19+ Inventory Templates in Google Docs

Inventory management is an integral part of your business that can lead to costly issues when overlooked. Much of a company’s capital is tied up in its inventory, which is why proper inventory control must be observed.

Imagine the number of sales and customers you could lose if you run out of high-demand items during the most profitable seasons of the year. It’s crucial for a business to have new inventory come in as soon as old inventory is depleted. Read on to find out more about the specifics of an inventory.

Elements of an Inventory

Study the elements below to know more about the basics of an inventory.

1. Date: It’s important to specify the exact date as to when the items in your inventory were accounted for. This can support any business reports produced later on or settle possible inconsistencies that were found. It doesn’t matter what type of format you use for your dates, as long as they remain consistent throughout the record.

2. List Headers: Given how most inventories are designed in the form of a spreadsheet or table, headers are typically applied to keep your inventory organized. This contains the name, number, cost, quantity, net value, and description of your assets. Headers will make it easy for people to find the information they are looking for in your inventory.

3. Assets: No inventory list will be complete without the company’s assets. Depending on the nature of your business, your inventory assets may consist of items under the category of manufacturing, merchandising, or services.

4. Signature: Only authorized individuals will have access to your inventory. To effectively monitor each entry, the person responsible must note down his or her name and signature on the sheet. This is done so that any discrepancies in the record will immediately hold the said individual accountable.

19+ Inventory Templates

Daycare Inventory

Food Inventory Sheet

Medical Supply Inventory

Office Supply Inventory

Product Inventory

Retail Inventory Spreadsheet

Simple Business Inventory

Small Business Inventory

Stock Inventory Control Spreadsheet

Supply Inventory Spreadsheet

Application Inventory

Bar Inventory

Equipment Inventory Spreadsheet

Equipment Supply Inventory

Gift Inventory

Household Inventory

IT Inventory Spreadsheet

Maintenance Supply Inventory

Personal Asset Inventory

Stock Inventory Control Template

How to Make an Inventory

Every decision you make can affect the course of your business. Even when you think that everything is running as smooth as it should be, there’s always room for your company to grow. One good example would be a retail inventory. To help your business meet the needs of customers while also improving your cash flow, refer to the following tips in effective inventory tracking and management:

• Monitor activities: Keep an eye on any movements in your stock. It’s important to be aware of any product transfers and inventory losses that will cause irregularities in your record. Some examples include product testers and damaged goods. This will keep you on top of things to prevent further problems from occurring.
• Perform daily counts: It might sound like a tedious task to fulfill, but keeping track of your inventory status is an essential part of your daily agenda that must not be missed. Conducting daily counts will put you in control of what goes in and out of your warehouse.
• Write clear descriptions: One way to stay organized is to produce clear and informative descriptions of your assets. This includes the name, sizes, colors, and wholesaler name of each item. A detailed report will make it easier for readers to understand the record and execute the appropriate actions.
• Account for out-of-stock items: A good inventory will let you know which products sold the most. That way, you’ll know exactly what to reorder and when. You can also prepare a checklist of these items to make sure they are addressed accordingly. Be sure to update your record regularly to avoid unnecessary costs.
• Maintain an organized environment: A clean and spacious work environment is bound to make your inventory control efforts a million times easier. This will help you gather accurate data for your report and save you a lot of time as you try to search for products around your stock room.

Inventory FAQs

What is considered inventory in accounting?

An inventory takes into account all the assets you own that you are either going to sell or turn into a product for you to sell. This includes raw materials, works in progress, and finished goods. Although these items are usually held by the company, it is possible for them to be stored elsewhere. This can greatly affect the financial aspect of a business, so taking inventory must be conducted properly.

What is the difference between inventory and stock?

It’s common for people to use the terms inventory and stock interchangeably. However, from an accounting standpoint, the two have separate meanings that every business owner should know of. An inventory, for example, refers to anything that goes into the production of goods that are being made ready for sale. Stock, on the other hand, deals with items that are sold as part of your day-to-day operations.

Proper inventory management is crucial to have in your business to ensure you have the right products in the right quantity to be sold. It’s important for data to remain complete and accurate to maintain a smooth flow of business operations.