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Logistics and warehouse audit workbook

Generate an Excel workbook for logistics internal audit: inbound GRN, dispatch, POD, freight billing, inventory custody, e-way bills, fleet, fuel, tolls, claims and WMS/TMS controls.

Engagement profile
Select audit areas
9 RCM rows selected
AreaRiskControlTestEvidenceCadence
Inbound GRN and put-awayGoods are received, short-received, damaged, substituted or stored without accurate GRN and inventory evidence.PO/ASN to GRN matching, QC/damage review, put-away confirmation and exception approval.Match sampled receipts to PO, ASN, gate entry, weighment, GRN, QC note and bin update.PO, ASN, gate entry, weighbridge slip, GRN, QC note, damage report, put-away scan and stock ledger.Weekly / Monthly
Outbound dispatch and PODShipments are dispatched, billed or closed without delivery proof, correct quantity or customer acceptance.Dispatch release, pick-pack-scan, e-way bill linkage, POD tracker and delivery exception review.Trace sales order to pick list, invoice, e-way bill, transporter docket, POD and shortage/claim closure.Sales order, pick list, packing slip, invoice, e-way bill, LR/docket, POD and shortage note.Weekly
Freight billing and rate cardsFreight, demurrage, detention, loading or accessorial charges are billed outside contract terms.Approved lane-rate master, slab/vehicle master, trip-sheet review and extra-charge approval.Recompute transporter invoices by lane, slab, distance, vehicle type and approved extra charges.Transporter contract, rate card, LR, trip sheet, GPS/gate timestamp, invoice and approval note.Monthly
Inventory custody and cycle countWMS/ERP stock differs from physical goods because of shrinkage, damage, expiry, obsolete stock or unauthorised movement.Location stock ledger, cycle count plan, stock adjustment approval and damage/expiry review.Count selected SKUs by location and review negative stock, adjustments, write-offs and shrinkage trend.WMS/ERP stock ledger, bin card, count sheet, adjustment log, damage/expiry report and approval.Monthly / Quarterly
E-way bill and e-invoiceGoods move without valid e-way bill, correct Part-B details, invoice linkage or dispatch reconciliation.E-way bill generation control, Part-B vehicle update review, cancellation/expiry review and invoice matching.Match sampled dispatches to tax invoice, IRN where applicable, e-way bill, Part-B update and vehicle details.Tax invoice, IRN/e-invoice where applicable, e-way bill, Part-B log, vehicle details and dispatch register.Weekly / Monthly
Fleet fuel tolls complianceOwned or dedicated fleet fuel, toll, maintenance, permit, insurance, PUC or fitness evidence is expired or unsupported.Vehicle master, compliance calendar, fuel card review, maintenance approval and trip-to-toll reconciliation.Match trips to fuel, toll and route data; review mileage variance and vehicle compliance validity.Vehicle master, RC, permit, insurance, PUC, fitness certificate, fuel card, FASTag/toll report and trip log.Monthly
3PL SLA and customer billingStorage rent, handling, pick-pack, minimum guarantee, SLA penalties or customer charges are computed from weak activity data.Contract/SLA master, activity-rate master, monthly activity reconciliation and credit note approval.Recompute storage and handling charges from WMS activity; review SLA penalties and billing reversals.Customer/3PL contract, SLA report, WMS activity log, storage ageing, billing working and credit note.Monthly
Returns reverse logistics claimsReturns, rejects, damaged goods, insurance claims or customer claims are not recorded, valued or settled accurately.Return authorisation, reverse GRN, damage assessment, claims tracker and disposal approval.Trace returns to original invoice, return LR, reverse e-way bill where applicable, credit note and claim closure.RMA, return LR, reverse e-way bill where applicable, return GRN, credit note, damage report and claim file.Monthly
WMS/TMS access and mastersUsers can change rates, stock, routes, POD status or shipment closure in WMS/TMS without review.Role-based access, leaver review, master-change approval and audit-log monitoring.Review WMS/TMS users, leavers, privileged roles, shared IDs, master changes and stock/shipment overrides.User list, role matrix, HR exit list, master-change log, approval ticket and audit-log extract.Monthly / Quarterly

Use this with the logistics internal audit checklist, the RCM builder and the monitoring rules repository.

How it works

Logistics internal audit is strongest when movement evidence and finance evidence are tested together. The workbook connects receiving, storage, dispatch, POD, freight billing, GST movement records, fleet cost, claims and system access to practical RCM rows.

The Excel export gives auditors separate sheets for engagement scope, RCM rows, shipment/POD samples, freight-rate testing, inventory count, e-way bill compliance, fleet/fuel/toll testing and monitoring exceptions. Tailor it to lanes, warehouses, contracts and approved audit scope.

Worked example

A CA firm is reviewing a 3PL warehouse and transport operation with multiple distribution centres and dedicated vehicles.

Inputs
ScopeInbound, dispatch, POD, freight, inventory, e-way bill, fleet, claims and WMS/TMS access
OutputExcel workbook plus PDF summary
Output
WorkbookRCM, shipment sample, freight testing, inventory count, EWB compliance, fleet testing and monitoring exceptions

Common mistakes

Testing invoices without POD
Freight and customer billing should be tied to delivery evidence, shortage notes, claims and closure status.
Treating e-way bill as a standalone GST check
E-way bill evidence should be reconciled to invoice, dispatch, Part-B vehicle details and delivery records.
Ignoring system access
WMS and TMS access can change stock, shipment closure, rate masters and POD status, so access review is part of the audit evidence.

Frequently asked questions

What is a logistics audit workbook?+
It is a multi-sheet internal-audit working paper used to document logistics controls: inbound GRN, put-away, dispatch, proof of delivery, freight billing, inventory custody, e-way bills, fleet costs, claims and WMS/TMS access.
Does this workbook replace GST or transport-law advice?+
No. It is an audit workpaper starter. GST movement rules, vehicle compliance, permits and warehouse registration requirements must be verified for the entity, state, goods, vehicle class and audit period.
Which logistics data should be requested first?+
Request PO/ASN, gate entry, GRN, WMS stock ledger, dispatch register, invoices, e-way bills, transporter dockets, POD tracker, freight rate cards, trip sheets, fuel/FASTag reports, vehicle compliance records, claims tracker and WMS/TMS user lists.

Authoritative sources

ICAI
ICAI IASB - Compendium of Standards on Internal AuditUse SIA planning, evidence, documentation, reporting and follow-up principles when tailoring the workbook.
CBIC - GST e-way bill rulesVerify the current movement-of-goods requirements, e-way bill conditions and exceptions.
GSTN e-way bill system and API documentationUse portal/API documentation to understand e-way bill fields, statuses and validation behaviour.
Parliament
India Code - Warehousing (Development and Regulation) Act, 2007Relevant where the entity operates regulated warehouses or issues negotiable warehouse receipts.
MoRTH - Motor vehicle legislation circulars and notificationsVerify current vehicle, permit, fitness and transport compliance requirements.
Always confirm against the latest version of the source. Regulations evolve and amendments are common.
Related calculators
Logistics internal audit checklistInternal audit RCM builderMonitoring rules repository
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Last reviewed: 2026-08-29 · For informational purposes only — not professional advice.