> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.inventory-hq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Pull Material from a Job: Move Stock and Record Cost

> Pull materials onto a job to deduct stock and record costs. Learn how to handle zero-stock pulls and why negative inventory is an intentional audit flag.

Pulling material is the action that moves stock in Inventory HQ. It deducts the quantity from the selected location and puts the cost on the job. This page shows you how to pull materials step by step, including what to do when the system shows zero on hand.

## How to pull material

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the job">
    Go to the job detail page and click **Pull Material**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pre-fill from a template or assignment (optional)">
    Choose a **Template** or an **Assigned Material** from the dropdown to pre-fill the lines.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select location, material, and quantity">
    Select the location, the material, and enter the quantity you are pulling.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add more lines if needed">
    Click **+** to add more material lines.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit the pull">
    Click **Pull Material** to submit. The stock count drops and the cost is added to the job.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Pulling when stock shows zero (negative inventory)

You can still pull material when the system shows zero on hand. The crew has the material in front of them, so the movement must be recorded.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enter a positive quantity">
    Enter the quantity you are pulling as a positive number. Never type a negative quantity.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit the pull as normal">
    Click **Pull Material**. The stock count for that item will go negative.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Notify your production manager">
    Tell your production manager that a negative pull occurred so it can be corrected at the next restock or physical audit.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  The negative count is intentional. It is the audit flag telling you the physical count and the system were out of sync, so it can be corrected at the next restock or physical audit. Entering a negative quantity yourself, or skipping the pull entirely, hides the discrepancy and breaks the job cost.
</Warning>

## Related articles

* [Assign Material](/jobs/assign-material)
* [Return Material](/jobs/return-material)
* [Partial Materials](/inventory/partial-materials)
* [Closing Jobs](/jobs/closing-jobs)