Which document type should be the first point of reference in quality control?

The packing list serves as the first point of reference in quality control because it provides a detailed account of the items that are included in a shipment. This document outlines what was expected to be delivered, including quantities, descriptions, and sometimes the condition of the items at the time of shipping. By comparing the packing list against the actual shipment received, quality control personnel can quickly verify that the correct items and quantities have arrived and assess any discrepancies or issues straight away.

The packing list is critical in ensuring that what is in shipment aligns with what is expected, making it easier to identify any potential problems early in the quality control process. When evaluating the other documents, such as delivery confirmations, quality reports, and invoices, these serve different, more subsequent purposes. The delivery confirmation typically indicates that the items were successfully received, the quality report assesses the performance after inspection, and the invoice focuses on the financial aspect of the transaction rather than the actual quality or verification of the delivered items.