Skip to main content
Business Basics

Goods received note

  • Created by Henry Stewart Talks
Published on July 30, 2026   3 min

A selection of talks on Technology & Operations

Please wait while the transcript is being prepared...
0:00
Welcome. In this session, we will explore the concept of the goods received note, often abbreviated as GRN. The goods received note is a crucial document in the purchasing and supply chain process. It serves as formal proof that goods ordered from a supplier have been delivered and received by the buyer's premises. Creation of a GRN is not just a procedural requirement. It establishes accountability and helps both the supplier and purchaser keep accurate records of fulfilled purchase orders. In the United Kingdom, it is commonly called a goods received note, whereas in the United States, it might also be referred to as a receiving report. The purpose of a goods received note extends beyond simply verifying delivery. This document is fundamental to ensuring that businesses receive exactly what was ordered in the quantities and conditions specified. It also acts as a trigger for subsequent processes, such as the inspection of the received items and the initiation of payment to the supplier. The GRN is essential for effective inventory management. It provides an auditable record for resolving discrepancies, should there be any disagreement about what was delivered versus what was ordered. This fosters transparency and trust between trading partners. A well prepared goods received note contains several key pieces of information. Typically, it will list the date of receipt, the unique GRN number, and details of the supplier. It specifies the purchase order number against which the goods were supplied, as well as precise descriptions

Quiz available with full talk access. Request Free Trial or Login.