Cycle Counts Made Easy with Business Central & 3rd Party Apps

Brian Neufeld

31.3.2023.

The Importance of Cycle Counts for Inventory Management

Any business that wants to optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction must maintain inventory accuracy. One way to maintain inventory accuracy is through cycle counts, which involve regularly counting a subset of inventory items to ensure that inventory records are accurate.

Businesses need to perform cycle counts regularly to identify and correct discrepancies in inventory records, reduce the risk of stockouts or overstocking, and optimize their inventory management processes.

The Common Problems Facing Industry when it comes to Cycle Counts

The industry faces several common problems when performing cycle counts for inventory management:

Low frequency: Infrequent cycle counts cause inventory records to become inaccurate, leading to overstocking, stockouts, and other issues. This can be especially problematic for businesses with high inventory turnover.
Inconsistent methodology: Inconsistent processes for performing cycle counts result in inaccurate count results. For example, different employees may use different counting methods or tools, leading to discrepancies in count results.
Lack of visibility: Insufficient visibility into the cycle count process makes it challenging to monitor cycle count performance, identify discrepancies, and take corrective action. This can lead to inaccurate inventory records and other inventory-related issues.
Inadequate training: Employees require adequate training to perform cycle counts accurately and consistently, leading to accurate count results and inventory records.
Incomplete coverage: Failing to include all inventory items in cycle counts causes inaccuracies in the inventory records for items not counted. This can lead to overstocking or stockouts, depending on inventory levels.
Failure to reconcile discrepancies: Promptly reconciling discrepancies between actual and recorded inventory levels prevents inaccuracies from persisting and causing further inventory-related issues.
Limited automation: Manual cycle counts have limitations to the extent of automation available, resulting in additional time and effort required to complete and reconcile cycle counts.

How Dynamics 365 Business Central Can Help with Cycle Counts

Dynamics 365 Business Central provides robust functionality for performing cycle counts and maintaining accurate inventory records. For example, Business Central allows users to set up cycle counting by defining cycle count codes and frequency, selecting a subset of inventory items to count based on the cycle count code and frequency, and entering count results manually or using a handheld device to scan barcodes.

Business Central also provides the ability to adjust inventory quantities based on cycle count results, document adjustment reasons, and monitor cycle count performance.

Introducing the Cycle Count Scheduler App from Insight Works

The Cycle Count Scheduler app from Insight Works is a powerful tool designed to complement the native functionality of Dynamics 365 Business Central and help businesses optimize their cycle count process.

While Dynamics 365 Business Central provides robust functionality for performing cycle counts and maintaining accurate inventory records, the Cycle Count Scheduler app takes it to the next level by providing additional automation, scheduling, and reporting tools. By leveraging the app’s powerful features, businesses can streamline their cycle count process, reduce the risk of errors and inaccuracies, and optimize their inventory management processes.

Some of the key features and benefits of the Cycle Count Scheduler app include the following:

Automation: The app automates the cycle count process, reducing the need for manual effort and improving accuracy. Users can schedule cycle counts at specific times or intervals, and the app will automatically generate count sheets.
Scheduling: The app provides scheduling tools to ensure that items are counted at the appropriate frequency. Users can define cycle count codes and frequency, select a subset of inventory items to count based on the cycle count code and frequency, and schedule cycle counts to occur at specific times or intervals.
Count Sheets: The app allows users to generate count sheets for cycle counts, which can be printed or displayed on a handheld device for scanning barcodes. Count sheets include information such as item number, location, and quantity to count, making it easy for employees to perform cycle counts accurately and efficiently.
Reconciliation: The Cycle Count Scheduler app provides tools for reconciling count results with inventory records, including manually entering count results or scanning barcodes using a handheld device. The app compares count results to inventory records and highlights discrepancies, making it easy for users to identify and correct inaccuracies.
Adjustments: The app allows users to adjust inventory quantities based on count results, documenting adjustment reasons and maintaining an audit trail for future reference.
Reporting: The Cycle Count Scheduler app provides real-time visibility into cycle count performance, allowing users to monitor count progress, identify discrepancies, and take corrective action as needed. The app also provides reporting tools to help businesses analyze performance and optimize their cycle count process over time.

The Cycle Count Scheduler app complements the native functionality of Dynamics 365 Business Central by providing additional automation, scheduling, and reporting tools to help businesses optimize their cycle count process. The Cycle Count Scheduler app is an extension of the Advanced Inventory Count app from Insight Works. By leveraging these apps’ powerful features and partnering with DignetSoftware, a Microsoft Partner specializing in Dynamics 365 Business Central and inventory management, businesses can streamline their cycle count process, reduce the risk of errors and inaccuracies, and drive greater operational efficiency.

The Value of Microsoft Partner Expertise in Optimizing Cycle Counts

While Dynamics 365 Business Central and the Cycle Count Scheduler app from Insight Works provide powerful tools for optimizing cycle counts, businesses may still need help in implementing and using these tools effectively.

Partnering with DignetSoftware, a Microsoft Partner specializing in Dynamics 365 Business Central and inventory management, can provide businesses with the expertise and support they need to optimize their cycle count process. With their in-depth knowledge of Dynamics 365 Business Central and inventory management best practices, DignetSoftware can help businesses identify areas for improvement in their cycle count process and provide customized solutions to address their unique challenges and needs.

DignetSoftware can provide businesses with training and support to employees, helping to ensure that cycle counts are performed accurately and efficiently. They can also help businesses leverage the full capabilities of Dynamics 365 Business Central and the Cycle Count Scheduler app from Insight Works to streamline their cycle count process, reduce errors and inaccuracies, and optimize their inventory management processes.

In addition to initial support, DignetSoftware provides ongoing support to businesses, helping them adapt their cycle count process as they evolve and change over time. With their deep understanding of Dynamics 365 Business Central and inventory management, DignetSoftware helps businesses stay up-to-date with the latest best practices and ensure that their cycle count process remains optimized over the long term.

Partnering with DignetSoftware can help businesses achieve greater operational efficiency, improve inventory accuracy, and reduce costs. With their customized solutions and ongoing support, DignetSoftware can help businesses get the most out of their cycle count process, driving long-term success.

Conclusion

Maintaining accurate inventory records is critical for any business that wants to optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Businesses can maintain accurate inventory records and optimize their inventory management processes by performing cycle counts regularly and leveraging powerful tools like Dynamics 365 Business Central and the Cycle Count Scheduler app from Insight Works.

Partnering with DignetSoftware, who specializes in Dynamics 365 Business Central and inventory management, can give businesses the expertise and support they need to get the most out of their cycle count process and drive greater operational efficiency.

To optimize your inventory and many more aspects of your operation, contact DignetSoftware!