Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Inventory Control Clerk
A Inventory Control Clerk is a professional who plays a critical role in managing and maintaining inventory accuracy and efficiency within an organization. They are responsible for overseeing the flow of goods, monitoring stock levels, and ensuring that inventory records are accurate and up-to-date. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Inventory Control Clerks.
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Main Responsibilities of an Inventory Control Clerk
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Inventory Control Clerk:
Adhere to
Adhere to, and implement all applicable company safety standards.
Adhere to company health and safety standards.
Adhere to required standards to minimize company risk.
Analyze
Analyze inventory data to identify trends and patterns.
Assist in
Assist during inventory related external audits.
Assist in implementing first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory rotation.
Assist in implementing inventory control procedures and policies.
Assist in other areas, or tasks, to meet production needs.
Assist in preparation and distribute monthly reports as required.
Assist in the preparation of budgets and cost control measures.
Assist in the review and refinement of the cycle counting program and tools.
Assist in updating a database to track the location, transfer and disposal of product.
Assist other departments, when approved by the Executive Director, with moving equipment / goods.
Assist with error reconciliation.
Assist with fills and material handling when needed.
Assist with inventory accuracy.
Assist with stocking for the General Store.
Assist with stocktaking and audits.
Assist with supplies all departments with stock items needed to replenish inventory levels.
Attach
Attach an inventory value for non-stock, defective, or non-listed material on the system.
Check
Check all disaster carts and bags for this campus and Acacia Creek frequently.
Check in materials as received from manufacturing and receiving areas as needed.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with other departments to forecast inventory needs.
Collaborate with the purchasing department to maintain optimal stock levels.
Collect
Collect and provide all the necessary documents and information for site management.
Communicate
Communicate and works directly with Purchasing Department on the status of any dated product.
Communicate effectively to appropriate shift leads and supervisors.
Compare
Compare physical inventory counts to inventory records to verify quantities and adjust.
Compile
Compile and submit monthly reports to management.
Complete
Complete and process international purchase orders.
Complete Daily Cycle count assignments.
Complete sales transactions.
Conduct
Conduct and report monthly facilities inspections.
Conduct audits to ensure compliance with inventory management protocols.
Conduct cycle count and quarterly physical count to verify inventory records and finds root.
Conduct cycle counts to ensure quantitative accuracy on the fastest moving items in the warehouse.
Conduct physical inventories on a routine schedule.
Conduct regular stock counts and reconcile discrepancies.
Conduct system and document audits of various material movement processes.
Control
Control inventory, procurement, issue and receipt of parts.
Coordinate
Coordinate and determine obsolete, non-returnable goods for junking, write-offs or write-downs.
Coordinate and integrate efforts with cross-operational departments to enhance inventory accuracy.
Coordinate inventory tasks to include MOOS, RTVs, transfers, sell off orders and price changes.
Coordinate physical inventory procedures and adjust system as necessary.
Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to ensure timely deliveries.
Count
Count material, equipment, inventory and supplies in stock and posts totals to electronic inventory.
Create
Create and maintain up to date inventory control procedures.
Create and route requisitions as well as create PO's as needed.
Create reports to inform of strict deadlines on returning stock.
Develop
Develop the modules and functionality required and in line with the specifications provided.
Direct
Direct customer interaction to resolve issues.
Dispose
Dispose of and account for outdated stock.
Ensure
Ensure adjustments, both losses and gains are investigated properly.
Ensure all inventory reports are current and in-balance.
Ensure all Team Members are working in a clean and safe environment.
Ensure appropriate inventory levels are achieved at all times.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and protocols in handling inventory.
Ensure lots are segregated as quarantine or released.
Ensure parts information is cataloged in the system and bins are properly labeled.
Ensure procedures are being followed within the inventory Control department.
Ensure proper resolution of consignment sales and returns.
Ensure proper stock rotations to minimize obsolete inventory.
Ensure that Quality Assurance processes are being adhered to.
Estimate
Estimate reserves for slow or obsolete inventory.
Examine
Examine outgoing shipments to ensure shipments meet specifications (by carton, case or skews).
Fill out
Fill out purchase requisition / release and places supply orders from various vendors.
Follow
Follow all company safety, security and housekeeping protocols.
Follow procedures to accurately adjust inventory for over / short, defective, and damaged product.
Foster
Foster a culture of accountability and clear communication of expectations.
Fulfill
Fulfill both technical and administrative needs as required.
Gather
Gather manufacturing information on inventory items.
Generate
Generate and analyze inventory reports for management review.
Generate and maintain accurate department metric reports.
