Why Businesses are Moving to Automated Inventory Management
Inventory is a major headache for any small business owner, and with those headaches becoming more and more common as the success of small businesses grow, it’s no surprise that many companies are switching to automatic inventory control. This is especially useful for those who need to move their inventory between multiple locations or offsite storage facilities. For those who have not yet made this switch, we’ll discuss some of the reasons why and how you might want to consider making the change.
The Difficulties with Manually Tracking Inventory
As many small businesses grow, they often find themselves dealing with more inventory than they once had to. Managing that inventory often becomes difficult for one person, and it can be especially difficult when they need to move or store their inventory. It can also be challenging for those who do not have the resources to handle the management of the inventory (i.e., staff). The switch to automatic inventory control makes it easier to take care of these issues by doing all the heavy lifting for you.
Automated inventory management software is designed to make managing your inventory much easier. For many small business owners, the biggest headache when it comes to inventory management is counting items by hand and tracking sales. With automated inventory control, you’ll be able to reduce the amount of time you spend on these manual tasks and use that time for other priorities.
Features of Inventory Software
The most common features you’ll see in automated inventory software are automatic data entry, better accuracy, enhanced ability to adjust product pricing based on inventory and sales history, better resource allocation, access to all the data you need wherever you are (even when out with customers), seamless integration with POS systems, no more errors or issues regarding your inventory, and ease of transfer between locations.
Advantages of using automatic inventory control:
There are many reasons why small businesses might want to use automated software for their inventory. One major reason is that it can make managing and tracking your inventory easier and more accurate. You’ll also spend less time looking at numbers and tracking data and more time on the future of your business. You’ll have access to all the data you need, even when you’re out with customers, which should lead to happier customers. There are no errors or other issues with inventory, since all information is automatically inputted without mistakes. On top of that, there should be no more issues concerning inventory being lost or misplaced because everything will be managed centrally.
Disadvantages of not using automatic inventory control:
Time: The amount of time wasted on updating and counting inventory items impacts the overall productivity and efficiency of the workforce.
Accuracy: Manual counting can be inaccurate and lead to mistakes in calculations, affecting estimations of quantities and costing companies money.
Inventory System: Without an automated system, businesses need to rely on a more complicated paper system that can lead to errors as well as delayed transactions.
Storage Space: Without an automated system, businesses may not have enough storage space for their stock, leading to disruptions in supply chains and customer experience.
How to Make the Switch to an Automated Inventory System
If you’re switching to an automated inventory system, there are certain steps that you need to take before you can successfully transition. The first step is to find the right software system for your business. SecuraStock offers the only inventory management system you will ever need.
The second step is to think about how long it will take for your inventory process or process change over time. It’s important that you set aside enough time, as some changes can take up to six months for them to be fully implemented. After those six months have passed, see if there’s been an improvement in accuracy, as well as service levels and customer experience.
And finally, the last step is to find out how automated inventory management affects your customers. If you can get customers to appreciate or even prefer this change, then that’s great. However, don’t make it difficult for them either—balance customer experience with your bottom line.
A Household Name Who Has Moved to Automation
Walmart has been one of the pioneers when it comes to the use of automation. They didn’t just switch to it, they perfected it. Almost everything in their stores is automated. The automated inventory software they use feeds data back to the company’s headquarters in Arkansas. This data helps them prepare for peak demand and maintain low prices, while also managing costs and maximizing profits.
“We believe that our success in controlling distribution losses in 2008 helped us better meet our customers’ needs in 2009,” said Steven D. Nix, president and CEO of Walmart U.S., adding “The inventory management investments made over the past four years continue to pay dividends today.”
Here are the 10 reasons why you should make the switch to automated inventory control:
1. No more manual data entry
When you use software like SecuraStock, you’ll find it far easier to keep up with your inventory. It’s easy for managers and owners alike to log in, check what inventory they have at each location, and transfer it between locations.
2. Enhanced inventory control
SecuraStock offers some of the most advanced features for inventory management. With automated inventory software, you’ll have a host of tools to help you check your numbers and see how certain products are selling at each location. You can also monitor trends that can be used to predict future sales.
3. Better accuracy
When you use automated inventory management, it’s easy to keep your numbers accurate. Since all the data is entered automatically, there are no more opportunities for mistakes. That means you get better numbers at the close of each month and need less time for audits because everything is reported correctly from the beginning.
4. Easier product pricing
One of the most difficult things for small business owners to do is adjust prices based on their inventory and sales history. Using automated software like SecuraStock, you’ll be able to enjoy better consumer confidence when it comes to your prices by making sure they’re always current and accurate.
5. Better resource allocation
The time it takes to handle inventory will decrease significantly using automated software. You can spend less time struggling with your numbers and more time focusing on the future of your business and how you’re going to reach new levels of success.
6. Better flexibility and mobility
With SecuraStock, you’ll be able to access all the data you need wherever you are. The software is web-based, which means it will work on any PC or device that can connect to the internet. This allows you to access inventory data even when you’re visiting a customer or working at home.
7. Better Customer Service
One of the best ways to attract new customers and build relationships is by making sure all your customers are happy. When they ask about inventory numbers, you no longer need to fumble for an answer because all the data is available through your automated inventory software.
8. Seamless integration
If you’re using other software (i.e., POS), then it can often become extremely difficult to import and export inventory. With SecuraStock, you’ll have a smooth integration process that allows for easy transfer of data between your POS and the automated software.
9. No more errors
When you use automated inventory management software, you can be confident there are no mistakes being made along the way. There are no more chances for human error when all the information is entered automatically.
10. No more inventory issues
Automated software makes it easy to manage, shift, and track all your inventory so you can be confident that nothing is ever lost or misplaced. You’ll always know exactly where everything is located at all times.
Conclusion
In conclusion, automated inventory control can help small businesses in a number of ways. For one thing, it eliminates the need for manual data entry and paper-based systems that are prone to errors. This enhanced inventory management system also provides better flexibility and mobility options. Automated inventory management is a great way to increase customer satisfaction while maximizing profits for your company at the same time!