Reesby Academy · Industry Starters
Inventory Control Basics
Keep stock accurate, organised and ready when needed.
About this course
Stock that's missing, overstocked or in the wrong place costs money every day. This course explains why inventory accuracy matters, how to set up clear stock records, how to run stock counts and reconcile differences, how to set reorder points and how to reduce discrepancies over time. It's practical knowledge for anyone who handles stock in a shop, warehouse, clinic or office.
What you will be able to do
- You'll be able to explain why accurate inventory matters for cash, service and reputation
- You'll be able to set up stock records with consistent codes, locations and units
- You'll be able to run a stock count and reconcile differences to the records
- You'll be able to set reorder points and reduce discrepancies over time
Course outline
- Why Inventory Accuracy Matters10 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizWhen stock records don't match what's on the shelf, you can't sell what you have, you over-order what you don't need and you disappoint customers. Accuracy keeps cash and service working together.
- Setting Up Stock Records7 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizGood stock records use consistent codes, clear descriptions, units of measure and locations. Setting these up carefully at the start saves hours of correction later.
- Stock Counts and Reconciliation7 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizA stock count compares what is physically there with what the records say. Reconciliation means investigating the differences and correcting either the records or the process that caused them.
- Reorder Points7 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizA reorder point is the stock level at which you should place a new order. Setting it well means you rarely run out, without holding more stock than you need.
- Reducing Discrepancies7 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizDiscrepancies are a signal that a process is not working. Reducing them means tightening receiving, storage and movement, and making accuracy part of everyday work.
- Tools you'll need6 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizInventory can be controlled with a well-designed spreadsheet and a counting routine. Inventory software adds barcodes, automatic reorder alerts and multi-location tracking as the business grows.
- Careers & next steps6 min · Lesson notes, example, action task · 2-question quizInventory control skills are used in retail, warehousing, purchasing and operations roles. This lesson sets out typical paths and how to check what the work is worth.
- Final quiz and certificate10 questions, pass mark 8 of 10. Pass to get your Reesby Academy certificate with a verification link.