Kundenkonsignationslager
Also: Konsignationslager beim Kunden, Kundenkonsignation, Konsignationslager Kunde, Kundenlager Konsignation, Konsignation beim Kunden
AI-generated
A customer consignment warehouse is a storage facility at the customer's site where the vendor holds goods that remain the vendor's property until they are actually withdrawn. Invoicing is only triggered when the goods are consumed or withdrawn.
Key facts
- In a customer consignment warehouse, goods remain the property of the vendor until withdrawal, even though they are physically stored at the customer's site.
- Invoicing is based on actual withdrawals, not on deliveries.
- The model reduces the capital tied up at the customer's end while simultaneously ensuring material availability directly at the point of consumption.
- Clear contractual provisions on shrinkage, obsolescence, stock counts, and data access are a prerequisite for smooth operations.
- A customer consignment warehouse and Vendor Managed Inventory are not the same thing: the former describes the ownership situation, while the latter describes responsibility for inventory management.
What is a customer consignment warehouse?
In a customer consignment warehouse, the vendor physically stores their own goods at the customer's premises – for example, in the production area, in the warehouse, or directly at the point of use. The key difference from a conventional delivery: ownership of the goods transfers to the customer only at the moment of withdrawal. Until then, the vendor bears the inventory risk, while the customer has immediate access to the goods without having paid for them yet. This model reduces the customer's working capital requirements while simultaneously minimizing delivery lead time risks, as materials are always available on-site.
How does the model work in practice?
The vendor replenishes the consignment warehouse on a regular basis – either according to fixed cycles, on call, or controlled by a VMI system (Vendor Managed Inventory). Withdrawals are recorded using various methods:
- Barcode or RFID scan at the point of withdrawal
- Kanban cards or empty container signals
- System postings in the customer's ERP or WMS
- Periodic stock counts followed by reconciliation of discrepancies
Invoicing is based on recorded withdrawals, not on deliveries. To ensure both parties have a consistent inventory overview at all times, clearly defined interfaces between the customer's and vendor's systems are required – for example, via EDI or API integration. Without this transparency, discrepancies arise during stock counts and disputes occur over responsibility for shrinkage or damage.
What matters when setting up a customer consignment warehouse?
Before going live, contractual agreements should clearly define who bears the risk for shrinkage, damage, and obsolescence. Typical points to regulate include:
- Minimum and maximum stock levels and replenishment intervals
- Liability for shortfalls, excess stock, and non-usable items
- Stock count procedures and frequency, as well as the resolution of discrepancies
- Access rights to inventory data and reporting obligations
- Pricing logic: does the price applicable at the time of storage or at the time of withdrawal apply?
Whether the customer consignment warehouse is managed independently by the vendor (VMI) or whether the customer takes over replenishment planning is a separate question that can be decided independently of the ownership arrangement. Both combinations are found in practice. The extent to which ERP systems natively support this model also varies depending on the vendor – an individual assessment is recommended.
Related terms
- API
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a defined interface through which two software systems can exchange data in an automated and standardized way. In intralogistics, it connects systems such as WMS, ERP, or TMS with one another and with external services.
- Bedarfsplanung
Demand planning refers to the systematic process by which a company determines what quantities of materials, goods, or resources are needed and when. It forms the foundation for inventory management, procurement, and warehouse planning.
- Beschaffungslogistik
Procurement logistics encompasses all logistical processes that manage the flow of materials from suppliers through to handover at the warehouse or production facility. It connects purchasing, transportation, and goods receipt into a seamless inbound process.
- Bestandscontrolling
Inventory controlling refers to the systematic monitoring, analysis, and management of stock levels using defined key performance indicators. It connects logistics and procurement to reduce tied-up capital and ensure delivery capability.
- Bestandsführung
Inventory management refers to the system-supported administration and continuous updating of all warehouse and material stocks within a company. It forms the basis for planning, procurement and accounting – and ensures that the book inventory and physical inventory are in agreement at all times.
- Bestandsmanagement
Inventory management refers to the systematic planning, control, and monitoring of stock levels across the entire supply chain. The goal is to ensure delivery capability while keeping capital commitment and warehousing costs within economically viable limits.
- Bestellpunktverfahren
The reorder point method is a replenishment procedure in which an order is automatically triggered as soon as the current stock level falls below a predefined reorder point.
- DESADV
DESADV (Dispatch Advice) is a standardized EDI message in EDIFACT format that electronically announces an upcoming delivery. It transmits structured information on packaging units, items, quantities, and identifiers such as the SSCC to the goods recipient.
- Direktbelieferung
Direct delivery refers to the shipment of goods directly from the vendor to the end customer or production facility, bypassing any intermediate warehouse.
- Disposition
Disposition refers to the operational planning and control of resources, quantities, and orders in logistics – for example in transport or materials disposition. It encompasses capacity assignment, scheduling, prioritization, and response to disruptions.