Stock count day checklist

A stock count is only as good as its preparation. Use this list before the day, on the day and after it.

Before the count

• All receipts and deliveries up to the count are recorded.

  Anything unrecorded becomes a difference that is not really there.

• Locations are labelled and a counting order is agreed.
• Count sheets or devices list items by location, without the expected quantity.

  People count what they are shown if you show them the answer.

On the day

• Movements are frozen, or recorded separately while counting.
• Counters work in pairs: one counts, one records.
• Damaged and expired goods are counted separately.

After the count

• Large differences are recounted before anything is adjusted.
• Each remaining difference has an explanation written next to it.
• The adjustment is approved by someone who did not count.
• One change is agreed to stop the biggest difference recurring.