A short return by line is first a record difference. A plate may be on another vehicle, at washing or on a later run; reconcile those records before calling it lost.
The shortest run record
For each run, record line, date, vehicle and plates dispatched. Link the return count to the same run ID.
Check where the difference may be
- For a plate left at delivery, compare container and delivery records.
- For a plate carried on a vehicle, check the next run's departure count.
- For a plate at washing, match intake and return records.
- If no match is found, leave the quantity as an unexplained difference.
Complete the reconciliation
Match dispatch and return counts by run, line and vehicle. Link transfer or washing movements with an intermediate record. This separates a recount, a real shortfall and a plate whose return has not yet been logged.
Compare lines
Divide unexplained differences by plates dispatched on that line over the same period; multiply by one hundred for a percentage if useful. Where line volumes differ, compare this rate with its denominator and period stated.
In the monthly report
Show plates dispatched, returned, movements reconciled and unexplained differences separately for each line. State the numerator and denominator of the rate.
When comparing periods
Run count and dispatched volume may change between periods. Use periods of equal length and the same denominator definition; note any change in line scope.
