If you are still using manual inventory counting for your business, you might want to reconsider your approach. Manual inventory counting is a common practice among businesses of all sizes, especially those that deal with physical goods. It involves manually recording and updating the quantity and location of each item in your inventory, usually by using paper forms, spreadsheets, or simple software. 

Manual inventory counting might seem like a low-cost, simple, and flexible way to manage your inventory, but it also comes with many drawbacks and challenges that can hurt your business in the long run. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the disadvantages and risks of manual inventory counting, and why you need to adopt a modern and automated inventory system that can save you time, money, and headaches.

Disadvantages of Manual Inventory Counting

If you're still counting inventory manually, you're missing out on the opportunity to streamline your operations and save valuable time. There are several disadvantages to manual counting that can be easily avoided through automation... Here are a few:

Human Error and Bias

One of the biggest problems with manual inventory counting is that it is prone to human error and bias. Humans are not perfect, and they can make mistakes when counting and recording inventory data. Some of the common sources of error and bias include typos, miscalculations, miscounts, and fraud. 

These errors and biases can lead to inaccurate and inconsistent data, which can affect your inventory reports and balance sheets. For example, if you overestimate or underestimate your inventory levels, you might end up paying more or less taxes than you should. Or, if you record the wrong location or status of your inventory items, you might lose track of them or fail to deliver them to your customers. Inaccurate and inconsistent data can also make it harder for you to analyze your inventory performance and make informed decisions.

Operational Inefficiency

Another problem with manual inventory counting is that it is time-consuming and labour-intensive. Manual inventory counting requires a lot of manual work and physical inspection of your inventory, which can take hours or even days to complete. This means that you have to allocate a lot of resources and manpower to conduct manual inventory counting, which can reduce your productivity, customer satisfaction, and strategic focus. 

For example, if you have to spend a lot of time counting and updating your inventory data, you might have less time to serve your customers, process orders, or develop new products. Or, if you have to hire extra staff or pay overtime to conduct manual inventory counting, you might incur higher labor costs and lower profits. Manual inventory counting can also disrupt your normal business operations, as you might have to close your store during the counting process, which can affect your sales and customer loyalty.

Inventory Management Challenges

A third problem with manual inventory counting is that it limits your visibility and control of your inventory levels. Manual inventory counting can only provide you with a snapshot of your inventory at a specific point in time, which might not reflect the actual and current situation of your inventory. 

Manual inventory counting can also be unreliable and outdated, as it depends on the frequency and accuracy of your counting and updating process. This means that you might not have a clear and real-time picture of how much inventory you have, where it is, and how fast it is moving. This can lead to inventory shortages or excesses, which can have negative consequences for your business. For example, if you have too little inventory, you might miss out on sales opportunities, lose customers, or damage your reputation. Or, if you have too much inventory, you might incur higher storage costs, waste resources, or face inventory obsolescence.

How to Improve Your Inventory Counting and Management with NomadGo

If you are looking for a modern and automated inventory system that can save you time, money, and headaches, you might want to check out NomadGo. NomadGo has develops an inventory automation platform that enables automated inventory counts and powers decision-making with Artificial Intelligence. NomadGo uses advanced computer vision technology and augmented reality to create a 3D digital twin of any inventory environment.

NomadGo’s platform can offer you many advantages and features, such as inventory intelligence that can connect directly to your supply chain or ERP solution. NomadGo provides you with accurate and consistent data that reflects the current and actual situation of your inventory. You can access and monitor your inventory data anytime and anywhere, using your computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can also generate and view various inventory reports and metrics, such as inventory turnover, inventory value, inventory aging, and inventory shrinkage.

NomadGo’s platform is easy to use and scalable, as it can leverage low-cost hand-held devices and work across any product and environment without added infrastructure. NomadGo’s platform also automates and optimize complex functions with accurate, real-time, and traceable data. NomadGo’s platform can help you drive margin growth, unlock revenue growth, and enhance the customer experience.

If you are interested in learning more about how NomadGo can benefit your business, or if you need assistance in choosing and implementing the best inventory system for your needs, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help you achieve your inventory goals and grow your business.

Conclusion

Manual inventory tracking is a traditional and basic method used for keeping track of inventory. However, as businesses evolve, it's crucial for organizations to change their business tactics and adopt new technology as well. Therefore, investing in an automated software system is essential for efficient inventory management.
‍