The Benefits of Department Counting

If the prospect of organising, administering, and analysing the annual stocktake, with staff morale often taking a dip as the time comes around again, which can make it feel even more like a daunting task, a strong alternative is cycle or targeted department counts.

Cycle or department counting has key measurables over just annual counting:

?1)???? Reducing the cost by not using overtime or costly holiday hours needed to pay employees.

2)???? Targeting count activity at key trading points of the year, can increase on-shelf availability and therefore an up-lift in sales on key selling lines.

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A recent trend we have seen is targeted counting ahead of seasonal or important retail events such as Christmas, Easter, or Valentines Day. By completing stocktakes on crucial selling lines or departments ahead of time, companies are making sure that there is the right quantity of stock in the exactly where it needs to be!

?Best practice?

?One of the most popular methods, when determining what and when to count is the ABC method. Using this method a company designates inventory items based on value or the inventory turnover as A, B or C items.

?‘A’ items are considered most critical and are counted frequently throughout the year. The ‘C’ items typically will be slower selling lines or low value and therefore carry less risk to the business.

?Blind counting is Orridge’s preferred method of checking during any type of stocktake activity. Firstly, the process restricts the user’s ability to make adjustments to count data without first having it checked by a supervisor.

Secondly, it enforces the checking process, as the first count is not visible to the end user, making this the most disciplined approach.

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The Orridge Effect

?By outsourcing department counts to Orridge, we can help business get a grip on their accuracy drift and help drive better sales through improved stock availability. We offer a range of different approaches, but all our solutions are bespoke and respond to the individual needs of the business.

?By outsourcing your inventory and stocktake needs, you can let an independent and expert team of counters help you minimise the issues surrounding an annual stocktake. You do not have to add more employees to your staff list, Orridge’s team of dedicated professionals will work with you to understand your problems as you see it.

By Andy Wise , Retail Sales Executive