Choosing an inventory counting service is no small decision. Proper inventory management can significantly impact business operations, ensuring orders are filled promptly, and products are always in stock. But, with numerous options on the market, how do you select the right one? This guide will explore the key factors you should prioritize in your search.
Adaptability
The business world is in constant flux, and inventory needs can change at a moment’s notice. As such, adaptability is crucial.
Handling Unforeseen Variables
Take the example of a warehouse project where an external party, like a 3PL provider, introduces new requirements, such as capturing LPN or license plate numbers. In this case, the need arose for validating five different variables, even though the system was initially designed to handle only four.
This adaptability ensures that sudden inventory changes, like those happening in a short 48-hour window, can be accommodated. It’s about thinking on your feet, finding solutions, and not being stifled by unexpected challenges.
Expertise Matters
Your inventory counting service should be more than just a counter; they should be experts. They must be familiar with potential issues, can guide you away from common pitfalls, and most crucially, adapt swiftly when the unexpected occurs.
Tailored Tech Solutions
Different inventory environments have different needs. Retail spaces, for instance, might not require location validation since locations are temporary. Contrastingly, a warehouse, with its vastness and specific product locations, needs tech that can validate specific spots.
Simply porting retail technology to a warehouse can lead to significant challenges. Your chosen service should have a diverse technological arsenal, ensuring each unique project’s requirements are met.
Experience
The saying goes, “Experience is the best teacher,” and this holds true even for inventory counting services.
Industry-Specific Experience
It’s vital to work with a service that understands your specific inventory type and environment. Moreover, if you operate across different geographical regions, ensure that the service’s teams in each location maintain a consistent standard of excellence.
Investigate Regional Differences
Different teams within a company can vary in their efficacy. When a company covers multiple regions, it’s essential to get references not just about the company at large but also about each regional team that you might interact with.
Well-Defined Processes and Professionalism
Beyond experience, a great inventory counting service will be characterized by its structured approaches and unwavering professionalism.
Robust Processes
Ensure that the service you’re considering has established, effective methods in place. This can be discerned by asking detailed questions about their processes.
Professionalism
Your initial interaction, likely with a sales manager, can offer insights into the company’s professionalism. However, dive deeper. Ask for references, particularly ones aligned with your operation type, to understand how the company interacts, especially during challenging times.
Conclusion
As you venture to select the perfect inventory counting service, remember to weigh adaptability, technology, experience, and professionalism. It’s about more than just counting; it’s about ensuring that each count is accurate, reflective, and conducive to your business’s smooth operation. If you have any further questions or require assistance in making a selection, please contact us. We’re here to guide you.
