What is a goods receipt note (GRN)?
A goods receipt note (GRN) is a record created when ordered goods arrive, confirming what was received, in what quantity and condition, and used to match against the purchase order and invoice.
In more detail
The warehouse or receiving team creates it, usually by checking the delivery against the PO and entering quantities in the ERP or scanning a barcode. It is the evidence side of a three-way match. Common problems: receipts entered late, so invoices reach the system first; partial deliveries; and paper delivery notes that never get keyed. Automation can read a photographed delivery note and propose the receipt, but a person at the dock should still confirm what physically arrived. Some systems call it a goods receipt, receiving report or GR.
Example
A supplier delivers 80 of 100 ordered units. The receiver logs 80 against the PO line and notes two damaged cartons. The invoice for 100 is now held until the shortfall is resolved.