What is an inventory count?

An inventory count is exactly what it sounds like - a count of your inventory. It is vital to ensure that your physical inventory is accurately reflected in your business management system. Yes, inventory management software is pretty reliable nowadays, but human error happens. 

At the end of the month, quarter, or year, you need to go into your warehouse and count your inventory to ensure everything is accurate and current. During an inventory count, you will enter your warehouse and inspect your stock. You are looking to ensure that it is in the correct quantity, in the right place, and not damaged. 

When conducting this process, you will want to ensure that no changes can happen to your inventory. If you are in the middle of an inventory count and an order comes into the warehouse, it will erase hours of hard work. A system that allows you to “lock” warehouses and locations will save you from this frustration. It’s also essential to have a system that gives you live data so that you can get back to work once you are done counting.

• How to perform a physical inventory count