DO NOT move to stock. Isolate items in QC Hold area. Notify purchasing team for supplier claim processing." Instructions: 1. Visually inspect packaging for damage 2. Verify item count matches packing slip 3. Sample 10% of units for functional test 4. Check lot numbers match purchase order 5. Photograph any defects found Notes: "For shipments over $5,000, require manager sign-off on passed inspections. Log serial numbers for warranty tracking." WORKFLOW ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1. Goods arrive → Receipt created 2. Operator clicks "Quality Check" button 3. Inspector follows instructions 4. Pass → Items moved to stock 5. Fail → Items held, supplier notified
2. Outgoing Delivery Verification:
QUALITY CONTROL POINT: Pre-Shipment Verification ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ BASIC CONFIGURATION ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Title: Pre-Shipment Verification Product: [All Products] (blank = all) Product Category: Finished Goods Operations: Delivery Orders Company: Acme Electronics Inc. INSPECTION SETTINGS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Check Type: Instructions (Step-by-Step) Responsible: Shipping Supervisor (Maria Garcia) Quality Team: Outbound QC Team Frequency: Every Transfer STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Step 1: Verify order contents match packing list Step 2: Check product condition (no damage, correct model) Step 3: Confirm serial numbers recorded for warranty items Step 4: Verify packaging adequate for shipping method Step 5: Apply shipping labels to correct packages Step 6: Weigh packages and compare to expected weight Step 7: Final visual inspection before sealing FAILURE HANDLING ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Message if Failure: "HOLD SHIPMENT: Pre-ship verification failed. Do not dispatch. Contact order fulfillment manager. Document issue for customer communication." Notes: "For international shipments, also verify customs documentation complete before marking as passed." WORKFLOW ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1. Delivery order created from sales 2. Picker prepares shipment 3. Quality Check button appears 4. Inspector completes step-by-step verification 5. Pass → Shipment released for dispatch 6. Fail → Order held, issue documented
3. Return Inspection:
QUALITY CONTROL POINT: Customer Return Inspection
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
BASIC CONFIGURATION
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Title: Customer Return Inspection
Product Category: All Products
Operations: Return Transfers (from Customer)
Company: Acme Electronics Inc.
INSPECTION SETTINGS
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Check Type: Take a Picture + Pass/Fail
Responsible: Returns Specialist (David Chen)
Quality Team: Returns Processing Team
Frequency: Every Transfer
PHOTO REQUIREMENTS
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Required Photos:
1. Product as received (before opening)
2. Product condition after unboxing
3. Any damage or defects found
4. Serial number/label close-up
Photo Storage:
Attached to transfer record for reference
FAILURE HANDLING
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Message if Failure:
"RETURN REJECTED: Item does not meet return criteria.
Options: 1) Return to customer with explanation
2) Dispose if unrepairable
3) Send to repair department
Document disposition decision."
Pass Criteria:
- Item matches original sale record
- Damage covered by return policy
- Within return window
- All components present
WORKFLOW
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
1. Return shipment arrives
2. Return transfer created
3. Quality Check triggered
4. Photos taken, condition assessed
5. Pass → Restock or refurbish
6. Fail → Disposed or returned to customer
4. Temperature-Sensitive Items:
QUALITY CONTROL POINT: Cold Chain Verification ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ BASIC CONFIGURATION ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Title: Cold Chain Temperature Check Product Category: Refrigerated Products Operations: Receipts, Internal Transfers Company: FreshFoods Distribution INSPECTION SETTINGS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Check Type: Measure (Numeric Value) Measurement Type: Temperature Unit: Celsius (°C) Responsible: Cold Chain Manager (Lisa Wong) Quality Team: Food Safety Team Frequency: Every Transfer MEASUREMENT PARAMETERS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Acceptable Range: 0°C to 4°C Warning Range: 4°C to 7°C (requires supervisor approval) Reject Range: Above 7°C (automatic failure) Entry Instructions: 1. Use calibrated IR thermometer 2. Measure core temperature of sample unit 3. Record reading to one decimal place 4. If borderline, take 3 readings and average FAILURE HANDLING ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Message if Failure: "COLD CHAIN BREACH: Temperature outside safe range. IMMEDIATE ACTIONS: 1. Do NOT move product to storage 2. Photograph temperature display 3. Notify food safety officer immediately 4. Quarantine entire shipment 5. Document time of arrival and reading" Notes: "Product exceeding 7°C for more than 2 hours must be disposed per food safety regulations. Document disposal with photos for compliance records." WORKFLOW ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── 1. Refrigerated shipment arrives 2. Immediately check temperature 3. Enter measurement in Quality Check 4. System validates against range 5. Within range → Move to cold storage 6. Out of range → Quarantine, investigate
Complete Quality Control Workflow
COMPLETE QUALITY CONTROL WORKFLOW EXAMPLE
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
SCENARIO: Receiving 200 Premium Wireless Headphones
Product: WH-PRO-200 Premium Wireless Headphones
Supplier: TechAudio Manufacturing Ltd.
