{"id":4066,"date":"2022-11-26T16:23:15","date_gmt":"2022-11-26T16:23:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/"},"modified":"2025-08-17T11:22:34","modified_gmt":"2025-08-17T11:22:34","slug":"inventory-accuracy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/","title":{"rendered":"Inventory Accuracy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-section-hero-standard-form hero-standard\"><div class=\"container row\"><div class=\"col hero-standard-content\"><h1 class=\"hero-standard-title \">Inventory Accuracy Guide<\/h1>\n<p>Managing inventory plays an essential role in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/supply-chain-management\/\">supply chain management<\/a>, but it isn\u2019t always easy. That\u2019s why <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/retail-inventory-method\/\">retail<\/a> businesses must consistently track inventory records at the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/how-to-find-sku-number\/\">SKU<\/a>\u00a0level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you have a good track record with inventory accuracy, there are key things to consider to keep it that way. Read on to learn more about inventory accuracy and how to improve it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#calculate-inventory-accuracy\">How to calculate inventory accuracy<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#tips-inventory-accuracy\">7 tips to improve your inventory accuracy<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#inventory-shipbob\">How a 3PL can help you with inventory management<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"col hero-standard-form offset-1  \"><div class=\"card hero-home-customer-card form-card\"><h3 class=\"form-title\"><strong>Request Fulfilment Pricing<\/strong><\/h3><h3 class=\"h4 form-subtitle\"><\/h3><p class=\"form-copy\"><\/p><div class=\"card-body form-fbd53fc0-a20b-4df6-8df7-0fa1e8d5b8d4\" data-controller=\"form-controller\" data-form-controller-form-id-value=\"fbd53fc0-a20b-4df6-8df7-0fa1e8d5b8d4\" data-form-controller-form-container-query-value=\"form-fbd53fc0-a20b-4df6-8df7-0fa1e8d5b8d4\"><\/div><p class=\"form-note\">A fulfilment expert will get back to you shortly. <a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\">Privacy Policy<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-inventory-accuracy\">What is inventory accuracy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Inventory accuracy refers to any inconsistencies between the actual quantity or type of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/physical-inventory\/\">physical inventory<\/a>&nbsp;and what is recorded or is supposed to be. In most cases, it is the difference between what\u2019s recorded in an inventory management system and what you have available for sale in a store, warehouse, or storage location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Importance of inventory accuracy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Inaccurate inventory is obviously problematic as it can translate to incorrect customer orders, a shortage of product, theft, damages, loss for your business, or even trouble selling through what you have before it becomes obsolete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there are also implications on the accounting side that can cause more trouble for a business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, inaccurate inventory can lead to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-shrinkage\/\">inventory shrinkage<\/a>&nbsp;when stock is less than the recorded balance in accounting records and can throw off your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/inventory-valuation-methods\/\">inventory valuation<\/a>&nbsp;at the end of a financial year or accounting phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/inventory-write-off\/\">Inventory write-offs<\/a>&nbsp;are when you remove or reduce the value of inventory or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-kpis\/dead-stock\/\">dead stock<\/a>&nbsp;that has no value from their accounting records and can be used to rectify inaccurate inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By making sure your inventory is accounted for, your operations run more smoothly and you make more sales. Here are some of the reasons why maintaining inventory accuracy is so important.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Minimise customer loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having inventory inaccuracies is troublesome because it can translate to incorrect customer orders because you have a shortage of product. This can be a loss for your business as a result, or you may even have trouble selling through the inventory you have before it becomes obsolete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When your inventory is accurate, you ensure customers are getting what they ordered instead of turning to your competitor.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reduce operational and holding costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t have a clear understanding of how much inventory you have, you may buy more inventory than you need. When you have a surplus of inventory that isn\u2019t selling, it is sitting on the warehouse shelf racking up holding costs. Knowing when to move those items helps you drive down operational costs.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prevent inventory shrinkage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you have accurate inventory counts, you\u2019re able to monitor how much product you have. If you have inaccuracies in your inventory records, you can experience <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-shrinkage\/\">inventory shrinkage<\/a>. Inventory can easily go missing due to theft, damage, or pick errors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep inventory valuation in check<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you experience inventory inaccuracies, it can throw off your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/inventory-valuation-methods\/\">inventory valuation<\/a> at the end of a financial year or accounting phase. Making sure you have proper inventory results in less headaches for you and your finance team.