Stock take — it’s one of the most important, yet most dreaded tasks in retail and warehouse operations. Whether you’re managing a boutique, a chain of outlets, or a large warehouse, stock take ensures what you have on paper (or in your ERP) actually matches what’s on the shelf.
Done right, stocktaking gives you control. Done wrong, it leads to inventory chaos, lost revenue, and frustrated staff.
At iDCP, we help retailers and distributors simplify this process with mobile inventory management that’s faster, more accurate, and fully integrated into your ERP system.
What is Stocktaking?
Stocktaking, or a stock take, is the process of physically counting and checking all inventory items to ensure records are accurate. It helps identify:
- Shrinkage or loss
- Overstocking and understocking
- Misplaced or unsold items
- Gaps between your system and actual stock levels
Traditionally, stock take requires printed lists, manual counting, and back-and-forth data entry. It’s time-consuming, error-prone, and often disrupts daily business operations.
How Often Should You Perform a Stock Take?
Here are the most common types of stocktaking used in retail and warehouse settings:
1. Annual Stock Take
Usually done at year-end for financial reporting.
2. Periodic Stock Take
Performed quarterly or monthly, especially for high-value or fast-moving items.
3. Cycle Counting
A rotating count of specific categories over time — ideal for high-volume warehouses.
4. Spot Check
Quick checks on selected items to verify accuracy.
What Fashion Retailers Should Consider During Stock Take
Fashion retailers face unique challenges when it comes to inventory — and these must be considered to ensure an accurate and smooth stock take process.
👕 Same Item, Multiple Variants
A single style may come in multiple sizes and colors (e.g., SKU for T-Shirt A in Red S, M, L, XL). During stock take, every variant must be counted individually to avoid over/underreporting.
Tip: Use barcode/RFID scanning to distinguish between variants — don’t rely on visual sorting alone.
🧥 High SKU Volume
Fashion brands often carry hundreds or thousands of SKUs, including seasonal or limited-time items. Without proper categorization, stock take becomes overwhelming.
Tip: Use filters by brand, category, or collection in your ERP to break the count into manageable segments.
📦 Off-Shelf Inventory
Don’t forget what’s not on display — fitting room returns, storeroom stock, transfers in transit, or items on consignment.
Tip: IDCP’s mobile tools help track on-hand and in-transit stock in one place, reducing blind spots.
🏷️ Tag Swaps or Mislabeling
Tags can get mixed up easily, especially during sales. An XL might be tagged as M, or the wrong color is scanned.
Tip: Always scan barcodes, not hang tags, to ensure correct SKU identification during counting.
🔁 Frequent Turnover & Restocks
Fast fashion means new items arrive frequently. You may be receiving goods at the same time you're doing a count.
Tip: Use a mobile ERP system that supports partial or rolling counts, so you don’t have to freeze operations.
👠 Visual Similarities
Shoes, bags, and accessories may look nearly identical but have different SKUs. Counting by sight alone is risky.
Tip: Barcoding and product images on the mobile device can help staff verify they’re scanning the correct item.
The Problem with Manual Stock Take
Manual stock takes slow down operations and lead to:
- Errors in counting or re-keying data
- Staff fatigue, especially during large counts
- Business downtime during count sessions
- Delayed updates to ERP systems
This is especially problematic for multi-outlet retailers and large warehouses, where inventory volume is high and movement is constant.
How iDCP Solves It: Inventory Mobile App
iDCP Inventory Mobile App transforms stock take into a smart, mobile-driven process:
✅ Real-Time Sync
Your counts are updated directly into the ERP system. No waiting. No re-entry.
✅ Scan-Based Counting
Use mobile devices to scan barcodes/RFID and count stock on the spot. Eliminate paper, reduce errors.
✅ Flexible Counting Methods
Support for full counts, cycle counts, or spot checks — choose what works best for your business.
✅ Outlet-to-HQ Visibility
Multi-branch businesses get full visibility of ongoing stock takes, with tools to manage discrepancies instantly.
✅ Works Online & Offline
Continue your count even without Wi-Fi. Sync when you’re back online.
With iDCP, we’ve helped our clients:
- Complete large warehouse stock takes 60% faster
- Count over 1.3 million stock units using mobile scanners
- Manage 2,880 pallet positions without missing a beat
- Reduce counting errors by more than 75%
iDCP inventory mobile app is built into our ERP system — not a third-party plugin — so everything connects in real-time.
Final Tip: Don’t Wait for Year-End
Stock take shouldn’t only happen during audit season. With mobile tools, you can perform rolling cycle counts anytime — without halting operations. Smart retailers don’t just do stock take. They own their inventory process.
Ready to simplify your next stock take?
Let iDCP show you how inventory mobile app can save time, reduce errors, and give you better control.
👉For more information about iDCP Systems, direct message us at https://wa.me/60129379260 or visit our official page www.idcp.my.
