Doing a Physical Inventory

A physical inventory is the process of manually counting all inventory for a specific warehouse or location. Upon completion of the actual physical inventory, all numbers are then recorded, and discrepancies are identified and explained. This process provides a factual valuation of inventory.

NOTE: If you only need to do a partial inventory of selected items, or you cannot afford to have your entire system frozen while you perform inventory, you can do a cycle count instead. For a description of the differences between a cycle count and a physical inventory, see Differences Between Cycle Counts and Physical Inventories.

To perform a physical inventory, use the following procedures:

  1. "Freeze" the inventory.

    NOTE: Before a physical inventory can begin, the inventory status must be frozen. While performing the inventory, all inventory items for the selected warehouse are unavailable until the inventory is complete. Once you freeze inventory, you cannot unfreeze it until the physical inventory is complete for this warehouse.

    To freeze the inventory:

    1. On the Freeze/Unfreeze Utility, select a warehouse from the list.
    2. Select the Physical Inventory In Process check box.
    3. Click Process.
  2. Set the control parameters for the inventory tags and/or sheets.For more information, see Set Tag/Sheet Controls.
  3. Load the physical inventory records. For more information, see Load Physical Inventory Records.
  4. Print inventory tags and/or sheets for your inventory staff to use. For more information, see Printing Inventory Tags and/or Printing Inventory Sheets.
  5. Record the counted quantities into the system:
    1. Open the appropriate form.
    2. In the grid, enter the counted quantities for each item.
    3. If stock locations do not exist for inventory items, add them.

    To enter a replacement tag/sheet number for an item/lot/location combination while the inventory is frozen, on the Input/Update Tags form or the Input/Update Sheets form, select Actions > New. You can also add a few records with blank sheet/tag numbers when needed without executing the printing process.

  6. Post the inventory quantities. For more information, including the procedure and recommended pre-posting checks, see Posting Physical Inventory Quantities.
  7. Unfreeze the inventory:
    1. Verify that the correct warehouse is selected on the Freeze/Unfreeze Utility.
    2. Clear the Physical Inventory In Process check box.
    3. Click Process.

Related Topics

Inventory Control Overview

About Physical Inventories