A bar inventory system is a software or program that helps manage and track the inventory of a bar or restaurant. Bar owners can use it to track the quantities of different types of alcohol and supplies, set reorder points, and generate reports on usage and sales. The system can also help with cost management by tracking the cost of goods sold and helping to identify areas where cost savings can be made. Additionally, it can facilitate the process of ordering new products and managing suppliers.

Here are some tips to improve your bar inventory management.

 1. Use bar inventory management software

Many bars rely on manual processes to track their inventory, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. By digitising the process with bar inventory management software, you can track your inventory in real-time, giving you accurate insights into the stock levels on hand. This can help to reduce stockouts and overstocking, and ultimately save money.

 2. Conduct regular inventory stock take

Stocktaking allows you to get an accurate picture of how much of each item you have on hand. This is essential for managing inventory levels and ensuring that you always have enough product to meet demand. By regularly conducting inventory stock take, you can identify patterns of shrinkage, forecast inventory needs, and keep accurate records for tax and compliance purposes.

Advanced Stocktaking is a leading provider of stocktaking services to the retail, wholesale and hospitality industries in Australia. We utilise world-class technology in barcode stocktaking to efficiently handle small and large operations across various business sectors, including clubs.

 3. Code and categorise bar items

Having your inventory data sorted in a specific order helps to accurately track inventory levels and costs, plan for reordering, and make informed decisions about purchasing and pricing. Common parameters to use include brand, type of liquor, and size.

 4. Rotate your stock

Wasted inventory and expired goods are frequent sources of financial loss. Inefficient inventory management, such as poor forecasting, stock optimisation and reordering, can lead to low inventory turnover. To prevent this issue, organise your stock according to the expiration dates. Place items that expire soon at the front of the shelf and store items with later expiration dates in the back. This way, you can ensure that you sell products before they expire and avoid lost profits.

 5. Organise your workplace

Efficient bar inventory management can’t exist in a cluttered workplace. Start by creating a storage area for products and a dedicated workspace for the inventory system itself. When planning the layout of the workplace, consider how it affects your business processes. For instance, have the storage space for products with long shelf life situated in the back corner as you only need to access it occasionally.

Need help getting started? Get in touch with our team for quality stocktaking services using world-class technology in barcode stocktaking.