Troubleshooting: RECEIPT.QTYONHAND database becomes negative during inventory allocation

A negative inventory issue occurs when two shoppers try to buy the same product at the same time, when the inventory count is at one.

Problem

You see a negative number in the RECEIPT.QTYONHAND database, such as -1. The RECEIPT.QTYONHAND database can have a negative number when one product is requested by two shoppers at the same time.

The negative inventory is caused by an issue during inventory allocation at the order preparation stage.

Solution

Apply WebSphere Commerce fix pack 8, or apply interim fix JR50104. The interim fix is for all database types.