After years of studying optometry and acquiring a license, you have now started your practice. You establish your own clinic and a shop that sells items that clients need. Being in this business is not that easy especially when doing inventory. This may include counting and recording items like lenses, frames, reading glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses and other accessories. These items vary in colors, grades and brands. With so many items to consider, doing the inventory may be tedious. But, if you follow certain steps, this job can be made easily. To help you get your job done in a more orderly manner that is less time-consuming, listed below are some tips that you can follow as you work with your inventory:
Here are some tips on how to inventory an optometry practice.
- Classify the items. List all the items that should be included in the inventory. With each item, make categories as to the brand, color and grade according to prescription. Start with the basic and most important items like frames, lenses, and so on and so forth. Put the accessories and other items that are least important on the last part of your list.
- Organize your list. After making the list and the division per item, organize the inventory by making a database. One good software to use is Microsoft Excel. This specific software is designed specially for making inventories. Use different arrangement and colors that work best for you. This will greatly help you in your work afterwards.
- Count the items one by one. Using the spreadsheet application, start counting the items accordingly. Start with the items displayed in the shop then proceed to the items in the stock room. Work orderly from the top of your list down to the last item. By doing this, you can eliminate confusion and inaccuracy. With each item, recheck the counting. Do the same process to all of the items on the list.
- Record the figures. Enter the numbers to the spreadsheet. After finishing the input, recheck the numbers to secure accuracy. It is very important that all the figures match the numbers of items in your supplies to avoid problems eventually.
- Update the inventory. This part is very important. The inventory must be updated regularly. It should be done at least once a month or before the new supplies are delivered, so that there will not be a mix up regarding the figures.
Doing the inventory may be one activity that business owners would not want to do all by themselves. It should be remembered though that it is very important to secure the inventory. Do not let others do it for you. This is to protect your business from loss. This is also for you to have a good idea how your business is doing. Through inventory making, you will discover which items are in need of more stocks and which ones are not moving. Inventories are ideally done at least twice a month depending on the bulk of items that need to be counted. But no matter how often you decide to update the inventory, make sure that it is always done with due diligence and accuracy.
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