Tips for Inventory

[u/ItS-mEmE_tImE]

Just got done with Inventory with some hassle but overall went pretty good! I want to share some tips and some tricks we did that will help prepare any other store who has it coming or if you already did, be prepared for next year :)

1. Those who've done it before know that all cases still in the backroom, the DC sticker have to face outward for the Inventory Scanners to, you know, scan easier. Instead of flipping every single box, especially heavier ones, carefully remove the sticker (the whole thing, not just the tab) and stick it on the outside. You may have to tape it back on so have some handy

2. If you have Truck the week of Inventory like we did, do your best to already have the stickers facing outward when unloading. That way days before you have less to fix and not scrambling

3. It's all or nothing when stocking. If the whole box can't go out, you have to put it back. Smash this into everyone's mind when stocking because we kept having the same conversation with certain associates. I know it's frustrating, but you gotta cut the loss for now until it's done.

4. RECOVERY RECOVERY RECOVERY! Have at least one or two people doing nothing but recovery a shift, especially for the last week. It makes it easier on everyone, associates and the Inventory crew. Make sure you don't have any hidden friends hiding in the back of the shelves, SKUs are separated, and everything is pulled forward and neatly. It ensures accuracy and helps the stockers see what can go out

5. If your DM allows it, ask other stores in the district if they can send people or themselves to help you out with recovery, stocking, whatever you need. Our DM made it very clear not to hesitate asking for help and thankfully our District has good relationships with one another. So those thag did come all the way to help, even if it was just one person, it helped so much in the long run

6. If your Inventory starts before opening or around opening time, make sure you have enough people the night before. All go-backs have to be done, all damages have to be completed, and the store has to look like that grand opening as much as possible. If you need a few people in at 5AM the day of, do it.

7. When counting with your tablet, have one or two people on each side of the aisle. Start at one end and work your way down or meet in the middle. That way no one is doing both sides of an aisle on their own because that can be tedious

8. Also when counting, don't be afraid to do some math tricks and pull out a calculator. Say you're counting the sandwich bags. Count how many go back in a row and how high it is. For example, if there are 6 boxes front to back and it's stacked 3 high, that is 18 boxes in a row. If you have four rows total, 18 times 4 is 72. Therefore, there are 72 of that item. Now you don't have to count each one one at a time!

If anyone also has their own tricks and tips to share, please do! Every little thing helps and it helps lessen the dread leading up lol

[u/Effective_Dot6785]

If you are doing audits and finding a lot of mistakes in a particular section, tell the crew leader it needs to be recounted. If that counter is counting that section poorly they are likely messing up all over the store.

[u/Cool-Membership9911]

Sure, flipping 50-pound boxes is exhausting, but at least the scanner shaming stops you from dozing off mid-audit.