What are mobile inventory devices and their role in streamlining operations?
Blog
Discover how mobile inventory devices can help you save time and serve customers better.
Ever stare down at an empty shelf where your best-selling item should be? That sinking feeling when you see a customer leaving your store frustrated, knowing you’ve lost a sale?
Stockouts can be a REAL nightmare for retailers. They are not just frustrating for customers, but can also negatively impact your business’s bottom line.
Making sure you always have the right quantity of stock available using traditional inventory management techniques can be a big headache: counting manually, going through heaps of paper forms, and scrambling to keep shelves stocked. But there’s certainly a better way!
In today’s fast-paced retail world, there’s no time for outdated techniques. And mobile inventory devices, such as handheld scanners or tablets, are absolute game-changers.
Just think about being able to scan items quickly, update inventory in real time, and know exactly what you have on hand.
No more guesswork, no more stockouts.
In this article, we will be exploring how mobile inventory devices can offer a lifeline to retailers seeking to overcome the challenges of traditional inventory management. We’ll be taking a closer look at:
What are Mobile Inventory Devices?
In simpler words, mobile inventory devices are tech-powered tools that help retailers scan, track, and manage their inventory levels on the go.
There are three common types of mobile inventory devices:
- Mobile Scanners:
Small and easy to use, scanners help quickly collect data by scanning barcodes for accurate inventory tracking. - Mobile Handheld Devices:
These are like small computers you can carry around. Useful for managing inventory on the go and handling various back-office tasks.
Mobile Tablets:
With a larger screen, tablets provide a comprehensive view of inventory and are user-friendly for interacting with retail software.
Pro Tip:
When choosing an inventory management solution, opt for a web-based application to elevate your efficiency. It’s like having access to your inventory from your phone, tablet, or anywhere with the internet! No more being chained to a computer or a single device, manage your inventory on the fly and get the pulse of your business from anywhere.
How Can Mobile Inventory Devices Help You Save Time?
Mobile inventory devices (like a tablet or scanner) are digital assistants for your store. Scanning products takes seconds, and you’re done! Your inventory updates instantly, with no paper mess or missed counts.
Here’s how mobile inventory devices can save you time:
- Mobile Physical Inventory:
Using handheld scanners, retailers can speed up the process of counting inventory. The collected data seamlessly updates your retail system, giving you instant information on stock levels across all channels. - Mobile Cycle Counts:
Mobile cycle counts are like mini-inventory checks that let you scan specific items throughout the week, on the go, while customers happily shop at your store. It’s like running a quick and efficient inventory check -you get accurate, real-time data without losing a single minute of business. Put an end to late nights hunched over spreadsheets and hello to streamlined inventory management that saves you a lot of time. - Rollback and Reconcile:
Once you do a mobile cycle count, depending on the software you are using, it allows you to easily compare your scanned data with your main inventory database. If there are any discrepancies, you can instantly fix them, making sure everything is perfectly aligned. Saving you hours every day.
The time saved from all of the above streamlined processes, you can spend on what matters the most: improving the quality of your customer service, planning marketing campaigns, and empowering your staff by training them to use the devices
Pro Tip:
Tap into real-time data insights to fine-tune your purchasing, pricing, and marketing strategies. By leveraging this valuable information, you empower your business to make informed decisions and adapt strategies practically and efficiently.
Remember, every minute saved adds up.
Mobile inventory devices make work easier for busy retailers, transforming inventory management from a time-consuming errand to a smooth, efficient process.
Taking the First Steps to Mobile Inventory Management
Getting started with mobile devices for inventory management can be exciting. But as with anything new, it can often feel a bit overwhelming.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps to guide you through the process:
Step 1: Assess your needs:
Step 2: Research and compare your options:
Step 3: Consult the experts
Remember, transitioning to mobile inventory management is an investment, but the time and efficiency gains are significant. With careful planning, research, and guidance, you can unlock the full potential of this technology and transform your retail operations for the better.
At Celerant, we offer mobile inventory applications that are seamlessly connected to our POS system and inventory software. With flexible iOS and Android options, you can choose which devices work best for your business. You can also quickly download our mobile inventory applications from the Apple Store and Google Play directly onto your devices, or you can purchase more durable, Skorpio PDT units with the inventory software already pro-loaded.
Or if you are interested in learning other ways retailers can save time by leveraging supplier integrations within the POS system and/or eCommerce, read all about it here.
Retail Resources You May Be Interested In…
 Search Generative Experience changes search ranking for retailers. Get actionable tips on how to keep… |
 Learn about the difference between ready-made and personalized eCommerce websites, and find out how… |
 Learn the best practices for inventory management for small to medium retailers. Read… |