Purchase Order: PO-2026-0147
STEP 1: RECEIPT CREATED
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Operation: WH/IN/00234
Source: TechAudio Manufacturing
Scheduled: January 7, 2026
Products: 200 units × WH-PRO-200
Expected Value: $15,000
STEP 2: QUALITY CHECK APPEARS
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Control Point: "Incoming Electronics Inspection"
Triggered By: Receipt operation + Product category match
Check Type: Pass/Fail
Assigned To: Quality Inspector (John Smith)
[Quality Check Button] appears on receipt form
STEP 3: INSPECTION PERFORMED
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Inspector Actions:
□ Visual inspection of 20 boxes (10% sample)
□ Opened 10 units for functional test
□ Verified lot number: TLN-2026-0892
□ Counted: 200 units confirmed
□ Found: 3 units with damaged packaging
Decision: PASS (3 damaged units noted for claim)
STEP 4: QUALITY CHECK COMPLETED
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Result: Passed
Inspector: John Smith
Date/Time: 2026-01-07 10:45:23
Notes: "3 units (SN: 0892-145, 0892-167, 0892-189)
have crushed packaging. Units functional
but cosmetically damaged. Filed claim
with TechAudio for replacement boxes."
STEP 5: RECEIPT VALIDATED
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Status: Done
Stock Updated: +200 WH-PRO-200 → WH/Stock
Quality Status: Passed
Traceability: Lot TLN-2026-0892 linked to all units
QUALITY CHECK RECORD
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Check ID: QC-2026-00089
Transfer: WH/IN/00234
Product: WH-PRO-200 Premium Wireless Headphones
Control Point: Incoming Electronics Inspection
Result: ✓ PASSED
Inspector: John Smith
Team: Incoming QC Team
Completed: 2026-01-07 10:45:23
Attachments: Photo of damaged units (3 images)
Viewing Quality Check Status
From Transfer Form
Monitor quality status on each transfer:
- Quality Check smart button appears on transfer form
- Shows number of checks and current status (Pending/Passed/Failed)
- Click to view detailed check results
- Access history of all checks for this transfer
From Quality Module
View all quality checks across operations:
- Go to Quality → Quality Checks
- Filter by status: To Do, Passed, Failed
- Filter by control point, product, or date range
- Export to Excel for compliance reporting
Multiple Operation Types
A single control point can apply to multiple operation types. Configure once and the check triggers across different warehouse workflows.
CONTROL POINT WITH MULTIPLE OPERATIONS ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ Title: Premium Product Inspection Product: WH-PRO-200 Premium Wireless Headphones Operations: ✓ Receipts (check on arrival) ✓ Delivery Orders (verify before shipping) ✓ Return Transfers (assess returned items) Check Type: Pass/Fail Responsible: Quality Manager WHEN CHECK TRIGGERS ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── RECEIPT (Incoming from Supplier): Purpose: Verify supplier quality, catch defects early Frequency: Every shipment Action on Fail: Hold shipment, file supplier claim DELIVERY ORDER (Outgoing to Customer): Purpose: Final verification before customer receives Frequency: Every order Action on Fail: Hold shipment, fix issue before dispatch RETURN TRANSFER (Incoming from Customer): Purpose: Assess condition for restock/refurbish/dispose Frequency: Every return Action on Fail: Reject return or route to appropriate disposition BENEFITS OF MULTI-OPERATION CONFIGURATION ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── • Single control point covers entire product lifecycle • Consistent inspection criteria across all touchpoints • Complete traceability from receipt through delivery • Simplified configuration—one point, multiple triggers
Best Practices
✅ Follow These Guidelines:
- Start with high-risk items: Implement quality checks first for expensive products, items with high return rates, or regulated goods
- Use clear failure messages: Tell operators exactly what to do when a check fails—don't leave them guessing
- Match check type to purpose: Use measurements for precise specs, photos for damage documentation, pass/fail for simple binary decisions
- Assign responsibility clearly: Every control point should have a designated responsible person and quality team
- Document instructions thoroughly: Step-by-step inspection guides ensure consistency across different inspectors
- Review failed checks regularly: Analyze patterns to identify supplier quality issues or process gaps
- Keep control points focused: One check per control point is clearer than combining multiple inspections
- Test before production: Create a test product and transfer to verify control points trigger correctly
Common Issues and Solutions
🚨 Issue #1: Quality Check Not Appearing
Control point configured but no Quality Check button on transfer. Solution: Verify the operation type matches (Receipts vs. Receipt Returns), product/category matches, and control point is active. Check company settings if multi-company.
🚨 Issue #2: Wrong Person Assigned
Quality check assigned to unavailable inspector. Solution: Set a quality team as backup—if responsible person is unavailable, team members can complete the check. Use team queues for workload distribution.
🚨 Issue #3: Transfers Blocked by Pending Checks
Cannot validate transfer with pending quality checks. Solution: Complete or skip the quality check (if permitted). Review process to ensure inspectors complete checks promptly during transfer operations.
🚨 Issue #4: Measurement Out of Range Messages
Valid measurements being flagged incorrectly. Solution: Review tolerance ranges in control point configuration. Ensure units match (°C vs °F, mm vs inches). Calibrate measurement instruments.
Conclusion
Implementing Quality Control in Odoo 18 transfer operations transforms ad-hoc inspections into systematic, automated checkpoints. Configure control points for receipts to catch supplier issues on arrival, for deliveries to verify orders before they ship, and for returns to assess condition before restocking. Each check type—pass/fail, measurements, photos, or step-by-step instructions—matches different inspection needs. Custom failure messages guide operators on exactly what to do when problems arise. The result: defects caught at the point of transfer rather than discovered weeks later, complete traceability through quality check records, and consistent inspection standards across all warehouse operations.
🎯 Key Takeaway: Quality Control Points trigger automatically based on product and operation type. Configure once → inspections happen at every transfer → operators pass or fail items with documented evidence → defects caught immediately, traceability maintained, quality standards enforced consistently.