inventory control software combined with disciplined inventory control procedures.
Recently I was working with some stores who complained about their new inventory control software not allowing negative inventory levels and requiring them to receive inventory before they could sell it. Their previous system had allowed them to sell inventory even if the inventory control software was saying there was no inventory or the inventory level was negative.
The point is, if you want to control your inventory then you need to have inventory control software that forces you and your staff to follow the rules. The moment a system allows negative inventory levels then you can no longer trust the system. A good inventory control software ensure you have the tools to accurately manage your inventory.
What are the key components of a good inventory control software system?
A. Easy to use comprehensive product management tools
This includes flexible pricing, category/department classification, support for customer specific pricing and powerful re-pricing tools to make the management of your margins as simple as possible
B. Purchase order generation and management tools
Whether you have a small or large product range tools that show inventory that has hit re-order levels and other inventory level and purchase order integration tools are vital in a good inventory control software solution.
C. Incoming goods
Ability to select the linked purchase order, support for back orders and purchase order adjustments are all important. Another great feature in the PBSAPOS inventory control software solution was the ability to adjust the fixed retail price via the incoming goods screen. There also needs to be support for supplier returns.
D. inventory take and inventory adjustments
As inventory is lost or damaged or moved between locations you need tools to make the inventory adjustments to ensure your system remains accurate. In addition a simple to use inventory take module is imperative in any good inventory control software solution.
E. inventory Reports
It is imperative that you have reports on inventory movement, inventory sales margins, inventory that needs re-ordering, inventory take reports, inventory that is expiring (vital for fresh produce stores) and inventory that is not moving
These are just some of the important features you need to consider when you look at inventory control software.
The other aspect is that no matter how good the inventory control software, it is the user who has to manage the system. This requires discipline to input inventory adjustments, to input movement of inventory between locations and incoming goods procedures to ensure that what was ordered actually arrived. This is your responsibility.
I wish you all the bedt of success with managing your inventory.
If you are looking for a solid inventory control software
solution then PBSAPOS is what you have been looking for.
Review the modules including Product management
and Purchase orders and stock control