Xero
Accounting
Experts

Contents show

JacRox are Xero Gold Partners

Experienced Chartered Accountants

About
Latest Posts

Alex Hartley

JacRox's financial storyteller, Alex simplifies finance intricacies through Xero Accounting.

Managing Inventory in Xero Accounting Software: A Comprehensive Guide to Xero Inventory Management Software

Introduction: The Necessity of Proper Inventory Management

Welcome to JacRox, a brand division of Jack Ross Chartered Accountants in Manchester. We are dedicated to offering expert Xero services to a wide variety of clients, from sole traders to large corporations. If you are in need of state-of-the-art cloud accounting software, use the contact form on the right and one of our JacRox team will be in touch to discuss next steps.

Managing inventory is vital for any small business, especially for those involved in retail and production. Although Xero is well-known as robust accounting software, it also offers an excellent inventory management system that integrates seamlessly with its accounting features. This guide explains inventory in Xero’s cloud-based inventory management software that can help your business run smoothly and profitably.

How to manage inventory: FIFO, LIFO, AVCO | Small Business Guides | Xero

Key Features: What Does Xero Offer as Inventory Management Software?

Track Inventory in Real-Time

Instant Updates:

As soon as an invoice or purchase order is processed, the quantity and value of stock you have on hand are updated in Xero. This real-time tracking ensures that you are always aware of your current stock status, eliminating the risk of over-selling or under-stocking products.

Stock Levels:

Xero enables you to track stock levels in real-time, helping you identify what needs to be reordered. By receiving immediate updates, you can make timely purchasing decisions, reducing the likelihood of stockouts or excess inventory, both of which can impact your cash flow.

Inventory Item Management

Tracked Inventory Item:

Xero allows you to manage your inventory items with varying levels of detail. Whether you are a wholesaler dealing with bulk products or a retailer with diverse product lines, Xero’s inventory management system is adaptable to your specific needs.

Cost of Goods Sold:

Xero calculates the average cost of your inventory items and updates the cost of goods sold automatically. This feature helps you maintain accurate financial reporting and aids in the calculation of profitability metrics, giving you valuable insights into the health of your business.

Cloud Inventory: Accessibility and Flexibility

Cloud-Based System:

Access your inventory data from anywhere, thanks to Xero’s cloud-based architecture. Whether you are on the shop floor, in a meeting, or working remotely, all you need is an internet connection to manage your inventory effectively.

Integration:

Xero integrates with a range of third-party inventory apps from the Xero App Store. This flexibility allows you to extend Xero’s inventory capabilities further, whether you need advanced features like barcode scanning or integration with a CRM system.

What is inventory? Why do inventory accounting? | Small Business Guides | Xero

A Guide to Inventory Management in Xero

Getting Started: Initial Setup

Opening Balance:

Begin by entering the opening balance for each inventory item. This crucial first step establishes the initial stock levels in Xero and sets the stage for accurate inventory tracking. Incorrect opening balances can lead to issues later on, so it is vital to be as accurate as possible during this stage.

Inventory Adjustments:

Xero allows for inventory adjustments, giving you full control over your stock. Whether you have experienced a stock loss due to damage or identified discrepancies during a stock count, Xero enables you to make these changes easily, ensuring your inventory records are always accurate.

Inventory Control: Advanced Features

Valuation and Management:

Xero provides several methods for the valuation and management of your inventory. From FIFO (First-In, First-Out) to weighted average cost methods, Xero allows you to choose the valuation method that is right for your organisation. Proper valuation is key to understanding your true profitability and making informed business decisions.

Barcode and eCommerce:

Integrate barcode systems and eCommerce platforms for even more efficient inventory management. This integration not only speeds up the sales process but also minimises the risk of manual data entry errors. Whether you are running an online shop or a physical store, Xero’s capabilities can be extended to fit your unique operational needs.

Cash Flow and Inventory

Cash Flow:

Proper inventory management in Xero can significantly improve your cash flow, an essential aspect for any small business. By maintaining just the right amount of stock, you can free up cash that would otherwise be tied up in excess inventory. This improved cash flow can be reinvested in other areas of your business, aiding growth and profitability.

Summary: Use Xero as Your Inventory Management Solution

Inventory management is one of the essential tasks that can either make or break a small business. Xero offers a comprehensive inventory management software that integrates seamlessly with its accounting functionalities. From tracking your inventory to financial reporting, Xero has you covered.

Choose Xero for your inventory management needs and experience seamless integration with one of the best systems like accounting and order management. From manual data entry to third-party app integrations, Xero makes inventory management less of a chore and more of a business solution.

Ready to improve your financial management with Xero? Fill out the contact form below and a JacRox team member will be in touch to guide you through our cloud accounting services.