How to Speed Up Inventory Counts & Reduce Manual Work
Speed up inventory counts and reduce manual work by replacing paper records and spreadsheets with barcode scanning, inventory management software, and regular cycle counts. Instead of counting everything at once, businesses can schedule smaller counts based on item usage, record quantities digitally, and identify discrepancies sooner. eTurns TrackStock simplifies the process with mobile scanning, customizable cycle counting schedules, and automated inventory replenishment.
Why Does Inventory Counting Take So Long?
A full physical inventory count involves checking every item in stock, which can disrupt normal operations. Cycle counting offers another approach by dividing inventory into smaller groups that employees count on a regular schedule. Instead of counting everything at once, teams can schedule counts based on item usage and inventory priorities. This makes inventory counting easier to manage and helps identify discrepancies sooner.
4 Ways to Make Inventory Counting More Efficient
Businesses looking to reduce counting time can start with a few practical improvements:
Use barcode or QR code scanning. Identify items with a quick scan instead of manually entering long part numbers.
Count smaller groups of inventory. Schedule regular cycle counts rather than relying entirely on large physical inventory counts.
Prioritize frequently used items. Count critical or fast-moving supplies more often than slow-moving items.
Use inventory counting software. Record counts digitally, identify missed items, and compare physical quantities with inventory records.
These improvements can reduce repetitive work and help employees spend less time correcting avoidable errors.
How eTurns TrackStock Helps Speed Up Cycle Counts
eTurns TrackStock helps businesses organize and complete cycle counts using a mobile app. Employees can scan an item's barcode or QR code, view its information, and enter the physically counted quantity. TrackStock also supports custom counting schedules, inventory categories, and notifications when an item is missed. When updated counts fall below preset minimum stock levels, the software can initiate replenishment. For businesses using TrackStock SensorBins, weight sensors can also measure inventory quantities without manual counting for the items being monitored.
From Two Hours a Day to Five Minutes Every Two Weeks
“In the past, I spent at least two hours a day personally counting materials for the next day's jobs. With eTurns, it only takes me 5 minutes every two weeks. It gives me data on usage, quantity on hand, min/max levels, and much more.”
Read the M&L Electrical Case Study: See the Time Savings
How Smilebuilderz Reduced Inventory Counting Time by 70%
Smilebuilderz, a dental practice with three locations, previously relied on spreadsheets, hand counting, and manual calculations to manage inventory. After implementing eTurns TrackStock, employees began using mobile scanning to record inventory information and count more frequently. The company's inventory controller reported spending 70% less time counting, cataloging, categorizing, and maintaining inventory. The improved process also reduced the need for additional staff and overtime during inventory counts.
"I needed the ability to streamline our ordering, tracking, and replenishment process, and have all the information across three locations, and data from 20+ vendors accessible from a single application."
Read the Smilebuilderz Case Study: See the 70% Time Savings
Spend Less Time Counting and More Time Working
The goal is to make inventory counts faster without sacrificing accuracy. Employees may still need to physically count products, but scanning, scheduled cycle counts, and better inventory records can make that work more manageable. Whether you're responsible for a stockroom, service trucks, or supplies across multiple locations, eTurns TrackStock provides tools to simplify inventory counting and reduce unnecessary manual work.
Ready to simplify your inventory counts? Explore eTurns TrackStock cycle counting features to see how the app can support your inventory process.
Frequently Asked Questons
Start by reducing the time employees spend recording counts and entering information manually. Barcode or QR code scanning allows workers to identify items quickly and record quantities digitally. eTurns TrackStock lets employees scan items with a mobile app, enter physical counts, and update inventory information without relying on paper counting sheets. Regular cycle counts can also spread the workload throughout the month instead of leaving everything for one large count.
It depends on how frequently items are used, their value, and their history of inventory discrepancies. Fast-moving or critical supplies may need weekly counts, while slower-moving items can often be counted less frequently. TrackStock supports ABC inventory classifications and scheduled cycle counts, helping businesses organize which items need attention. The goal is to catch inventory problems before they affect daily operations.
Inventory records can become inaccurate when employees forget to record usage, items are placed in the wrong location, or receiving quantities are entered incorrectly. Counting inventory more frequently may uncover these problems, but accurate records also depend on recording inventory movements consistently. TrackStock allows employees to scan items as they are used, helping keep recorded quantities current between physical counts.
Yes. Inventory counting software can reduce the need for printed counting sheets and separate spreadsheet updates. With TrackStock, employees can use a smartphone or tablet to scan an item's barcode or QR code and enter the quantity counted. The information is recorded in the inventory system, reducing duplicate data entry and making counts easier to manage. Employees still physically count the products, but the recording process becomes more efficient.
Yes. Cycle counting provides updated inventory quantities that businesses can use to make better replenishment decisions. TrackStock lets users establish minimum and maximum inventory levels for individual items. During a cycle count, the software compares the recorded quantity with those settings and can generate a replenishment order when stock falls below the minimum. This helps businesses respond to low inventory without waiting for the next full physical count.
