Which action should be taken if an associate is missing items?

When an associate is missing items, resolving the situation by auditing the route is a proactive and effective approach. Auditing allows for a thorough review of the route and the items that were expected but not accounted for. This process involves checking the documentation, cross-referencing with inventory records, and inspecting the route to locate any discrepancies.

By conducting an audit, the underlying issues can be identified, such as whether items were misplaced, improperly logged, or not loaded onto the route at all. Furthermore, this method enhances accountability as it provides a structured way to track inventory and can help prevent future occurrences of missing items. The findings from the audit can be used to provide feedback and training to associates, improving processes and overall efficiency.

While reporting the missing items to a supervisor could be an important step in escalating the situation, auditing directly addresses the issue at hand and can lead to a resolution without unnecessary delay. Additionally, asking the associate to find the items or removing them from the route does not tackle the root cause of the problem, which can lead to recurring issues. Conducting an audit not only resolves the current situation but also contributes to better overall management of inventory and routing in the future.