Overview
When loaner containers, trays, or loose devices are shipped to the field, representatives frequently need to send remaining stock back after a procedure. Rather than manually locating each item or tray in inventory, the Round-Trip Return feature automatically aggregates all active, non-deactivated items from the original shipment into a brand-new return transfer with a single click.
Prerequisites
The original inbound transfer must be in Accepted status.
Inventory items must reside in your custody and remain active (not consumed in a surgical case or manually deactivated).
Step-by-Step: Executing a Round-Trip Loaner Return
Locate the Original Transfer Navigate to Movement > Transfers in the Beacon Web Console or Beacon Mobile app. Open the accepted transfer that originally delivered the loaner inventory to your custody.
Click 'Return Inventory' At the top of the transfer detail screen, click the Return Inventory button.
Review Auto-Populated Items Beacon launches the transfer creation workflow automatically loaded with every container, tray, and loose device from the original transfer that has not been consumed or deactivated.
Confirm Transfer Details
Recipient: Defaults back to the original sender (e.g., the manufacturing warehouse or regional coordinator).
Shipping & Notes: Add a ship-to address, carrier tracking numbers, or transfer notes as needed.
Consignment & Due Dates: Update consignment statuses or due-back parameters if applicable.
Submit the Return Click Create. The return transfer will move to Pending status until received and accepted by the destination custodian.
Tip: If specific devices within a loaner tray were used during a case, Beacon automatically filters out the consumed items and populates the return transfer using only the remaining active inventory.
Key Benefits
Speed: Eliminates the manual item-by-item search and selection process during reverse logistics.
Audit Lineage: Maintains a direct data link between the original outbound shipment and the return transfer.
Accuracy: Prevents lot number mismatches and orphaned inventory records when returning complex surgical sets.