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why ecommerce shops struggle with inventory accuracy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Achieving inventory accuracy isn\u2019t an easy task, but it can be made easier with the right technology, processes, and know-how. Here are the most common reasons why inventory accuracy is challenging for ecommerce brands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">They are self-storing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many ecommerce stores prefer to be as independent and cost-effective as possible, and usually&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/self-fulfillment\/\">self-fulfil<\/a>&nbsp;and self-store their products from their home. This can lead to inventory accuracy problems when it\u2019s not being stored professionally or managed in a warehouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And as the business grows and expands its product line,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/warehouse-operations\/inventory-storage\/\">inventory storage<\/a>\u00a0only becomes more difficult without the right equipment and a dedicated, experienced team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Their inventory management system is sub-par<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-management\/software\/\">inventory management system<\/a>&nbsp;is basic or non-existent, you may be tracking inventory on paper, spreadsheets, or not at all. Having integrated technology helps keep inventory records up-to-date, making things easier for accounting purposes, helping&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-kpis\/stockout-costs\/\">prevent stockouts<\/a>, and streamlining purchasing from manufacturers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-blog is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cSo many 3PLs have either bad or no front-facing software, making it impossible to keep track of what\u2019s leaving or entering the warehouse.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>On the supply chain side, I just throw in what we placed at the factory into a WRO in the ShipBob dashboard, and I can see how many units we have on-hand, what\u2019s incoming, what\u2019s at docks, and so on. I can see all of those numbers in a few seconds, and it makes life so much easier.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harley Abrams, Operations Manager of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/superspeed-golf\/\">SuperSpeed Golf, LLC<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>If you introduce new sales channels,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/multichannel-inventory-management\/\">multichannel inventory management<\/a>&nbsp;is needed to prevent over-stocking and under-stocking issues across stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"calculate-inventory-accuracy\">How to calculate inventory accuracy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two common methods for calculating inventory accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Physical inventory counting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/inventory-reconciliation\/\">Inventory reconciliation<\/a>, or the process of comparing physical inventory counts with records of inventory on hand, helps reduce stock discrepancies and understand why there are discrepancies in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need to perform a physical count of all the available inventory on hand and compare it against what you\u2019re supposed to have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use this formula to calculate inventory accuracy rate:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-blog is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>Inventory Accuracy Rate = (Counted Units \/ Units on Record) x 100<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"278\" width=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Inventory-Accuracy-Rate-700x278.png?w=1280px\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4067\" data-responsive-img srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Inventory-Accuracy-Rate-700x278.png?w=700px 650w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Inventory-Accuracy-Rate-700x278.png?w=860px 768w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Inventory-Accuracy-Rate-700x278.png?w=1180px 1080w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Inventory-Accuracy-Rate-700x278.png?w=1400px 1280w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Inventory-Accuracy-Rate-700x278.png?w=1600px 1440w\" fetchpriority=\"low\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Inventory accuracy rate formula<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If the two counts match up,&nbsp; then your inventory is accurate and does not have any inconsistencies. If it does not match, then there is an obvious discrepancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to get the most out of this method is to perform weekly checks using this method. This way, you can progressively keep track of your inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try using our calculator below to find your inventory accurate rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-calculator single-calculator theme-cloud  undefined\" data-controller=\"calculator-controller\" data-calculator-controller-form-name-value=\"inventory-accuracy\" data-calculator-controller-calculation-value=\"(this.units \/ this.record) * 100\" data-calculator-controller-feedback-value=\"Your inventory accuracy is at ${ result.toFixed(2) }%\" data-action=\"register-variable-inventory-accuracy@window-&gt;calculator-controller#registerVariable update-variable-inventory-accuracy@window-&gt;calculator-controller#updateVariable\"><h3 class=\"single-calculator-title\"><strong>Calculator: Inventory accuracy<\/strong> rate<\/h3><h3 class=\"h4 single-calculator-subtitle\"><\/h3><p class=\"single-calculator-copy\">Enter the values below, and hit \u201cCalculate\u201d to find your average inventory accuracy rate. <br><br>Note: This formula works if your total units on hand (that you count) is less than your total units on record (that you expect to be there). If you have more on hand than you expect, you can flip the order of the values to understand what % away you are from a perfect 100% inventory accuracy rate. <\/p><div data-calculator-controller-target=\"response\"><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-calculator flex-container direction-row justify-none align-none\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-calculator-input single-calculator-input  col-6\"><label class=\"single-calculator-input-title\">Your total units on hand (counted)<\/label><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-calculator-input single-calculator-input  col-6\"><label class=\"single-calculator-input-title\">Your total units on record (expected)<\/label><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"single-calculator-actions flex direction-row justify-right\"><button class=\"btn btn-secondary\" data-action=\"click-&gt;calculator-controller#calculate\">Calculate<\/button><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Inventory valuation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This method for calculating inventory accuracy is an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/inventory-accounting\/\">inventory accounting<\/a>&nbsp;practice and is done by counting the value of the inventory you have on hand (physical inventory), and then dividing it by the value of the inventory you are supposed to have in whatever you use to track inventory data. This method is not as accurate, as you are not comparing each item in your inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your inventory accuracy is low, you should consult your sales receipts and records. This could reveal the discrepancy (e.g., you may have sold the missing inventory).