Is it time to get your warehouse stock accuracy ready for peak season?

As the busy retail season rapidly approaches, with key dates coming in quick succession, it is widely recognised by retailers that stock must be moved both accurately and efficiently. Regardless of the sector, the upcoming demands are well understood. For this reason, ensuring that stores are correctly stocked requires a warehouse or distribution centre to perform at its best.

Accurate inventory depends on the data produced by a Warehouse Management System (WMS). However, as is often acknowledged, the quality of the output is only as good as the quality of the input. To gain a clear and comprehensive perspective, the involvement of an independent expert auditing firm, such as Orridge Supply Chain Services, can be invaluable. With independence at its core, Orridge places the accuracy of stock at the heart of everything it does. Furthermore, its expertise allows for a tailored approach to suit the specific needs of each retail operation.

Smaller retailers

Warehouse Stocktakes are a big undertaking. For smaller retailers they can be the most efficient way to get your warehouse in order. A full Wall-to-Wall Stocktake of your warehouse provides a clear and obvious snapshot of everything you have in and can confirm your level of readiness. It is exactly as it sounds. Expert auditors from Orridge, come and count every item in your warehouse against your inventory to provide you a true and accurate data set.

Larger warehouses

For larger, constantly operational warehouses, the full stop nature of a wall-to-wall stock take is often not the right solution. Perpetual Inventory checks beyond those of your WMS provision can target specific seasonal stock, in readiness for the forthcoming festivities. These are generally a more suitable method for such retailers. Running on the same premise as a wall-to-wall stock take, but in a targeted and systematic manner. They can be used to count only specific stock or run an ongoing recurring cyclical count across a whole warehouse, so as not to stop stock movement.

getting it right in January

Some companies may feel that they are set for the silly season – and ready for the ensuing chaos. For those retailers, it would be good to consider taking stock of your accuracy in January. This is the single biggest time of mass stock rejuvenation within the calendar year and a time when getting your accuracy right really sets out your stall for the coming seasons.

Perpetual Inventory Checks (PI)

For example, PI is considered ideal for businesses where the supply chain is constantly evolving or in motion. Keeping up can be challenging when multiple activities occur simultaneously, but PI checks are used to seamlessly and continuously record stock data, something that traditional wall-to-wall stocktakes are unable to achieve. Most importantly, the process can be carried out in the background, ensuring that operations are not disrupted.

Regardless of how or when it is done, maintaining a correct and accurate inventory record is seen as essential for ensuring On-Shelf Availability of must-have goods. This provides confidence that systems are prepared to support success during the upcoming retail boom.

In conclusion, if you’re looking to take your supply chain to the next level, we’re the high-performance tool your business needs to get there.

Our team of experts is ready to discuss all your supply chain inventory needs and identify the services that best support your goals. Each of our solutions is easy to implement, integrates seamlessly with your daily operations, and provides the insights you need to Go for Gold!

Get in touch with us by calling 01279 775 600 or by emailing sales@orridge.co.uk to start optimising your supply chain today!