Handle
Handle customer inquiries related to inventory availability and status.
Handle returns and coordinate with suppliers for replacements.
Help
Help ensure FIFO (first in first out) rotation throughout the facility.
Help Inventory Control team confirm missing ingredients that are reported by production.
Help manage current inventory, investigate inventory discrepancies.
Identify
Identify discrepancies between inventory records and take action.
Identify nonconformities and potential nonconformities.
Identify slow-moving or obsolete inventory and recommend actions.
Implement
Implement and enforce security measures to prevent inventory shrinkage.
Implement measures to prevent stockouts and overstock situations.
Input
Input all transactions in Microsoft dynamics.
Input and maintain a database of all products.
Interact with
Interact with Accounting, Planning, Purchasing and Manufacturing.
Interface with
Interface with other departments and lead as needed and guided by site management.
Investigate
Investigate and report all irregularities and make the correct adjustments when required.
Investigate and report reasons for discrepancies.
Investigate, approve and process store claims and returns.
Investigate inventory descrepencies.
Investigate large adjustments as required.
Investigate large adjustments, replenishment errors, and system issues.
Investigate missed letdowns.
Investigate missing items and report losses and trends to management.
Issue
Issue inventory items to work orders.
Issue materials and parts based on Bill of Materials or Request Slip.
Keep
Keep accurate control of materials used.
Keep aisles and walls free of pallets of product and loose cases.
Keep stockroom organized and clean.
Keep vault organized at all times.
Liaise with
Liaise with Service Providers and suppliers.
Maintain
Maintain accurate receiving records for all inbound and outbound shipments and file accordingly.
Maintain accurate record keeping and follow established procedures.
Maintain accurate records for customer inventory on hand.
Maintain a good, cooperative and respectful attitude.
Maintain cleanliness of bins and staging areas.
Maintain database, updating records to record supplies and materials received and dispensed.
Maintain Excel spreadsheet for stability and all discrepancies adjusted in inventory tracking system.
Maintain food safety and sanitation standards.
Maintain inventory records.
Maintain material data in ERP system and manage receipt of inventory through software transactions.
Maintain parts inventories.
Maintain reports to monitor warehouse operations.
Maintain sanitation standards.
Maintain supply and storage rooms in a safe, clean and orderly condition.
Make
Make proper Fourth shift inventory transactions as necessary.
Manage
Manage inventory transfer between the different departments.
Manage repairs at their assigned crib.
Monitor
Monitor and address any inventory discrepancies or inaccuracies.
Monitor inventory levels of issued materials and stocks.
Monitor stock levels and initiate replenishment orders as needed.
Monitor the expiry dates of perishable inventory items.
Operate
Operate as the first point of contact for all inquiries relating to stock and inventory issues.
Operate Pallet Jack and Forklift.
Operate the dispatch systems which create real time data and work order / labor accountability.
Optimize
Optimize inventory storage to maximize space utilization.
Order
Order certain mechanical parts from in-house machine shop based on safety stock.
Order DME equipment for residents O2, beds and enteral feedings.
Order picking and packing of products using an RF scanner.
Organize
Organize and label inventory items for easy identification.
Oversee
Oversee shipping domestically and internationally.
Own
Own and operate a van or large SUV.
Own the hiring process to build a high performing team.
Participate
Participate in inventory-related meetings and discussions.
Participate in the optimization and slotting of multiple warehousing spaces.
Perform
Perform 5S audits on the tool crib area.
Perform additional assignments and projects as requested by Management.
Perform all inventory related data file maintenance.
Perform cycle counts as required by the business using MHE equipment (Raymond Reach, Order picker).
Perform daily cycle counts and verification of material movement.
Perform daily inventory management procedures and duties.
Perform data entry as required to ensure all transactions are entered.
Perform inventory adjustments in the ERP system.
Perform inventory cycle counts.
Perform routine clerical assignments including filing invoices and maintaining records.
Perform routine clerical duties.
Perform safety audits on the tool crib and interstitial spaces.
Perform various administrative functions.
Prepare
Prepare and generates monthly / quarterly reporting for inventory management.
Prepare and maintain documentation related to inventory transactions.
Prepare and maintain purchasing files, reports and records.
Prepare and process requisition orders to replenish / source inventory as required.
Prepare inventory needed to be Assembled.
Prepare parts kitting rack against schedule Work order.
Prepare product for next day (Check-out) upon receipt of information from the supervisor.
Prioritize
Prioritize, work well under time pressure, and focus on work in midst of noise.
Process
Process orders of materials for service as well as sales orders.
