[tracerit]

I'm helping my uncle with a grocery store supply business and the market is still using paper and pen to order items. It creates such a strain for everyone here because we end up having to retype the stuff to keep track of things on our end. I'm looking to get them to implement some modern day tech to help both ends out. I'd like to walk into a Walmart to see how they run their inventory systems but I've been denied already :/

[kiwi29]

I was thinking of running my parents store the same way, the only problem is getting a hang of it and remembering to add all of the packages in. find someone to program the computer(s) to read how many items are in one package and how many packages are on a pallet. From there set each command to read how many are scanned through the system when being bought there's more to it but I'm not so sure of the rest

[El Cheapo Loco]

This is not something you can easily implement without some experience. Large corporations usually have custom apps designed for their unique process, it won't help you at all.

You'd want some simple inventory control software that can integrate with your accounting app. Something like this: http://www.pos-software.org/inventory_control.html

Again, you want someone who has done this before to do this for you. Your uncle's business is not something you want to be experimenting with.

[VMRWheels]

Try doing some research on POS systems or Point of Sale systems. There are many designed for small businesses but also restaurant type systems. But as elcheapoloco stated, most companies use programs that help them keep track of everything. Maybe if you're really good at Excel, you could make a spreadsheet and save some money.

[tracerit]

POS systems is the key. Thanks. I'll browse through google now, amazing how much information comes up when you get the right search term haha. It's expensive (after adding all the packages and then for each lane).

The market is not keeping track of anything. They just monitor how much they sold compared to how much they bought. My uncle and dad found a few people who took advantage of the system and kicked them out.

While I agree that it's a risk "experimenting" with the business, but there's no real problems with the way the market is doing things now. We're just looking to do it quicker and if there are any changes coming along it'll be executed parallel to their old method to make sure we have some type of plan B.

[MrRetep]

I'm no pro, But I've set up a small video game shop here in OC with their pos system, used to keep track of hundreds if not thousands of games in store and online. I also helped setup a strictly inventory system for a much larger company(keeping track of assets). I'm willing to help, but cant offer any professional services. PM me if you have any questions

[Chowbow]

I worked IT for a warehouse distribution center in Norcal and setup the systems used to track inventory, accounting, purchasing, etc. Everything was barcoded and scanned. From my experience there I would suggest getting a basic POS system that has some expandability and has a support team that can do some custom functionality. I visited tons of successful distribution businesses where everything is about picking, packing, logistics, and inventory control. When it came down to it, every business seemed to have some custom functionality added that they needed specifically for their business. Do your research and find a good system - it will be the backbone of the business and any outages or interruptions will wreak havoc once you start relying on the system.