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the average inventory accuracy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is almost impossible to retain a 100% inventory accuracy rate, no matter what calculation method and technology you employ but it shouldn\u2019t be too far from it. Typically, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.scdigest.com\/assets\/Experts\/Managing_SCM_Performance_Vitasek_08-08-28.php#:~:text=While%20an%20inventory%20accuracy%20of,class%20companies%20reporting%20accuracy%20levels\">average inventory accuracy is 99.6%<\/a>, where the 0.4% is mostly due to human error that is inevitable for large companies. The more transactions you have, the higher the probability of a discrepancy in inventory data, and the occasional mishap isn\u2019t something to worry much about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tips-inventory-accuracy\">7 tips to improve your inventory accuracy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After choosing an inventory accuracy calculation method and computing your inventory accuracy, you might feel that there\u2019s room to improve your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-management\/inventory-control\/\">inventory control<\/a>. Here are some tried-and-tested methods for improving inventory accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Count your inventory regularly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Inventory accuracy is a metric that should be top of mind. Inventory should be checked often to make sure your physical inventory matches your records. By doing this regularly, you\u2019ll minimise the chance that your inventory is incorrect. And if your inventory is inaccurate for any reason, you\u2019ll be able to fix the issue early on.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Adopt the cycle count program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cycle counting is a way of managing inventory where a portion of inventory is counted in specific locations, on certain days, on a recurring schedule. Implementing a cycle count program allows you to forgo annual physical counts so you can count specific items on a more regular basis and therefore ensure your inventory is accurate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Improve inventory security<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having proper inventory security ensures the safety of your products in the storage facility. By making sure your inventory is secure, you\u2019re able to minimise theft. As a result, your inventory counts will remain accurate since theft is not a consideration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Use more professional storage methods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of self-storing your inventory, consider professionally storing your inventory in a proper warehouse. It\u2019s all too easy to lose inventory in your apartment, basement, garage, or car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although an investment of this kind might incur higher overhead costs, you may end up saving money, in the long run, thanks to greater inventory accuracy. Of course, a good warehouse is not enough though; Proper&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/warehouse-management\/\">warehouse management<\/a>&nbsp;will help you keep tabs on real-time inventory records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Work with a fulfilment partner<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than storing your own inventory at all, you can pair up with an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/ecommerce-fulfillment\/\">ecommerce fulfilment<\/a>&nbsp;partner that can store your inventory in its their warehouse(s) and manage it for you. Fulfilment companies specialize in picking, packing, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/kitting\/\">kitting<\/a>, shipping, inventory management, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/warehousing\/\">warehousing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A tech-enabled fulfilment company like ShipBob can even provide&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-management\/inventory-forecasting\/\">inventory forecasting<\/a>&nbsp;tools and access to data and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/distribution-metrics\/\">distribution metrics<\/a>&nbsp;that track inventory accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"ShipBob Fulfillment Center Guided Tour - 3D 360\u00b0 VR Video\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YdTbM4XlizY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-blog is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cWe have a Shopify store but do not use Shopify to track inventory. In terms of tracking inventory, we use ShipBob for everything \u2014 to be able to track each bottle of perfume, what we have left, and what we\u2019ve shipped, while getting a lot more information on each order.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ines Guien, Vice President of Operations at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/dossier\/\">Dossier<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Upgrade your inventory management system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a reliable&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-management\/\">inventory management<\/a>&nbsp;system is necessary to help your business scale sustainably. If your inventory management system is too basic or lacking the features you need, your inventory accuracy could be suffering. In this case, you should consider investing in a better, more connected inventory management system or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/erp-inventory\/\">ERP system<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-blog is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cAnother ShipBob integration I love is Inventory Planner. It saves me hours every week in Excel spreadsheets, and I can raise a PO in minutes when it used to take me hours.