Automated Stock Control

This is when IT devices and systems are used to aid the management of stock. Does not mean that the process is human free however. 

The features of this system- 

• Unique product codes such as barcodes (on pallets and items)
• Handheld barcode scanners 
• Electric point of sales (tills for example)
• Real time data (data on the system accurately reflects the data in the warehouse/shop)
• Stock database (holds information about each item the shop can sell
• In-stock quantity 
• Minimum order level (the point at which in-stock quantity must fall to trigger re-ordering)
• Wastage (items not sold that have to be disposed of)
• Just in time (ordering stock straight away in order to increase storage space)
• RFID (not used in all systems but this can use electro magnetic waves in order to find out exactly what it is they are scanning e.g Salad bowl in a supermarket)