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Inventory time is here! While it can be a busy and stressful day, a little preparation goes a long way. We connected with System Sales Representative Heather Gillespie to gather expert tips that can help your inventory process run smoothly from start to finish.

MBS System Users: Before you begin, be sure the correct month and year are open in Arc prior to freezing inventory. This ensures your inventory posts accurately to the correct accounting period.

5 Tips to Make Inventory Go Smoothly

1. Establish a clear start time and set expectations

Create a plan for how Inventory Day will run and communicate it clearly to your team. Set expectations around:

• Break schedules

• Phone coverage

• Email access

• Meal arrangements

When everyone understands their role and the plan for the day, the process becomes much more efficient.

2. Count in the same direction for every fixture

Consistency is key. Establish a standard counting method, such as:

• Left to right

• Top to bottom

• Front to back

This makes it easier to recount items, track progress, and identify errors.

3. Count items where you find them

It may feel instinctive to move misplaced items to their correct location—but don’t.

• Count items exactly where they are found

• Before Inventory Day, walk the store to ensure items are organized and in proper locations

4. Double check every count

While time-consuming, this step is critical for accuracy. It’s much easier to correct discrepancies before posting inventory than after.

• High-risk areas

• High-value items

5. Designate a problem item area

As counting wraps up or during the double-check phase, assign an experienced team member to handle problem items. This person can:

• Identify unknown items

• Print missing barcodes

• Reference SKU books as needed

Once resolved, count these items together as a single “hodgepodge” area.

Accurate inventory is essential to your operation, and with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A structured approach and clear communication can make all the difference.

If you’re an MBS system partner, don’t forget to explore the “Gearing Up for Inventory” webinar recording available in the Resource Center for additional guidance.