Having worked in inventory management for 27 years, no online inventory system is better than 90% accurate. Human input is always necessary and that’s where mistakes happen.
Where I work it updates at midnight, the displays are part of the count, and besides that, nothing stops someone from buying what you’re looking for between you looking it up and you getting there.
I learned a long time ago, in the before times, to call the store after I check the website and ask if they can set aside the item for me to pick up. Many stores and restaurants have been offering pick-up/curb side type service along with delivery besides the traditional come in and buy it in person services. Going forward I foresee the proliferation of these options spreading all across retail businesses that can support it. And maybe an increase in those services that provide delivery such as Dooe Dash, Instacart, etc.
I was a programmer for a retail chain. It was hard to get people in the merchandising department to believe that the inventory numbers were never 100% accurate. Because computers and numbers are involved people tend to believe the results implicitly. Despite bar coding and the cash registers being tied to the inventory system, humans are still involved. Furthermore, some chains don’t update inventory in real time so, especially when small quantities are involved, the numbers can be off. I forget, but there’s a rule of thumb for inventory inaccuracy. It’s a small number but reliable.
COVID has actually improved things at places like Home Depot. If I see that they have only a couple in inventory, I’ll buy online for store pickup and then wait until they email me the product is ready. Just because it says they have it online doesn’t mean they actually have it — and can find it!
davidob almost 3 years ago
Get real, lady. And I’m not sure whether I’m addressing the customer or the clerk/manager.
Purple People Eater almost 3 years ago
If the website says there are few left in stock, I always call to make sure.
duffer37 almost 3 years ago
Having worked in inventory management for 27 years, no online inventory system is better than 90% accurate. Human input is always necessary and that’s where mistakes happen.
Darth Stevious almost 3 years ago
Where I work it updates at midnight, the displays are part of the count, and besides that, nothing stops someone from buying what you’re looking for between you looking it up and you getting there.
USlackr Premium Member almost 3 years ago
I thought she didnt need to wear the uniform now
Teto85 Premium Member almost 3 years ago
I learned a long time ago, in the before times, to call the store after I check the website and ask if they can set aside the item for me to pick up. Many stores and restaurants have been offering pick-up/curb side type service along with delivery besides the traditional come in and buy it in person services. Going forward I foresee the proliferation of these options spreading all across retail businesses that can support it. And maybe an increase in those services that provide delivery such as Dooe Dash, Instacart, etc.
christelisbetty almost 3 years ago
Which is worse? Dealing with a person who doesn’t have what you need or want, or a computer that doesn’t care ?
willie_mctell almost 3 years ago
I was a programmer for a retail chain. It was hard to get people in the merchandising department to believe that the inventory numbers were never 100% accurate. Because computers and numbers are involved people tend to believe the results implicitly. Despite bar coding and the cash registers being tied to the inventory system, humans are still involved. Furthermore, some chains don’t update inventory in real time so, especially when small quantities are involved, the numbers can be off. I forget, but there’s a rule of thumb for inventory inaccuracy. It’s a small number but reliable.
ZBicyclist Premium Member almost 3 years ago
COVID has actually improved things at places like Home Depot. If I see that they have only a couple in inventory, I’ll buy online for store pickup and then wait until they email me the product is ready. Just because it says they have it online doesn’t mean they actually have it — and can find it!
Tentoes almost 3 years ago
Tabby is human not feline?
aussie399 Premium Member over 2 years ago
They’re just mad. No qualifiers required