Overview

This article explores essential inventory commands, their workflows, and best practices to optimize stock control and reduce operational inefficiencies.

Why Inventory Commands?

1. Real-Time Accuracy: Update stock levels instantly during sales or returns.

2. Prevent Stockouts: Monitor inventory levels before completing transactions.

3. Streamline Operations: Manage bundles, batches, and serialized items efficiently.

4. Data-Driven Decisions: Generate reports to identify trends and shortages.

Essential Inventory Management Commands

A curated list of essential Inventory Management commands is given below:

1. Show Balance Stock

Command ID: Show Balance Stock
Parameter Type: Single (Interface Profile ID)
Function: Checks real-time stock levels for any item.

How to Use:

1. Enter an item code or scan a barcode.

2. View current stock, including warehouse and store availability.

Use Case:

A customer asks if a product is in stock. The cashier uses Show Balance Stock to confirm: "Available: 12 units (Store) + 25 units (Warehouse)."

2. Add Product Bundle Item

Command ID: Add Product Bundle Item
Parameter Type: None
Function: Sells pre-defined bundles (e.g., "Summer Gift Set" with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat).

Key Features:

• Automatically deducts each component item from inventory.

• Simplifies pricing for bundled products.

Use Case:

A customer buys a "Coffee Lover Bundle" (coffee beans, mug, and grinder). The system adjusts stock for all three items.

3. Change Batch/Serial No

Command ID: Change Batch / Change Serial No
Parameter Type: None
Function: Tracks items by batch or serial number for warranties, recalls, or expiry dates.

Best For:

• Electronics (serial numbers).

• Pharmaceuticals or groceries (batch tracking).

4. Sync Masters

Command ID: Sync Masters
Parameter Type: None
Function: Updates inventory data across all locations (e.g., new products, price changes).

When to Use:

• After bulk imports or pricing updates.

• At shift changes to ensure data consistency.

5. Record as Lost Sales

Command ID: Record As Lost Sales
Parameter Type: None
Function: Logs missed sales due to stockouts to identify demand gaps.

Use Case:

A customer requests an out-of-stock item. The cashier records it to trigger a restock alert.

Advanced Inventory Workflows

1. Cross-Store Transfers

Commands Involved:

• Show Balance Stock: Check inventory at other locations.

• Transfer Module: Initiate transfers between stores (requires backend setup).

2. Returns & Restocking

Commands Involved:

• Add Negative POS Invoice Item: Processes returns and restocks inventory.

• Change Serial No: Re-logs serialized items for warranty tracking.

Command Quick Reference Table

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here’s a quick look at some common issues you might run into.

• Stock Discrepancies: Verify sync status and manual entry errors.

• Bundle Errors: Confirm component items are in stock before creating bundles.

• Serial Number Conflicts: Check for duplicate entries in the system.