Inventory Management Software in Riv-ERP: From Scanner Stocktakes to Slow-Moving Stock

Inventory is the largest moving asset in most trading businesses, and any problem with it shows up directly in profit: a missing item loses a sale, and a slow-moving item ties up cash. In this guide we explain how Riv-ERP works as inventory management software in both of its editions: RivDesktop on your own server, and Riv-ERP Cloud on Oracle Cloud.

1. An item card that holds every detail

• 3 units per item with conversion factors, and 7 prices per unit (RivDesktop).
• Variable units: a pack with its own name, quantity, price and barcode.
• Serial numbers, expiry dates and batches.
• Minimum, maximum and reorder levels for each item.
• Composite items, and permissions that control who sees which price.

2. Multiple warehouses and controlled transfers

Warehouses are organized in a tree (main and branches), each with its own accounts and analytical dimensions. Transfers between warehouses are made with a transfer document, which can start from a transfer request. The cloud edition also includes internal consumption for materials issued for use.

3. Costing methods

RivDesktop supports more than one method for calculating the cost of goods sold:

• Weighted average cost.
• First in, first out (FIFO).
• Last purchase price.
• Cost by date.

You can also block negative-stock sales or issuing below the minimum level for each user group.

4. Scanner stocktakes and automatic adjustments

A stocktake in RivDesktop doesn’t mean entering thousands of lines by hand:

1. Export the item list with barcodes to the stocktake device (CSV file).
2. The team scans the shelves, then you import the results from a file or directly over the network.
3. The system reads the book balance of each item in the warehouse and compares it with the counted quantity.
4. On saving, it automatically creates the shortage document and the surplus document and posts their journal entries according to your settings.

In the cloud edition: inventory counts, inventory adjustments and transfers are part of the same workflow.

5. Alerts before stock runs out

The notification bell in RivDesktop shows items that have fallen below the minimum level, and in the cloud edition the minimum stock and reorder level reports prepare your purchasing list.

6. Slow-moving stock and profit margin

In Riv-ERP Cloud, the slow-moving stock report reveals items that aren’t moving, the inventory profit margin report shows the profit on each item, and the Inventory 360 dashboard shows inventory value by location and item group. In RivDesktop there are item movement reports, a stocktake list with balances, expiry and batches, item totals with cost and profit, and the profit on each invoice line.

7. Barcodes and scales

Print barcode labels and barcode cards, update item data and prices in the scale software, and read scale barcodes at the point of sale.

A practical 30-day plan to get your inventory under control

1. Clean up item cards: units, barcodes and minimum levels.
2. Choose the costing method that suits your business.
3. Run a full scanner stocktake and post the adjustments.
4. Enable the minimum-level alert and check the bell daily.
5. Review slow-moving stock monthly and decide: promote it, transfer it to another branch, or stop purchasing.

To understand the difference between the two editions, read the comparison of the two editions.

FAQ

Does Riv-ERP support stocktaking with a scanner device?

Yes. In RivDesktop you export items to the stocktake device and import the results from a file or over the network, then the system automatically creates the shortage and surplus documents.

Which costing methods are supported?

Weighted average cost, first in first out (FIFO), last purchase price, and cost by date.

How do I identify slow-moving items?

In Riv-ERP Cloud, from the slow-moving stock report and the Inventory 360 dashboard, which shows inventory value by group and location.

How many units and prices can one item have?

In RivDesktop, up to 3 units with conversion factors and 7 prices per unit, in addition to variable units.

Book a demo: 📲 +966 55 200 7190 · ✉️ Info@riv-erp.com