Have you ever stopped to think about how much money your company might be losing due to poor inventory management? During peak demand periods, disorganization can be costly. According to the 2024 Abrappe Survey on Retail Losses in Brazil, the average storage loss rate in retail grew by 6% compared to the previous year—an estimated loss of R$34.9 billion for the sector, equivalent to up to 10% of revenue.
“These losses aren’t just financial. They impact operations as a whole: delays in restocking, lost sales due to out-of-stock items, and excess idle inventory compromise business health. And yet, some still try to manage everything on paper or spreadsheets, which only increases the risk of errors and time wastage,” comments Zoltan Schwab, executive director of vhsys, a technology company specializing in online business management solutions.
And the impact isn’t limited to businesses—consumers also feel the effects of poor inventory management. Product unavailability, delivery delays, and even lack of variety on shelves directly affect the shopping experience. When customers can’t find what they’re looking for or face slow service, frustration may lead them to seek alternatives from competitors—often never returning.
The good news is this scenario can be transformed by adopting the right technology. An efficient management system designed for SMBs’ reality can automate inventory control, centralize information, and provide real-time data access. Additionally, integrated tools like management software help prevent stockouts, forecast restocking needs, and optimize product turnover—especially during peak demand periods.
For the expert, adopting technology in inventory management isn’t just a trend but an urgent necessity. “The sooner companies migrate to digital systems, the greater their chances of achieving consistent results with less effort. In a scenario where time is one of the scarcest and most valuable resources, wasting it on processes that could be automated is no longer a viable option,” concludes Zoltan.
