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Inventory Management System

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While sitting down at a family dinner and discussing various topics, I asked my sister how well her clothing store was doing. She replied that everything was going well it’s just that she is frustrated with having to manually track and reorder high demand items. She then mentions that she would like to upgrade to an automated system that is on the low end of the expensive level. Being that I have technological skills and experience within the field, I agreed to help her purchase and installed a low budget automated inventory management system. I also took the time to explain to her how the system works.
Inventory management is a database of hardware and software based tools that automate the process of tracking inventory. The kinds of inventory tracked with an inventory control system can include almost any type of quantifiable good, including food, clothing, books, equipment, and any other item that consumers, retailers, or wholesalers may purchase (inventory control system). This automated system is able to track merchandise, while altering when inventory is low, seasonal demands change, and communicating with suppliers in real-time. In addition the system can reduce the cost and time-consuming processes that were once completed by her manually, while providing her business with more accurate data. In addition, the system helps save time, keep a balanced inventory, and tracks inventory stock efficiently (Loackard).
In order to establish an inventory management system there are necessary equipment that must be purchased. Due to the low availability of monetary funds, I would purchase the following; one laptop, wireless router, barcode scanner, barcode printer, barcode software, a printer, Internet service, and inventory software. An extra hard drive for backup/recovery will also be able. For starter the laptop doesn’t have to be highly expensive. One that has a great processor and up to date software will be just fine, and this may at least $600. Since it is a small business and a simple $200 wireless router will serve its purpose just fine. Next a $60 usb barcode scanner, and a $200 barcode printer is need to record sales and printer of barcodes for product price changes. An all-in-one printer cost about $100 and can with stand the workload of a small business. The inventory and barcode software could be downloaded for free, however for a more reliable program I would recommend purchasing and installing the software instead and the cost various depending on the complexity. These extensive inventory management software features also include bin and lot management, landed cost, demand-based replenishment, customer and volume pricing, multi-location inventory, and more (Inventory Management Software). The Internet provider doesn’t have to be the best of the best. As long as they can provide high-speed Internet with great connection she will be able to use the system without to many complications. Reason being is that in order to request items from a supplier, the Internet will be needed to do so. Without it manual phone call would have to be made. Lastly, in order to have the set up installed correctly, I recommended that my sister hire a professional to install and configure the network. Since it’s a simple set up the cost shouldn’t be more than $200. In total the cost for every result in about $1,400.
This system will help my sister to take orders and deduct out of the inventory with one click. This software will also generate reports one of which will show the demand for a given product. We will also setup the laptop with wireless Internet access, which will enable her to conduct sales and do inventory with the same equipment using a wireless barcode scanner. Furthermore this system will also aid in the prevention of theft and product loss. It does this because it keeps track with every item that is in stock with the store, if items were to come up short this will help my sister detect it. By the same token, Vendor management or VMI systems are a new trend in inventory management. With a VMI system, distributors or manufacturers control inventory management for the customer. Reports are calculated daily and transmitted from the customer to the vendor. The data gathered from these reports lets vendors know when to restock the customer's merchandise. This method significantly cuts down paperwork, time and labor. There are a few drawbacks. For instance, it may be difficult for a distributor to keep up with the demand for a very popular item. Many companies feel that the money saved in time and labor is worth the risks involved (Hunt). The last question my sister asked me was “what would be the maintenance of having this inventory system installed”. In any maintenance inventory control system, parts/materials required for routine maintenance should be readily available. Part of the ongoing maintenance of the system includes updating software and equipment. Even though, this will not be a constant update, she will eventually have to purchase the latest version on the software/equipment. As time passes by and the normal wear and tear from usage settles in, everything involved with the system will need to be replaced. Included in this maintenance is quality control. Quality control is making sure that the inventory received is in great condition before it is put on the shelves to customers. Security is also an ongoing maintenance that is highly necessary. Passwords and administrative setting should be established, so that not just anyone can log in and alter things. I believe this inventory system will last the way it is until my sister is financial stable before she has to replace the whole thing. After the initial conversation started at the dinner table, it then moved to the living room and my sister discussed everything one-on-one. She took notes and also added her ideas. The overall conversation went well, she felt that price range for all the necessary equipment, and the ongoing maintenance is worth it. She also mentioned that this system would greatly reduce her manual labor, and limit the frustration and possible stress of having to do inventory by hand. In my personal opinion I believe that I provided my sister with enough information for her to make the decision on whether she wants to the inventory management system or not.

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