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>For every order I placed for years, I was ordering too much or not enough. Between inventory forecasting tools and the ability to auto-create WROs, we don\u2019t have stockouts much anymore. I sleep better at night.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wes Brown, Head of Operations at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/black-claw\/\">Black Claw LLC<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also look to use hardware and other equipment like&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/inventory-scanner\/\">inventory scanners<\/a>&nbsp;to improve inventory processes within your warehouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Run frequent and randomized inventory checks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One way to improve your inventory accuracy and save time is by scheduling a frequent cycle count. A cycle counting program is an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/inventory-audit\/\">inventory auditing<\/a>&nbsp;procedure, and conducting these frequently can prevent unchecked inventory from piling up, keeping your records consistent, and minimising potential inventory error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"inventory-shipbob\">Discover more accurate inventory with ShipBob<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Optimising your inventory management and improving inventory accuracy is crucial, but it can also be difficult and resource-demanding. Fortunately, you can outsource all this to a reliable&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/3pl\/\">third-party logistics<\/a>&nbsp;provider, like ShipBob.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ShipBob\u2019s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/order-fulfillment\/\">order fulfilment<\/a>\u00a0services help with inventory and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/order-accuracy\/\">order accuracy<\/a>, and our proprietary technology helps with everything from streamlined warehouse receiving to improved\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/warehouse-operations\/warehouse-order-picking\/\">warehouse picking<\/a>, efficiently managing\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-turnover-ratio\/\">inventory turnover<\/a>, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-blog is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>\u201cWe utilise ShipBob\u2019s Inventory API, which allows us to programmatically retrieve real-time data on how many units of each product are currently stored at ShipBob\u2019s warehouses. We currently use this API to generate custom reports to tie this inventory data into our accounting platforms.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/waveform-lighting\/\">Waveform Lighting Team<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>ShipBob\u2019s industry-leading software seamlessly integrates with your ecommerce platform and our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/warehouse-management\/warehouse-management-system-wms\/\">warehouse management system<\/a>&nbsp;to streamline operations and inventory management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This way, you can&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-management\/inventory-tracking\/\">track inventory<\/a>&nbsp;levels across all of our fulfilment centres in real-time, view order status changes, and see shipping updates from ShipBob\u2019s dashboard.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/art22.png?w=1280px\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12386\" data-responsive-img srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/art22.png?w=700px 650w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/art22.png?w=860px 768w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/art22.png?w=1180px 1080w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/art22.png?w=1400px 1280w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/art22.png?w=1600px 1440w\" fetchpriority=\"low\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll gain useful insight into precisely what\u2019s going on inside all ShipBob fulfilment centres you use, while letting ShipBob take on the task of preventing inaccurate inventories so you can focus on growing your business without having to manage a warehouse yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/quote\/\"><strong>Request Fulfilment Pricing<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inventory accuracy FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ensuring inventory accuracy is an important task, and you probably have a lot of questions about it. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding inventory accuracy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">What is the average inventory accuracy rate?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n\n<p>It\u2019s nearly impossible to have perfect inventory accuracy at all times, considering the inevitability of human error and other issues that arise from managing frequent transactions, but the average inventory accuracy rate hovers around 99.6%.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">Why is inventory accuracy important?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n\n<p>Inventory accuracy is important because it provides business owners with clear insight into their stock and inventory levels. A large number of inventory inaccuracies could mean customer get the wrong orders, you have a shortage of product, you\u2019re experiencing theft, your products have. damages, your business is at a loss, and you can even struggle to sell through what you have before it becomes obsolete.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">Do warehouses improve inventory accuracy?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n\n<p>Professional warehousing facilities make it easier for businesses to store and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/stock-control\/\">control their stock<\/a>, improving the overall inventory accuracy.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is inventory accuracy? Inventory accuracy refers to any inconsistencies between the actual quantity or type of&nbsp;physical inventory&nbsp;and what is recorded or is supposed to be. In most cases, it is the difference between what\u2019s recorded in an inventory management system and what you have available for sale in a store, warehouse, or storage location. