What does order release signify in the outbound process?

• A. It is the moment when the carrier arrives to pick up goods.
• B. It refers to releasing inventory back into storage.
• C. It means canceling the order.
• D. It marks the start of processing for a customer order, initiating pick/pack activities.

Answer: (D)

Order release is the point where an order is given the green light to move into fulfillment. In the outbound process, after an order is captured and validated, releasing it tells the warehouse management system to begin work on that order—creating pick tasks, allocating the needed inventory, and moving the order into picking, packing, and staging for shipping. It’s not the moment the carrier arrives, not a step to put inventory back into storage, and not canceling the order. It specifically marks the start of processing so that associates can pick, pack, and prepare the order for shipment.