If you think back to the last time you said, “it’s easier if I just do it myself”, you probably won’t be surprised that it was only a couple of hours ago. Whether it was a task associated with laundry, getting something from another room, or putting up a flat pack desk, it’s more than likely that we will give into the task ourselves, rather than relying on someone else to complete it.

So, why are some retail outlets still outsourcing third parties to do their inventory count for them?

Working in retail is a busy and demanding environment, with time-consuming tasks pushed aside for other priorities, such as great customer service or assisting with another colleague. So, effectively it may make sense to delegate someone else to do these tasks such as inventory count and management.

Physical inventory counts are to ensure 2 main things:

1. To help retailers have the correct supply and demand for their store
2. Improve customer fulfilment – prevent store walkouts and customer unsatisfaction

Retailers must ensure they have complete control over the process, and that the inventory data is credible, as well as accessible for analysis and application of results. Continuity is also key and should be adhered to during each inventory process. In order to ensure you are making correct and critical business decisions, the outsourced employers must be accurately doing in-house counts every single time, with inventory reports analysed and sent in a timely manner. Any delays or errors can cause major ramifications that can be more costly and time-consuming.

With all this in mind, it makes us wonder why so many stores choose to adhere to this method, when there’s a more efficient and effective solution.

So, what’s the alternative?

With mobile-enabled inventory counts, your own employees can perform the inventory counts themselves, with no outsourcing required. You can therefore reduce miscounts, increase accountability and get more accessible data for employees to then automatically analyse it. Which is why these self-directed inventory programs have truly become the most accurate way to manage inventory count.

With a self-directed program you can take back the control of your inventory process, as well as ensure continuity to increase the credibility of your data. All whilst reducing costs along the way. Although it may seem easier to ask someone else to take care of your stock count, we strongly recommend delegating your in-store colleagues to do your physical inventory counts. With the correct procedure in place, as well as the right mobile scanning devices the task is done just as efficiently.

With Zebra Technologies scanning devices, and inventory applications, your inventory count will be simple and easy to use, with minimal training required before the in-house task is started. Feedback on Zebra’s mobile devices have suggested that you can reduce out of stock by 50%*, increasing your loss prevention and therefore keeping more customers in store.

Your in-store employees know your store better than anyone else, and their endless knowledge on stock count, merchandising and auditing procedures all contribute to count accuracy, therefore improving your inventory tasks by taking on a self-directed program.

Buy online and pickup-in-store models are now more popular than ever, which also adds extra pressure on your store to have the correct inventory process in place, as well as enough stock for demand. Which is why we need to stress the importance of having a reliable way to ensure inventory accuracy. Because in these times it’s now more crucial than ever to ensure your store is thriving in every single aspect.

For more information on how you can implement a self-directed inventory program into your store, feel free to contact us.