Inventory control software is used to track stock and materials that come into and out of the company. Inventory control software allows you to keep track of what you have and what you need. This type of software can locate and evaluate all types of inventory. Inventory control software programs offer different features and applications that you may or may not need. Before shopping for inventory control software there are a few key terms that will help you decipher what each program offers.

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Scan-based trading

Scan-based trading allows companies to track inventory through the warehouse, to the store and to know when the item is purchased. This system uses UPC codes to track the inventory.

I recommend: Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings provides more information about scan-based trading. Read a detailed description of scan-based trading at SoftCare.

Cover-time planning

Cover-time planning is a calculation made on a computer that produces options for material requirement planning, demand rates and customer item prices. This planning option allows you to forecast sales, staffing and inventory.

I recommend: Read about cover-time planning in detail at Advameg.

Browser based

Browser-based inventory control software is designed to work with the Internet. It allows you to access information at multiple locations, such as different stores or warehouses. With browser-based software, there is little to no software to download and it can be accessed on multiple computers at once without having to purchase more software licenses.

I recommend: Read more about browser-based software at Virtual Splat.

Integrated software

Integrated software is a collection of software applications or programs that share information and data. Integrated software allows you to input information once in one program and then have multiple programs that are able to access that information.

I recommend: Netsuite supplies more information about integrated software.

Module

A module is a small computer program or application that handles one specific task. Modules can be used for anything from small calculations to running complex reports.

I recommend: Learn more about inventory control software modules at Infotech Systems.

Material backflush

A material backflush happens when materials that are used for production or within your business are flushed out of the inventory. Backflushing allows you to make sure your inventory is current and correct.

I recommend: Inventory Operations Consulting provides more information about material backflushing. Visit Sap-Img to read detailed information about backflushing.

Inventory control software can be a useful addition to your business. It can help you find the weak spots in your inventory control program and discover your strongest areas, leading you to make inventory control improvements where necessary. An inventory control software list can save you time and valuable resources spent accumulating the data provided by your current software. An inventory control software provider can help you to remain competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace.

Find inventory control software that can analyze the collected data in ways that allow you to make formal presentations and to develop ongoing inventory control software applications. Keep your software for controlling inventory updated to remain in touch with emerging markets and changing economies. You can utilize an inventory control software provider to customize programs that are easy to use and pass on through your organization. There are a number of ways that you can integrate inventory control system software into your operations.

1. Try various inventory control systems

2. Hire an inventory control software information specialist

3. Bring in an inventory control program consultant to train your staff

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Investigate various inventory control systems

There are so many companies offering controlling inventory software that it can be difficult to work through all the options. Take time to check with your peers for referrals and investigate a number of different possibilities. Many companies will provide a free trial period. At the very least request a minimal trial time before you sign any long-term agreements to make sure the inventory control solution is the right program for your needs.

I recommend: Try a free download of the inventory control software from Hi Tech. Inflow Inventory has a free download of its software that’s geared toward the needs of small businesses.

Find inventory control software specialists

So that you can spend your time running your business and doing what you do best, invest in an outside consultant to review your company and make recommendations for the best controlling inventory software for your company's needs. Consultants have had experience with the various vendors and often know which ones perform the best.

I recommend: SkuFlow is an inventory control consulting firm that specializes in programs for retail and warehouse operations. IBS has consultants who can come to your business and make recommendations about the best upgrades you can make to your inventory control systems and procedures.

Train your staff to use inventory control system software

It won't do you any good to spend time and resources on an inventory control solution if your employees won't use it or don't know how. Bring in experts to train your staff as well as be there for them when they have questions. Make sure the trainers understand your corporate culture and how to relate to your team so they will get excited about using the new technology.

I recommend: Tuppas makes sure that your employees know how to handle the new software and they remain available for future consulting when needed. POS Guys offer free training over the phone for your employees to get connected to their point of service inventory control software.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Save on consulting services by purchasing your inventory control system software from the firm that provides the training and consulting.

Maintaining inventory control is perhaps one of the most important parts of managing business costs and keeping them low. This is best performed by an inventory control specialist or by using inventory control software. Keeping tabs on what is coming in and what is going out is vital information to have in order to determine restocking needs and even has implications in regard to inventory pricing.

If you are considering pursuing a career as an inventory control manager, or have interest in any aspect of inventory management, an understanding of today's high tech inventory control software is a must. Today's inventory control software can track thousands of items across hundreds of facilities located around the globe -- making them ideal for small local businesses and larger multinational ones. Consider the following ways to garner inventory control software education and training:

1. Watch inventory control software demos to learn about the latest technology available in the industry.

2. Review case studies to enhance your understanding of how inventory management software is tied to a multitude of industries.

3. Complete courses offered to teach you how to maximize the use of specific inventory management software programs.

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Download inventory control software demos to keep your technical knowledge up to date

Demos are a great way to test drive software so you can understand the nuances of each software system. In addition, demos offer you a way to learn inventory control software basics, which are a minimum requirement if you choose to work as an inventory control specialist.

I recommend: SmartTurn is a provider of inventory management software. Just click on "product video" to view a demo. Wasp Barcode Technologies allows you to choose from a demo, a free trial or a combination of the two.

Read case studies to deepen your understanding of software's role in inventory control

Inventory management software is used across a number of different industries. Case studies are a great way to deepen your awareness of the versatility of this sort of customizable software, and to better understand how the software is implemented differently according to business needs.

I recommend: Dotmarketer's Inventory Management Review features an article discussing inventory management software's role in supply chain management. BNET features an article on chemistry inventory control software.

Enroll in manufacturer specific inventory control software education and training

Many inventory control software suppliers offer training that is specific to their products. Enrolling in these types of courses allows you to delve deeper into your product's functionality and learn how to maximize what it can do for you.

I recommend: IBM offers a three-day instructor-led online course for those interested in learning more about the inventory management capabilities and features of IBM Maximo 6. JCS Computer Resource offers training courses for Sage's Peachtree inventory management software