What should be the first step if a stored item is found to be damaged?

The first step when a stored item is found to be damaged is to assess the damage. This means carefully examining the item to determine the extent and nature of the damage. Understanding the specifics of the damage is crucial before taking any further action, such as reporting it or notifying the customer. By assessing the damage first, you are gathering essential information that will guide the subsequent steps. This includes deciding whether the item can be repaired, whether it needs to be discarded, or how it affects inventory and customer orders.

The other actions, while important, should follow after the assessment. Reporting the damage to management, removing the item from storage, or notifying the customer relies on the information gleaned from an initial assessment. Without this step, any further actions may be premature or based on incomplete information.