Have you ever stopped to think about how much money your company could be losing due to poor inventory management? During times of high demand, disorganization can be costly. According to the Abrappe Losses in Brazilian Retail 2024 Survey, the average storage loss rate in retail increased 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 are not just financial. They impact the operation as a whole: delays in replenishment, lost sales due to lack of products, and excess idle items compromise the health of the business. And there are still those who try to solve everything on paper or in spreadsheets, which only increases the risk of error and wasted time," comments Zoltan Schwab, CEO of vhsys, a technology company specializing in online business management solutions.
And the impact is not limited to companies; consumers also feel the effects of poor inventory management. The unavailability of products, delivery delays, and even the lack of variety on the shelves directly affect the shopping experience. When the customer cannot find what they are looking for or faces slow service, frustration can lead them to seek alternatives with competitors and often never return.
The good news is that this scenario can be transformed with the adoption of the right technology. An efficient management system, designed for the reality of SMEs, allows for automating inventory control, centralizing information, and facilitating access to real-time data. Additionally, integrated tools such as management software help prevent stockouts, forecast replenishment needs, and optimize product turnover, especially during periods of high demand.
For the specialist, adopting technology in inventory management is not just a trend, but an urgent necessity. "The sooner companies migrate to digital systems, the greater the 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.
