Repair shops can be a very hectic place to manage things. For most business owners in this industry, keeping an eye on their stock and managing supply is the biggest challenge. One needs to organize the entire supply chain process for better efficiency and accuracy.
Therefore, just like more repair shop owners, you also need to streamline the entire process. For that, you can get help from repair shop inventory management software. Let us discuss how to choose such a system that best suits your business.
Inventory CountÂ
While picking a software to manage inventory, you need to ensure it can help you with the count as well. For instance, it may happen that in actuality you have 10 phone or computer parts. On the other hand, the software is showing 15. This can lead to errors and loss of sales when you are unable to serve the customers. And this happens due to low stock.
So, while picking the right, suitable repair shop inventory management software, you must ensure it offers inventory count features. This way, you will be able to keep a check on your physical inventory through a barcode scanner or manually.
Low Stock ReportÂ
Getting short of stock has always been challenging for repair businesses. One of the reasons behind this is using and relying too much on manual methods. For instance, if you still use manual methods like paperwork, to list down inventory, you are not doing it right. It can cause a number of human errors.
Similarly, you cannot remember everything on your own. Suppose a customer visits your shop and wants you to fix their smartphone, or laptop computer. How would you know that a specific part or accessory is available in the stock or not? Also, if you don’t have it, you can lose your chance of making sales. The same way, you will be unable to turn that visitor into a permanent client.
So, your repair business needs an efficient inventory management system. With this, you don’t have to worry about that. The system will notify you whenever you are running low on stock. This way, you would know what parts and accessories require restocking. In addition, you can reorder any product or repair item from your desired vendors and suppliers. This will save you a lot of time and hassle.
Add Images to Inventory ItemsÂ
It is highly recommended that the software you are choosing to equip at your shop allows you to add images to inventory items. This will not only help organize stock but also assist you identify which items and products you should order next.
When you have the images, you can clearly tell them about the product, its color, size, and specifications. This will help you boost sales and product knowledge.
Inventory AdjustmentÂ
It would be great if your repair shop inventory management software can help you forecast demand at your shop. So, try to choose the one that has this feature. Why?
This will help you a lot while ordering parts and accessories at your store. For instance the software will show you how many LCD panels and back covers you sold last month. Or, how many hard drives were sold in July 2024.
This will make it easier for you to order inventory accordingly. However, you can order a bit extra when it is holiday season, or the weekend is around the corner.Â
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Inventory TransferÂ
There are a number of repair businesses who own more than a single store. There, they surely need an inventory management system to sync everything at their labs. If you are also among those who have multiple repair stores, you must pick the right system.
We recommend you go for an inventory management automation tool using which, you can also transfer stock. You can create inventory transfer orders and swiftly move the stock from store A to B.
Inventory Management Tips
Well, there are several available inventory management techniques you need to follow. You can also consult about it with other repair shop owners. Below, we will share only useful tips for repair business owners like you.
- Order more parts and accessories that are high in demand
- Hire a dedicated person that can take care of your stock
- Have enough shelf space for additional stock
- Sell or give away the items and products that have been in your inventory for very long and haven’t been sold yet
- USE FIFO, and LIFO techniques when needed
- Always forecast demand before ordering anythingÂ
- Source trusted vendors and suppliers and offer warranty as well. It helps build confidence
Final Words
To run a repair business efficiently, you need to use automation. So above, we have mentioned the top features to look for in an inventory management system. While you go to pick one, ensure it has all of these for a smoother, and streamlined operation.