Cycle Counts

What are Cycle Counts?

Cycle counts are a method of inventory auditing where small, specific portions of inventory are counted on a regular, rotating basis. Instead of shutting down operations for a complete physical inventory, a business can continuously verify its stock levels through these smaller counts. Think of it like a continuous mini-audit that helps keep inventory records consistently updated and accurate.

Why should I use Cycle Counts?

Companies use cycle counts primarily to maintain highly accurate inventory records throughout the year, which is crucial for efficient operations. This accuracy helps prevent costly stockouts of popular items or overstocking of slow-moving goods, optimizing storage space and cash flow. Ultimately, cycle counts improve overall inventory management, leading to better customer satisfaction and reduced operational costs.

Here’s how to utilize this feature within the ServiceWorks software:

Creating Cycle Counts

Before using the cycle count feature in the ServiceWorks Pro app, you’ll first need to configure the parameters of your count (amount of items, frequency, etc)

Start by logging into your ServiceWorks account, then click on the cogwheel in the upper right corner of the toolbar to open the Configuration tab.

Once opened, navigate to Inventory Settings -> Cycle Count

And once in the cycle count menu, you’ll have the following options for configuration:

1. Item Count – Signifies the number of items you want to include within the count. To include all inventory items, click the All Item toggle above the entry field
2. Frequency – Determines how many times this particular count is to be completed
3. Cycle Time – Determines how often this cycle count is to occur within the year*
4. Location – Used to define the specific inventory location in which this count will take place. To include all inventory locations, click the All Location toggle above the entry field
5. Employee – Use this field to select the employee(s) responsible for conducting the cycle count. To include all employees, click the All Employees toggle above the entry field. Only employees listed within the count assignment will be able to view the counts in their app.
6. Rolling Count / Static Count – This toggle allows you to select between two types of cycle count:
   
   – Rolling Count: Usually involves continuously counting small, specific portions of inventory throughout the year, allowing for more frequent updates and minimizing disruptions to operations
   
   – Static Count: Typically involves a complete shutdown of operations to physically count every item in stock at a specific point in time

Once you’ve completed you’re count configuration, click Save to store your changes. And with that, your cycle count is ready to be used! You’ll see your newly created count within the cycle counts menu with the item amount, frequency, cycle time, professionals responsible for the count, and the count location. Created cycle counts can also be deleted by clicking the x icon to the right of the listing.

* Frequency and Cycle Time, although similar in definition, are two different parameters for the cycle counts.

i.e.: Setting the frequency to 2 (times count needs to be done) and setting the cycle time to 1 month (frequency in which the cycle occurs) would indicate that the cycle count must be completed twice a month, every month.

Conducting Cycle Counts

Now that you’ve setup your counts within your inventory, you’re ready to start verifying items! Login to the ServiceWorks Pro app, then tap the menu icon in the upper left corner of the screen.

Once the sidebar popup appears tap Inventory Management

Then scroll down and tap the Cycle Count option

Within the cycle count screen, you’ll see two columns: One for counts in progress and one for completed counts. From here, on any pending count, you can either utilize the barcode scanning feature to scan items to the count or manually enter the amount using the entry fields. Once finished, click Save.

Need More Assistance? 
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Live Chat: app.service.works
Email: support@service.works 
Phone: 636-220-4363 Ext. 1