Smarter Week

How to automate it

How to automate “check the back room or other stores for an item”

Here are 2 ways to spend less time on this, best first. Each comes with steps you can follow today.

20 min
typically, every day
50%
of the time can be automated
Easy
to set up

Fix 1 of 2

Software featureBest fix

Check stock on a handheld or phone instead of walking the back room

Store apps on a handheld or phone show stock in the back room, other stores and online, and can order it for the customer on the spot.

Typically saves about 45% of the time30 min to set up
  1. 1Ask your manager which store app or handheld shows live stock.
  2. 2Make sure back-room locations are scanned in when stock arrives.
  3. 3Look it up before you walk anywhere.
  4. 4Use "order for the customer" or "hold at another store" from the app.

Tools: Toast, Square, Lightspeed, Clover or Shopify POS · Zebra handhelds with your store app

Fix 2 of 2

Software feature

Count stock with a phone or scanner that updates the system

Counting in an app by shelf or area, scanning barcodes, removes the count sheet and the typing afterwards. Stock levels in the system become reliable.

Typically saves about 40% of the time1 h to set up
  1. 1Set up count areas in the order you walk the store or kitchen.
  2. 2Use the counting app from your POS or inventory system on a phone or handheld.
  3. 3Scan or tap counts as you go.
  4. 4Submit and review only the big differences.

Tools: Toast, Square, Lightspeed, Clover or Shopify POS · MarketMan, Restaurant365 or xtraCHEF counts

Who does this task

Roles in our library that list this as one of their common tasks. Each guide covers the rest of that role’s week.

Retail associate

HourLeak · the 8-minute work audit

How many hours does this cost you?

The free 8-minute check works out where your week goes and gives you your top fixes. The team scan does the same for everyone and adds it up, so you know which leaks to fix first.

Take the free check Scan my team, $49

Answers are anonymous. Leaders only see team totals.

Other common tasks for Retail associates