DukaSmart editorial team ·
Check deliveries as they arrive
Compare delivered quantities and condition with the supplier's note before shelving goods. Record shortages and damage promptly so the stock figure starts from what was actually received.
Separate duties where practical
For higher-risk stock, have a second person verify receiving or periodic counts when staffing allows. Keep access and adjustment responsibilities clear.
Count strategically and investigate
Schedule regular counts for valuable and fast-moving products. When numbers differ, review recent sales, purchases, returns, damage, and adjustments to find the cause.
Record all stock movement
A stock count cannot explain a discrepancy on its own. Record sales, received purchases, returns, damaged items, and other adjustments close to when they happen.
Use alerts as an early signal
Low-stock alerts can help identify a product that is selling faster than expected or has not been replenished. They are a prompt to investigate, not proof of loss.
Questions readers ask
Can inventory software prevent theft?
No software can guarantee that. Clear access, receiving checks, physical counts, and timely records can help surface suspicious or accidental differences.
How often should I investigate a stock mismatch?
Investigate promptly while recent delivery, sale, or adjustment details are still easy for the team to confirm.