ReturnMate

Offline Repair Workflow

Use the offline repair workflow for internal diagnostics and repair of returned items.

3 min read
Last updated 3 April 2026

The Offline Repair workflow is an internal process for items that need hands-on diagnostics and repair after being received. Unlike the Counter Swap flow (which starts at point of sale), Offline Repair is triggered on an existing RMA that has already been received.

When to Use Offline Repair

Use Offline Repair when:

  • A returned item needs detailed fault diagnosis beyond a standard inspection
  • The item requires physical repair before a disposition decision
  • You want to track technician assignments and repair notes internally

Offline Repair is available as a secondary action on RMAs in Received, Refunded, or Received at Master status.

Starting the Offline Repair Flow

  1. Open the RMA (which should be in Received, Refunded, or Received at Master status)
  2. Click the actions menu (three dots or secondary actions)
  3. Select Begin Offline Diagnostics
  4. The RMA transitions into the offline workflow

Offline Repair Stages

1

Offline Diagnostics

Assess the item and document findings:

  1. Record fault codes and failure descriptions
  2. Identify root cause of the issue
  3. Determine whether repair is possible
  4. Update the Diagnostics Section with notes and photos

Next: Click Begin Repair to proceed, or Skip Repair (Set Disposition) if repair is not needed.

2

Offline Repair

If the item can be repaired:

  1. Assign a technician to the repair
  2. Document the repair process and any parts used
  3. Update notes as work progresses

Next: Click Set Disposition when repair is complete.

3

Set Disposition

Choose the final outcome for the item:

DispositionDescription
Restock (Master)Return repaired item to primary location inventory
Restock (Child)Return repaired item to originating store inventory
Write OffItem cannot be salvaged, remove from inventory
Return to SupplierSend item back to manufacturer for credit or warranty
4

Close

Once the disposition is set:

  1. Review the disposition and notes
  2. Click Close RMA to finalise
  3. The RMA moves to Offline Closed

Status Flow

Received / Refunded / Received at Master
    ↓
Offline Diagnostics → Offline Repair → Offline Resolved → Offline Closed
                     ↘ (Skip Repair) ↗

Offline Repair vs Counter Swap

Both workflows share the same internal stages, but they differ in how they start:

AspectOffline RepairCounter Swap
Entry pointSecondary action on existing RMACreated as a new SWP- RMA
Customer interactionCustomer already gone, item receivedCustomer present, swap happens immediately
ReplacementHandled separately (refund/exchange)Selected during creation
Starting statusReceived → Offline DiagnosticsCounter Swapped → Offline Diagnostics

Skipping Repair

Not every item needs repair. If diagnostics reveal the item should be written off or returned to supplier without repair:

  1. From Offline Diagnostics status, open the secondary actions menu
  2. Select Skip Repair (Set Disposition)
  3. Choose the disposition directly
  4. Close the RMA

Best Practices

  • Always complete diagnostics notes before moving to repair
  • Record fault codes to track recurring product issues
  • Assign specific technicians for accountability
  • Use photos to document item condition at each stage
  • Review disposition data regularly for supplier quality insights
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