When Small Losses Become a Big Problem
Most grocery stores track inventory using routine cycle counts, but what happens when those small discrepancies begin to pile up? In an industry where margins are already slim and often shrink goes unnoticed, relying on limited data can cost more than you think. Fresh departments like produce, deli, and meat experience some of the highest levels of spoilage, theft, and miscounts, yet they are rarely included in frequent cycle counts.
Shrink in grocery averages around 2.5 percent of sales, with perishables accounting for nearly 60 percent of total inventory loss. That translates to thousands of dollars lost each month. And when cycle counts skip over the highest-risk areas, teams are working from incomplete information. The reality is, cycle counts provide a snapshot. What grocers need is the whole picture.
Full Physical Inventories Bring Clarity
At Datascan, we help grocers move beyond partial insights by delivering full wall-to-wall inventory counts that capture every department. Our systems are built for speed and precision, allowing teams to complete accurate scans without disrupting operations. From center store to cold storage, every product gets counted and verified.
With a complete physical inventory, grocers gain more than a count. They get a baseline that reflects true on-hand inventory across departments. This is essential for high-turnover areas like bakery, dairy, and floral where product moves fast and waste adds up. By resetting the foundation, stores can identify patterns, spot gaps, and correct errors before they impact the bottom line.
Inventory Accuracy Supports Every Part of the Store
Inventory data affects ordering, labor, and even customer satisfaction. When you know what is really on the shelf, you order more effectively and reduce overstock. When you avoid surprise shortages, team members are not scrambling to fill gaps. And when customers can trust your availability, they keep coming back.
That is the power of physical inventory. It is not just about shrink, it is about restoring visibility across the board. Cycle counts have their place, but they cannot do it all. At Datascan, we provide the tools and support to make full counts possible, so grocery stores can move forward with confidence.
Here is how it works
Step One: Book a discovery call. We align on your location needs and department goals.
Step Two: Get your tools. Datascan delivers preconfigured inventory tech built for grocery.
Step Three: Count with confidence. Complete full physical inventories quickly and accurately.
Ready to take control of your inventory? Let’s start with a better count.
