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In an increasingly global and digital marketplace, the ability to monitor, track and control your inventory efficiently has never been more critical to your business' success.
Inventory counting apps and platforms aim to revolutionize how you manage your inventory, making it possible to oversee inventory data entry, track items and visualize stock levels at a moment's notice, no matter where you are.
In this guide, you'll learn:
Let's jump in!
An inventory counting app is a software tool designed to facilitate the tracking and counting of inventory items, often in real-time, for efficient stock management.
These apps are most commonly accessible on mobile devices, allowing users instant access to crucial inventory data anytime, anywhere.
Traditionally, inventory counting was a labor-intensive task that required manual counting and data entry, often leading to human error and inefficiencies.
However, inventory counting apps dramatically simplify and optimize this process.
The cornerstone of these apps is their real-time tracking functionality.
The ability to scan barcodes, swiftly enter product information and synchronize data with existing inventory management systems gives businesses an upper hand in managing their stock.
Before moving on, we need to clarify what we mean by "inventory counting app."
Inventory counting apps generally fall into standalone apps and full-scale inventory management solutions with mobile functionality.
Both options have unique strengths and potential limitations and the choice between them often depends on your business's specific needs and scale.
As the name suggests, standalone inventory counting apps are dedicated applications you can download directly from your mobile device's app store.
These apps are generally easy to use, with user-friendly interfaces designed for straightforward inventory count tasks such as barcode scanning, manual data entry and basic data tracking.
Pros: Standalone apps are typically straightforward to set up and use, making them ideal for small businesses or startups that need a simple, effective way to keep track of inventory levels.
They also tend to be more affordable than full-scale inventory management solutions.
Cons: However, these apps might not offer advanced features or scalability for larger businesses or those with more complex inventory needs.
They may also lack integration with other business systems, which could result in a need for manual data transfer or duplication of efforts.
On the other side of the spectrum, we have full-scale inventory management solutions like Linnworks, which come with mobile app support.
These systems offer a comprehensive suite of features, encompassing inventory count and other crucial aspects of inventory management like order processing, forecasting and analytics.
Pros: These solutions can handle large volumes of inventory and complex business operations, making them suitable for medium to large businesses.
They also often integrate with other business systems, ensuring seamless data flow and eliminating the need for manual data transfers.
Cons: However, they can be more costly and require more time to set up and learn. Smaller businesses may find these solutions overkill for their simpler inventory needs.
The primary features of inventory counting apps include:
Inventory counting apps boost stock count accuracy and efficiency. By enabling swift barcode scanning and mitigating human error, they ensure a more reliable cycle count and robust inventory control.
These apps allow real-time inventory monitoring, revolutionizing yearly stock counting. They auto-refresh inventory levels, eliminate manual adjustments and help prevent stockouts and overstocking, promoting optimal inventory levels year-round.
Inventory counting apps provide remote inventory management, offering flexibility for store owners. By simplifying these tasks, owners can focus more on core operations and customer satisfaction.
Key Features: Linnworks brings robust inventory management capabilities, comprehensive sales analytics, personalized navigation and compatibility with accounting tools such as QuickBooks and Xero.
Benefits: Linnworks offers a unified platform to manage inventory, sales and purchasing data, with an intuitive interface and automated procedures to save time and improve efficiency.
Limitations: It integrates with several shipping carriers but lacks a built-in shipping module. While the mobile inventory app functionality can be accessed from any mobile browser, there is currently only support for a standalone Android app.
Pricing: Request a demo to learn more about Linnworks' pricing plans.
Key Features: ASAP Systems offers features such as remote data collection, offline inventory and asset access, auto-generated analytics and alerts and real-time updates when scanning items.
Benefits: The app improves productivity and allows users to optimize their data and map and audit their assets.
Limitations: Some users have reported occasional system freezes and slow barcode scanning.
Pricing: ASAP Systems offers a 21-day free trial with three plans: Lite ($45 per user per month), Standard ($95 per user per month) and Professional ($145 per user per month).
Key Features: Fishbowl Inventory offers streamlined inventory functionalities, actionable data insights, customized navigation and integration with cloud accounting software like QuickBooks Pro and Xero.
Benefits: It provides a centralized platform for managing inventory and manufacturing data, with a user-friendly interface and automation of tasks.
Limitations: The app doesn't support voice-to-pick or pick-to-light, collaborative inventory support or ecommerce or shipping modules.
Pricing: Fishbowl Inventory offers a licensing model that starts at an annual cost of $4,395 per user.
Key Features: Sortly includes offline mode, a customizable dashboard and streamlined shipping processes with custom reports and a built-in scanner.
Benefits: It's designed to be affordable and easy to use, with essential features included even in lower-tier subscription plans.
Limitations: Sortly has limited integrations and minimal SCM functions beyond inventory management.
Pricing: Sortly offers a 14-day free trial, with four plans: Free (up to 100 entries per month), Advanced ($29/month or $348/year for up to 2,000 entries per month), Ultra ($59/month or $708/year for up to 10,000 entries per month) and Enterprise (custom quote for unlimited entries).
Workshops, explanatory materials and hands-on practice can equip your team with the necessary understanding of the app's functionality, minimizing errors in inventory management.
Determine count frequency based on your business needs and product turnover, committing dedicated time to maintain the inventory database.
Tracking popular products, customer trends and seasonal fluctuations allows for data-driven optimization of stock levels, waste reduction and profitability improvement.
Choose an inventory counting app that can integrate with your existing inventory system for seamless data transfer and reduced errors.
Opt for an app with an intuitive layout and features like barcode scanning and voice recognition for improved efficiency in inventory counting.
As your business evolves, your inventory app should adapt to your changing needs. Choose an app that offers customization options and can handle increasing inventory items and users.
Compare pricing plans of different apps, considering factors like purchase vs. subscription fees, costs for advanced features and price per user/device. A free trial or demo version can help you evaluate the app before purchasing.
Investigate the company's support resources, such as tutorials, customer service, user forums and response times. Reliable support ensures you can make the most of your app and quickly address any issues.
Inventory counting apps offer business owners an advanced inventory management solution by promoting increased efficiency, real-time updates and superior flexibility.
However, the key to reaping the benefits lies in careful selection and efficient app implementation.
Evaluate potential apps based on compatibility, ease of use, scalability, pricing and available customer support to find the best fit for your business.
Once you've successfully integrated an inventory counting app into your operations, you'll be well-equipped to streamline your inventory management processes, make informed business decisions and propel your ecommerce store toward greater success.
Speak to us to find out how Linnworks can connect and automate your commerce operations so you can capture every revenue opportunity.
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