A successful risk management strategy requires a strong internal control environment. The risk and control matrix (RCM) format emphasizes that strong and risk-oriented internal control environments are often optimized with automated/manual controls, depending on the situation.

An RCM provides an overview of different control objectives that organizations should take into consideration and the corresponding controls to safeguard the company against risks, which may arise if not checked timely. Once customized to an organization, this document can help the user in assessing each control. The control assessment can then also be summarized to develop an action plan to strengthen the internal control structure.

This document outlines risks and controls common to the 11.4.1 Warehouse or Store Products process in an RCM format.

Sample risks include:

• Fines or penalties occur due to noncompliance with government regulations.
• Finished-goods availability information is incorrect. Finished-goods records are inaccurate.
• Hazardous materials may be improperly stored in the warehouse, which poses a safety hazard to employees, as the product may leak into the air and expose unprotected employees to dangerous chemicals.
• Insurance rates are high.

This document can be used as a sample RCM and is not meant to be an exhaustive list of risks and controls. The KnowledgeLeader team will periodically update this RCM with new content. Organizations should select, update and modify the risks and controls included in this document to ensure that it reflects business operations.