Improve
the Process, Don't Inspect Quality In
Cycle
counting is really a form of inspection. We all know you can't
inspect quality into products. We shouldn't accept inspecting
quality into the data. It's one more type of non-value-added
activity. Work to eliminate all cycle counting at the same time as
you are assured of accurate information.
The key is
to improve the process so it only provides accurate data. This is
not easy, for sure, but we can make huge strides with this focus.
• Use a
predetermined container size for every part. Demand that production
or vendor quantities exactly fill the bin with a standard quantity,
plus or minus zero tolerance.
• Establish a Kanban (pull) system that controls the number of bins
of a part in the company.
• Inventory balances can now be calculated for every part, if
needed. No counting is necessary. The process controls the quantity
to a preset limit with very little tolerance.
• Let the system self-audit itself.
Major
Benefits of Cycle Counting
The
greatest advantage of cycle counting is its effectiveness in the
timely detection of errors and in maintaining high record accuracy.
Since the last perpetual inventory record balance can be used as the
audited inventory quantity at any point in time, cycle counting
eliminates the undesirable conditions normally associated with an
annual physical inventory.
• Improved
customer service.
• Fewer stock outs.
• Increased production efficiency.
• Lower investment in safety stocks.
• Better cost control.
• Timely detection and correction of conditions causing inventory
errors.
• Complete or partial elimination of the loss of productive time.
No need to shut down operations for physical inventory.
• Development of specialists who become efficient in obtaining good
counts, reconciling differences and finding solutions to system
errors.
• Fewer mistakes in item identification.
• Concentration of efforts in problem areas.
• High level of inventory accuracy through constant surveillance.
• No requirement for staging of items to determine availability or
shortages.
• Valid data for inventory replenishment system.
• Less obsolete inventory.
• Less excess inventory.
• Reduced year-end inventory write-offs.
• Correct statement of assets throughout the year.
The
optimum combination of a sound inventory system and cycle counting
can provide reliable inventory data on a timely basis and at minimum
cost. This contributes to better decision making and greater
profitability.