Cycle counting is a way to check inventory accuracy without stopping warehouse work. Instead of counting your entire warehouse at once, you audit small groups of items or locations on a regular schedule. This keeps your ShipHero inventory records accurate all year, not just after one big count.
Table of Contents
- Benefits of Cycle Counting
- Cycle Count Types in ShipHero
- Get Started with Cycle Counting in ShipHero
Benefits of Cycle Counting
Consistent cycle counting keeps your physical warehouse stock matched to your ShipHero records, creating a more efficient and scalable fulfillment process.
| Benefit Category | Impact on Operations |
|---|---|
| Operational Continuity | Cycle counts are non-disruptive. Your team keeps receiving, picking, packing, and shipping orders while a count is in progress. |
| Targeted Accuracy | Tailor counts to prioritize high-value items or fast-selling SKUs. |
| Fulfillment Speed | Accurate inventory data leads to faster pick times and on-time shipments. |
| Reduced Error Rates | Frequent audits mean fewer mis-picked items and less need for manual inventory adjustments. |
| Reduced Emergency Restocking | Avoid urgent restocking caused by having less physical inventory than expected. |
| Prevention of Over-Stocking | Avoid wasting space and capital on excess stock caused by having more physical inventory than expected. |
| Early Issue Detection | Catch recurring team or zone mistakes, damaged inventory, and misplaced items before they reach a live order. |
The location being actively counted is the exception. It becomes unpickable until that count is complete. See How to Manage Cycle Counts in ShipHero for more on cycle count statuses.
Cycle Count Types in ShipHero
ShipHero supports three cycle count types. Each one fits a different counting goal.
| Cycle Count Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Locations | Confirming everything stored in a location is correct, and catching items that shouldn't be there. |
| Items | Counting specific SKUs, such as high-velocity items or products tied to one customer. |
| Items Flagged for Recount | Re-verifying SKUs that had a discrepancy in an earlier count. |
For a full comparison of when to use each type, see How to Choose a Cycle Count Type.
Get Started with Cycle Counting in ShipHero
- How to Create a Cycle Count in ShipHero - Create a cycle count from the ShipHero dashboard or the Public API.
- How to Manage Cycle Counts in ShipHero - Track statuses, view count details, and resolve a batch that won't close.
- How to Choose a Cycle Count Type - Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each cycle count type.
- How to Cycle Count Using ShipHero Mobile - Conduct a cycle count from the ShipHero mobile app.
- Understanding Cycle Count Recounts - Learn how ShipHero handles discrepancies and recounts.