# 3-Minute Overview

<p class="callout info">⏱️ **Time:** 3 minutes   
👤 **Who:** Store Manager / New staff (first exposure) / Anyone needing a high-level understanding  
</p>

### What is a Stocktake?

A stocktake ensures your system reflects the **actual physical stock in your store**. It directly impacts:

- Ordering accuracy
- Stock valuation
- Reporting reliability

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### The 5 Phases of a Successful Stocktake

#### 1. Preparation (Critical)

Before counting anything:

- Clean up stock data
- Fix errors (negative stock, false zero stock)
- Ensure store layout (sections) is clear
- Do not re-zero stock on hand!

> Most stocktake failures happen here—not during counting.

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#### 2. Setup

- Create ONE stocktake
- Set the correct date
- Ensure structure is clean and consistent

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#### 3. Counting (Execution)

- Use PDE devices to scan and count
- Each count is saved as an “input”
- Inputs must be clearly named and assigned to sections

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#### 4. Validation

- Run reports
- Identify unusual values
- Investigate discrepancies

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#### 5. Finalisation

- Close stocktake
- Set stock counts
- Update system

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### Biggest Risks to Avoid

- Multiple stocktakes → reporting becomes unusable
- Poor naming → investigations become impossible
- Skipping preparation → inaccurate results
- Not validating → major stock errors

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### Golden Rule

> A smooth stocktake is built **before the first item is counted**