Shrinkage occurs when the inventory on hand is less than what it should be according to purchase and sales records. According to Retail Info Systems News, shrink costs retailers $114.8 billion in 2009, an increase of 5.9% over last year’s average shrink. Inventory shrinkage is most often due to employee theft, shoplifting, and/or paperwork error. Here are a few ways to reduce inventory shrinkage using a POS system.

1. Increase Inventory Accuracy
Track and manage inventory with a POS system. Computerizing can reduce inventory shrinkage by up to an additional 2.5%. POS systems like Cash Register Express from pcAmerica, which includes robust inventory tracking, helps reduce or eliminate shrinkage, stock discrepancies, and improve visibility for overall stock movement.

Stock can be counted or received away from the POS register, using the integrated Pocket Inventory Software on a mobile computer. Edit your inventory “on the floor”. Change pricing, costs, and product descriptions. The data automatically synchronizes with your POS system.

Computerized inventory reports allow you to track inventory stock levels, run discrepancy reports, and track overall inventory movement. Inventory reports can help you monitor your margins and stock more products that bring greater profits, helping you increase your average ticket amount.