Inventory Tracking
Learn how to run mobile inventory counts, track usage patterns, and manage reorder points.
Getting Started with Inventory
Step 1: Set Up Inventory Items
Add items you want to track regularly
- Select key ingredients and supplies to track
- Set initial quantities and reorder points
- Choose counting units (pounds, cases, each)
- Set up waste factors and usage patterns
Step 2: Run Inventory Counts
Conduct regular counts using your mobile device
- Open the inventory count on your phone
- Walk through your storage areas systematically
- Count actual quantities on hand
- Note any discrepancies or issues
Step 3: Review Usage Patterns
Analyze consumption and identify trends
- Compare current counts to previous counts
- Calculate usage rates and consumption patterns
- Identify items that are running low
- Spot unusual usage spikes or drops
Step 4: Manage Reorders
Set up automatic reorder suggestions
- Review suggested reorder quantities
- Adjust reorder points based on usage
- Create purchase orders for needed items
- Track delivery and restocking
Types of Inventory Counts
Full Inventory
Complete count of all tracked items
Spot Checks
Quick counts of high-value or critical items
Cycle Counts
Rotating counts of different item categories
Example Inventory Item
Chicken Breast
Current Status
Count Schedule
Best Practices
Count at consistent times
Always count at the same time of day to ensure accurate comparisons.
Use the same counting method
Establish consistent procedures for counting different types of items.
Track waste and spoilage
Record items that are thrown away to improve future ordering.
Set realistic reorder points
Base reorder points on actual usage patterns, not guesswork.
Common Issues & Solutions
Counts don't match previous counts
Check for recent deliveries, waste, or usage that wasn't recorded. Look for counting errors.
Items showing negative quantities
This usually means you've used more than you counted. Adjust the count and investigate the discrepancy.
Reorder alerts not working
Check that reorder points are set correctly and that you're running regular counts.
Can't find items in storage
Update item locations in the system and consider reorganizing storage areas.
Mobile Inventory Tips
Tally's mobile inventory system is designed for efficiency. Here are some tips for better counts:
Use Voice Commands
Speak quantities instead of typing to speed up counting in noisy environments.
Take Photos
Snap photos of items for reference and to verify counts later.
Offline Counting
Count items offline and sync when you're back online.
Quick Reorder
Generate reorder lists directly from your count results.
Advanced Inventory Features
Usage Analytics
Track consumption patterns and identify trends
- • Daily, weekly, and monthly usage reports
- • Seasonal consumption patterns
- • Waste and spoilage tracking
- • Cost per unit analysis
Smart Reordering
Automated reorder suggestions based on usage
- • Dynamic reorder point calculations
- • Lead time adjustments
- • Seasonal demand forecasting
- • Vendor performance tracking
Multi-Location Support
Track inventory across multiple storage areas
- • Separate counts for different areas
- • Transfer tracking between locations
- • Consolidated reporting
- • Location-specific reorder points
Integration Features
Connect with other systems and processes
- • Recipe usage integration
- • Order generation from counts
- • Cost calculation updates
- • Reporting and analytics