0:00 / 0:00
The high cost of inaccurate inventory
Retailers have long struggled with the challenge of inaccurate inventory data. While comprehensive "wall-to-wall" counts remain a necessary and critical component of effective inventory management, the execution often creates vulnerabilities. When retailers rely on third-party labor to conduct these counts, the process frequently becomes slower, more disruptive to store operations, and highly inaccurate—with some instances even resulting in theft by the outsourced crews themselves. Furthermore, inventory accuracy is increasingly compromised by the complexities of disparate shopping routes, such as buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) and ship-from-store, as well as the inherent difficulty of managing a massive volume of SKUs that vary wildly in traffic, margin, and strategic importance.
This reliance on flawed execution methods results in significant negative consequences. Without real-time, reliable data, there is a crucial delay in identifying discrepancies between recorded stock and actual on-hand inventory. This leads to an inability to pinpoint when and where inventory loss occurs, contributing to high costs from shrink, lost revenue from stockouts, and operational bottlenecks that ultimately impact the customer experience.
The inventory discrepancy solution
Zebra's integrated approach combines rugged mobile computers and intelligent software, empowering retailers to gain control over their inventory, reduce shrink and loss, and improve sales margins.
Potential benefits
With Zebra, retailers can move beyond the challenges of inventory mismanagement to achieve tangible, quantifiable outcomes that protect the bottom line.
1-3%
Reduce shrink and loss by 1-3% with improved detection of discrepancies
1-2%
Improve sales margins by 1-2% through enhanced inventory accuracy
How the solution works
Enable associates with mobile cycle counting
The process begins in the store aisles, where associates use the powerful TC22/27 Mobile Computer to perform both full-store and targeted cycle counts quickly and accurately. This device empowers staff to capture barcode data efficiently, replacing cumbersome manual methods and minimizing disruption to store operations.
Gain real-time inventory visibility
As data is captured, it is processed by Zebra Workcloud Inventory Visibility, giving managers a real-time, accurate view of stock levels. This allows them to instantly identify misalignment between the expected inventory in their system and the actual inventory on the shelves, which can then be flagged for investigation.
Detect and correct inventory loss with AI
That inventory data is analyzed by Workcloud Actionable Intelligence, a web-based platform that uses AI-powered analytics to automatically detect misalignment between point-of-sale transactions and inventory levels. When it identifies a discrepancy suggesting inventory loss, it sends a course-corrective action directly to the appropriate manager for immediate follow-up.
Achieve true inventory intelligence
Investing in this solution provides more than just accurate data; it delivers a clear return by minimizing financial losses from shrink and maximizing profitability through better stock management and operational efficiency.
Note:
Use case figures and savings estimates are illustrative only and may be derived from customer data, projections, or controlled testing. They do not represent guaranteed results, and actual outcomes will vary by application; customers should consult a Zebra sales representative to evaluate their specific environment.
