The quick answer
Create an inbound shipment, add the eligible lines from both purchase orders, and save it. Mark In Transit when appropriate, then verify the linked orders and quantities. Shipping status is separate from receiving the goods.
The screenshots show a recorded demonstration with sample data. Use your own records and values when following the steps.
Before you start
Inbound Shipment Management and the required permissions must be available. Use eligible open PO quantities and the supplier’s shipment details. The notice and values here are sample data; no carrier integration is demonstrated.
01. Review the supplier notice
Read Maple Components notice MS684: eight Actuator Brackets from PO9611 and twelve Cable Assemblies from PO9612 for Portland Warehouse. Note BL931, Harbor Star and arrival September 18, 2026.
02. Enter the shipment references
Open a new Inbound Shipment. Enter MS684 as External Document Number, BL931 as Bill Of Lading, Harbor Star as Vessel Number and 09/18/2026 as Expected Delivery Date. Leave unknown actual dates blank.
03. Select both purchase orders
On Items, choose Add PO Items. Select Maple Components and PO9611 and PO9612. Expand both groups and inspect the selected lines, quantities 8 and 12 Ea, and Portland Warehouse. Click OK.
04. Review the committed shipment lines
Check the two lines now on Items. Each retains its own PO number, item and expected quantity. Save the shipment and confirm its initial To Be Shipped status.
05. Mark the saved shipment in transit
After the shipment actually departs, on saved shipment 9731, click Mark In Transit. Verify the saved status becomes In Transit and the references and expected arrival remain correct.
06. Check quantities without receiving
Inspect the Items quantity columns: eight brackets and twelve cable assemblies are expected; Quantity Received and Quantity Billed remain zero. Stop before Take Ownership, Receive or Bill.
Check the result
- The shipment retains two separate source PO numbers.
- Expected quantities match the supplier notice.
- In Transit has not been mistaken for ownership, receipt or billing.
Common questions
How do I put lines from two purchase orders on one inbound shipment?
Create an inbound shipment, enter the shipment references, then select Add PO Items. Choose the vendor, select both purchase orders, expand their lines, confirm the quantities and receiving location, and save. The account must have Inbound Shipment Management enabled, and the PO lines must be eligible for assignment.
Does an inbound shipment merge the purchase orders?
No. It groups eligible lines on one shipment while preserving each source purchase order and item-line relationship. Quantity Expected shows what is assigned to the shipment; Quantity Remaining shows what is still available for assignment, not what has been physically received.
How do I mark the combined shipment In Transit without receiving it?
Save the shipment in To Be Shipped status, open the saved record, and select Mark In Transit. This changes the logistics status only; it does not create an item receipt, increase inventory, transfer ownership, or prove that the goods were delivered.
Where do I enter the supplier reference, bill of lading, vessel, and expected arrival?
Enter the supplier notice in External Document Number, the bill of lading in Bill Of Lading, the carrier or vessel reference in Vessel Number, and the planned arrival in Expected Delivery Date. These are shipment details and do not necessarily update the dates on the source purchase-order lines or confirm live carrier activity.