Inventory Management

Inventory Management - Overview

The DockMaster Inventory Control module uses a Weighted Average costing method (see Inventory Weighted Average Cost Method) to help the user gain a cost-effective control of his products and their movement for either single or multiple locations. This module interfaces with Point of Sale, Service, Special Order, Purchasing, General Ledger, and Accounts Payable modules.

Items are entered into the system manually by the user through the Inventory Maintenance program or loaded via a file provided by most major manufacturers and distributors. Descriptions, prices, vendors, costs, desired profit margins and ordering criteria are a few of the fields that are maintained through this program.

Items can be accessed at any item number field by typing in the part number or scanning in the bar code number for the item. In addition, DockMaster's extensive cross-reference system allows the user to access an item by typing in one of the "key words" specified by the user, any one of the vendor's item numbers, the manufacturer's number, or just the beginning portion of any of these numbers.

Parts kits can be created for use in the Service Department system or Point-of-Sale system. Once created, the user can enter the kit number at the item number field and the system will bring in all parts and quantities associated with the kit number.

Status of inventory items can be checked at any time through three different levels of inquiry. Information such as superseded numbers, quantity on hand, on order, last invoice, current pricing and costs, turns, etc. are a few of the fields displayed by these inquiry screens.

Pricing is done part by part, for one vendor, one department, or for the entire inventory file. Factors described in the inventory file will tell the system how to calculate the 5 selling prices and costs.

Bar code labels may be printed for items in the inventory file. Labels can be printed for the quantity on hand, quantity last received, or specific number per item.

Inventory count sheets are printed in stockroom location order or any order desired by the user. Keying of the actual physical quantities then becomes easier as the system prompts the user part by part for the quantity in the same order printed, rather than the user having to key in each part number.

The Inventory reports include information on low stock, inventory status, margin analysis, months since last sold, vendor information, and much more.

DockMaster's inventory system handles multiple locations. If invoked, the system will display quantities for all locations in the inquiries and reports. Items can be transferred from one location to another with just a few keystrokes.

The Purchasing and Receiving system allows the user to enter purchase orders manually or have the system recommend orders for those items that have fallen below their recommended level. When entering the purchase order, the user can display the item’s past movement history to assist in ordering.

At receiving time, the user need not key all quantities received, only those quantities different from the original order. Inventory labels can be printed from the receiving screen. Receiving is interfaced with Accounts Payable to verify invoices against receivers.

The receiving system does allow items to be received that were not on a purchase order. The adjustment program is used to correct the quantity on hand of an item, should there be a variance between the physical quantity and the quantity the computer has stored for the item.