How do companies track the quantity on hand per vendor? We purchase the same item from multiple vendors. We would like to track the stock per vendor. Is it through bins?

That sound like you would need either different part numbers per vendor OR setup lot numbering

We can't use different part numbers because that would have an impact on replenishment methods and reports.

Bins could work to I guess. Do you want to be able to place orders to only ship parts from specific vendors? So SO1 has Qty 10 of part ABC from vendor 2? And SO2 has qty 10 of part ABC from vendor 4?

They can be mixed actually.

can you explain the business requirement that makes you want to track by vendor? If you use the same sku and can mix in a single order, then how / why are you tracking them uniquely?

I agree with Rebecca I don’t understand the reasoning but using bins can do this if you feel your warehouse team is disciplined enough to keep it straight Also lot numbers would do the same thing as well. But it would be more difficult to setup and use with lots enabled

When customers return the item, it'll be easier for us to know to whom to return the item (which vendor).

That was going to be my question was about returns. If you want to track defect by vendor, then serializing your inventory will be the only way to know for sure. Could you just add a list field to the RMA and select the vendor? Is the inventory different enough to make the distinction?

Lot numbers could be used with the Lot Number being the Vendor reference. It will still be pretty manual, but SN or Lot will work. Bins won’t work since it is important on return.