This Question is Answered

1 "correct" answer available (5 pts)
Post a new topic
12 Replies Last post: Jul 15, 2009 10:38 PM by KARLAAMAYA

Tracking Inventory

Apr 29, 2008 9:52 AM

Click to view caffeinated's profile Mogul caffeinated 176 posts since
Apr 29, 2008

Can anyone recommend some affordable inventory software? One that illustrates trends and can assist in forecasting? I am an owner of a gourmet coffee shop and am finding it difficult to track what I have left in storage. Come reordering time, I find myself overstocked with certain items, and understocked with others. Telling a customer I'm all out of large cups and having them order a medium is money out of my pocket.
Report as inappropriate
Click to view Bluesuit's profile Mogul Bluesuit 136 posts since
Oct 23, 2007
1. Re: Tracking Inventory Apr 29, 2008 2:34 PM
Hi there, I don't know if this website is overkill for your needs, but it lists a lot of inventory tracking software solutions. Check it out: http://www.capterra.com/inventory-managem
ent-software
Click to view LUCKIEST's profile SCORE LUCKIEST 7,938 posts since
Aug 6, 2007
2. Re: Tracking Inventory Apr 29, 2008 10:11 PM
Tracking Inventory, Welcome to this web site.
I am a Quickbooks Consultant and YES Quickbooks does a great job of keeping
*track of inventory. It does NOT * illustrates trends.
Good luck, LUCKIEST
Click to view puzzleman's profile Mogul puzzleman 293 posts since
Oct 11, 2007
3. Re: Tracking Inventory May 3, 2008 6:19 PM
Caffeinated, Inventory does not have to be on software. I have done inventory on paper for many years in several restaurants and businesses that I managed. I found it easier for me to have it physically done each week.

What I did was create a page that had a row for each item and 3 columns for each week. On each Monday, I would physically count each item by each or case (whichever is easier). That number would go in column A of that week. If I wanted to order an item, I would put that number in column c. The next week, I would count again. Put the count in column A of that week. Then add up columns A and C from previous week, then subtract the amount in column A of this week. Place that number in column B. That is the amount of inventory used that week. If need to order again, put that amount in column C. If this is done every week on a regular basis, you will have a history of what is used each week. this will let you know when you need to re-order product. Once you get used to this, it takes about 20 - 30 minutes to make your order.

If want more info, give me a call at 314 524 4993.

Jim
Click to view caffeinated's profile Mogul caffeinated 176 posts since
Apr 29, 2008
4. Re: Tracking Inventory May 27, 2008 1:56 PM
in response to: puzzleman
thank you puzzleman for taking the time to respond! i use a spreadsheet to track inventory today, but its very manual intensive. i'm looking to be be more automated.....something that ties the sales at the register to my inventory. Then, at the end of the week/month, i can just click a button and the software spits out a report of exactly what i need....
Click to view puzzleman's profile Mogul puzzleman 293 posts since
Oct 11, 2007
5. Re: Tracking Inventory May 5, 2008 6:21 PM
in response to: caffeinated
You will still need to do a physical inventory on a regular basis to account for theft, donations and extra items used that are not accounted for in your POS system. Relying only on it will lead to problems. You need to find, look at and investigate variances.

Jim
Click to view caffeinated's profile Mogul caffeinated 176 posts since
Apr 29, 2008
6. Re: Tracking Inventory May 27, 2008 1:56 PM
in response to: puzzleman
puzzleman, good point!! i've noticed that when people order a cold drink (which comes in a plastic cup), they want to keep their hands dry so they ask for a foam cup to to put it in to catch the sweat....that sounds kind of gross, i mean to catch the condensation.
Click to view puzzleman's profile Mogul puzzleman 293 posts since
Oct 11, 2007
7. Re: Tracking Inventory May 7, 2008 5:01 PM
in response to: caffeinated
Caffinated, If people are asking for a foam cup to put around their plastic cup, you are using two cups. Wouldn't it be easier to just put the cold drinks in a foam cup? That way you only have one cup going out instead of two (cuts costs) and you do not have to stock two different items, just one (saves time and storage space). Just a thought. I don't know the cost difference, so that is something that you would have to figure out.

I know that with my business, I try to stock as few different containers as possible. I have changed the sizes of some so they do double duty. Even though the cost per piece is slightly higher, I benefit by using less storage place, fewer items to keep track of and gets rid of clutter at the packing area.

Jim
Click to view Chief.Don's profile Start-up Chief.Don 1 posts since
May 7, 2008
8. Re: Tracking Inventory May 7, 2008 5:24 PM
I use Microsoft Office Accounting 2008

get a trail version at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/account
ing/FX100518171033.aspx

If you need something more powerful checkout their dynamics product.

regards
Click to view caffeinated's profile Mogul caffeinated 176 posts since
Apr 29, 2008
9. Re: Tracking Inventory May 8, 2008 2:43 PM
in response to: puzzleman
thx puzzleman. when i first started out, i modeled after a major franchise. they use styrofoam cups for hot liquids (better insulator) and plastic for cold (didnt matter because it had ice). but you're right, perhaps its time to shop around for a new vendor
Click to view puzzleman's profile Mogul puzzleman 293 posts since
Oct 11, 2007
10. Re: Tracking Inventory May 8, 2008 6:32 PM
in response to: caffeinated
Caffinated, Thanks for the answer star. I have some of my best ideas from watching and talking to my customers. I just try to pay attention to what they are doing and see if it helps me.

This has worked for me numerous times in creating and/or modifying products.

Jim
Click to view clnshirtz's profile Mogul clnshirtz 23 posts since
Feb 8, 2008
11. Re: Tracking Inventory May 8, 2008 11:55 PM
in response to: caffeinated
We use dajisoft, which would be useless to you in your business, but my point is that there are likely customize s/w solutions for coffee shops. Have you checked with any trade organizations or even your wholesalers to see if they can make any suggestions?

My guess is someone has noticed the explosion in coffee shops and built a nice little business out of meeting your inventory tracking needs
Click to view KARLAAMAYA's profile Mogul KARLAAMAYA 42 posts since
Jan 15, 2009
12. Re: Tracking Inventory Jul 15, 2009 10:38 PM

Hi Caffeinated,

I am a virtual assistant who provides Supply and Inventory management for my clients. I first make a list of all supplies they use, then make a spreadsheet with different columns. Depending on their needs I make a list with what items they have on hand, how often used, etc. If you need help, contact me maybe I can assist you. karla@yourpracticaladmin.com .

Karla

http://www.yourpracticaladmin.com

Most Recent Forum Posts

Legend

  • Open Question
  • Answered Question
  • New content since your last visit
  • Updated content since your last visit
  • Content you have read