Process rejected materials, and records information, as needed.
Promote
Promote and foster a continuing safety culture.
Provide
Provide accuracy between listed products and physical quantities in the RSC.
Provide administrative back-up where required.
Provide a safe working environment, adhering to health, safety and sanitation procedures.
Provide physical inventory movement, as necessary.
Provide Replenishment Buyers with reports on new and existing items to evaluate selling performance.
Provide timely professional service to both internal and external customers.
Provide training, coaching and development opportunities for team members.
Publish
Publish reports and statistics on inventory accuracy performance against standard.
Receive
Receive and distribute inventory and update the database accordingly.
Receive and inspect incoming shipments for accuracy and damages.
Receive, stock and verify contents of arriving packages.
Reconcile
Reconcile inventory discrepancies within a reasonable time frame.
Record
Record all inventory changes periodically and report the data to supervisor.
Record the inventory of all storeroom items.
Record the quantity, type and value of stock on hand using computerized or manual inventory system.
Replenish
Replenish supplies needed when expired.
Report
Report any issues to supervisor.
Research
Research cycle-count issues and resolve inventory transaction errors.
Research lost product and pallet situations and update inventory system.
Research part usage and issue history.
Resolve
Resolve delivery and other problems with suppliers.
Resolve Inventory discrepancies in a timely manner.
Respond
Respond positively towards changing business parameters.
Review
Review and analysis of SKU velocity and storage development plan.
Review requisition orders for accuracy.
Review status list of defective stock with the Buyers.
Run
Run reports to allow proactivity on stock quiatities.
Schedule
Schedule customer pickups and branch transfers.
Schedule cycle counts at branches to maintain integrity of the counts and ensure customer service.
Serve as
Serve as the point of contact for all inventory inquries related to Manufacturing.
Set-up
Set-up all inventory items in the File Maintenance section of AOD and Orbits.
Set-up and maintain inventory control system.
Shuttle
Shuttle service to and from the nearby bus stops.
Stay updated with
Stay updated with industry trends and best practices in inventory management.
Supervise
Supervise receiving process.
Support
Support activities on the floor as required.
Support day-to-day shipping and receiving operations.
Take
Take full ownership of providing accurate weekly / monthly / quarterly end counts.
Track
Track and analyze various companywide related inventory issues or problems.
Track the movement of inventory within the organization.
Train
Train and supervise inventory staff on best practices and procedures.
Understand
Understand the importance of quality, safety and documentation.
Unload
Unload / load trucks and deliveries as needed.
Update
Update and maintain inventory databases and records.
Update the ERP system and do transactions.
Use
Use inventory management software to track stock movement.
Verify
Verify and keeps records on all inventory adjustments, both incoming and outgoing.
Verify and receive purchase orders.
Verify receipts and packing slips.
Verify stock availability from current inventories.
Work
Work in a warehouse environment.
Work in other functions within the department, as needed.
Work within time constraints in a fast paced environment.
Work with planning to expedited materials from the Warehouse.
Work with vendors for quotes and availability on past due parts.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Inventory Control Clerk:
Proficiency in using inventory management software and systems.
Knowledge of supply chain and logistics principles.
Familiarity with inventory control methods and techniques.
Competence in data analysis and interpretation for inventory reporting.
Understanding of inventory costing and valuation methods.
Knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS).
Competence in using barcode scanners and RFID technology.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data manipulation and analysis.
Understanding of inventory forecasting and demand planning.
Knowledge of safety regulations and protocols for handling inventory.
Competence in conducting inventory audits and cycle counts.
Familiarity with international shipping and customs procedures.
Knowledge of inventory performance metrics and KPIs.
Competence in using ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.
Understanding of inventory process improvement methodologies.
Knowledge of inventory tracking and monitoring techniques.
Competence in using data visualization tools for inventory reporting.
Understanding of inventory control in a multi-location environment.
Knowledge of industry-specific inventory management practices.
Competence in implementing inventory control best practices.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Inventory Control Clerk:
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in data entry.
Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.
Problem-solving and analytical skills for addressing inventory challenges.
Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic inventory environment.
Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Teamwork and collaboration for cross-functional coordination.
Proactive and self-motivated approach to inventory management.
Customer service orientation for addressing client inquiries and concerns.
Strong work ethic and commitment to accuracy in inventory management.
Conclusion
Inventory Control Clerks play a vital role in maintaining the smooth flow of inventory within an organization. By possessing a combination of technical expertise, practical skills, and personal qualities, these professionals can effectively manage inventory and contribute to the overall efficiency of the supply chain.