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":149,"featured_media":0,"parent":4064,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"hub.php","meta":{"content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4066","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Inventory Accuracy 101: How to Calculate, Track &amp; Improve<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn everything you need to know about inventory accuracy, including how to calculate, track and improve it.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Inventory Accuracy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn everything you need to know about inventory accuracy, including how to calculate, track and improve it.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"ShipBob UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-08-17T11:22:34+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/12\/Inventory-Accuracy-Rate.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1400\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"555\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/uk\\\/inventory-kpis\\\/inventory-accuracy\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/uk\\\/inventory-kpis\\\/inventory-accuracy\\\/\",\"name\":\"Inventory Accuracy 101: How to Calculate, Track & Improve\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/uk\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/uk\\\/inventory-kpis\\\/inventory-accuracy\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/uk\\\/inventory-kpis\\\/inventory-accuracy\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Inventory-Accuracy-Rate-700x278.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-11-26T16:23:15+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-17T11:22:34+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn everything you need to know about inventory accuracy, including how to calculate, track and improve it.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/uk\\\/inventory-kpis\\\/inventory-accuracy\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/uk\\\/inventory-kpis\\\/inventory-accuracy\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/uk\\\/inventory-kpis\\\/inventory-accuracy\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Inventory-Accuracy-Rate-700x278.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/11\\\/Inventory-Accuracy-Rate-700x278.png\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/uk\\\/inventory-kpis\\\/inventory-accuracy\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/uk\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Inventory Accuracy\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/uk\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/uk\\\/\",\"name\":\"ShipBob UK\",\"description\":\"Just another ShipBob Network site\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/uk\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Inventory Accuracy 101: How to Calculate, Track & Improve","description":"Learn everything you need to know about inventory accuracy, including how to calculate, track and improve it.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Inventory Accuracy","og_description":"Learn everything you need to know about inventory accuracy, including how to calculate, track and improve it.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/","og_site_name":"ShipBob UK","article_modified_time":"2025-08-17T11:22:34+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1400,"height":555,"url":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2022\/12\/Inventory-Accuracy-Rate.png","type":"image\/png"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/","url":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/","name":"Inventory Accuracy 101: How to Calculate, Track & Improve","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Inventory-Accuracy-Rate-700x278.png","datePublished":"2022-11-26T16:23:15+00:00","dateModified":"2025-08-17T11:22:34+00:00","description":"Learn everything you need to know about inventory accuracy, including how to calculate, track and improve it.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Inventory-Accuracy-Rate-700x278.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Inventory-Accuracy-Rate-700x278.png"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Inventory Accuracy"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/","name":"ShipBob UK","description":"Just another ShipBob Network site","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"}]}},"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"WebPage","headline":"Inventory Accuracy","url":"http:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-accuracy\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":""},"articleSection":"Uncategorized","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Nigel Stevens"}],"creator":["Nigel Stevens"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"ShipBob UK","logo":""},"keywords":[],"dateCreated":"2022-11-26T16:23:15Z","datePublished":"2022-11-26T16:23:15Z","dateModified":"2025-08-17T11:22:34Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"headline\":\"Inventory Accuracy\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/uk\\\/inventory-kpis\\\/inventory-accuracy\\\/\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.shipbob.com\\\/uk\\\/inventory-kpis\\\/inventory-accuracy\\\/\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"\"},\"articleSection\":\"Uncategorized\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Nigel Stevens\"}],\"creator\":[\"Nigel Stevens\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"ShipBob UK\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[],\"dateCreated\":\"2022-11-26T16:23:15Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-11-26T16:23:15Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-08-17T11:22:34Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/shipbob.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4066","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/149"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4066"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4066\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23536,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4066\/revisions\/23536"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4064"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4066"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}