--- layout: default_v3 language: default permalink: restaurant-management/restaurant-inventory-management.html i18n_link: 3225 updated: 2021-03-17 #--- article key-values ---# collection: default_topiccluster t_keyword: Restaurant Inventory Management tags: restaurant inventory management, business management, zip haccp, software, food safety, inventory type: supporting page_id: 3225 hreflang_id: 3225 parent_id: 3084 date_published: 2021-03-15 date_modified: 2021-03-17 #--- javascript schema ---# javascript_schema: - script: jquery_3_2_0_min - script: bootstrap_min - script: article_infinite_scroll - script: article_mix_infinitescroll - script: article_mix - script: article_mix_faq - script: article_mix_toc #--- section schema ---# section_schema: - section: nav-main_menu - section: article_body_v2 - section: footer - section: schedule_demo_cta #--- page key-values ---# meta_tags: t_meta_title: 5 Best Practices for Restaurant Inventory Management t_meta_description: An effective restaurant inventory management system will analyze food supply and help reduce food costs to maximize profits. t_meta_abstract: An effective restaurant inventory management system will analyze food supply and help reduce food costs to maximize profits. i_meta_image: article_body: json-ld_article: v_date_published: 2021-03-15 v_date_modified: 2021-03-17 author: p_author_id: 153 t_author: Cynthia Vespia p_author_url: cynthia-vespia.html i_author: 153.png t_author_description: Cynthia Vespia Is A Content Marketing Writer And Creative Copywriter. She Has Over 10+ Years Of Experience Writing Marketing Copy Across Digital Platforms With A Solid Understanding Of SEO Principles To Drive Business. Excellent Editing And Proofreading Skills. Keen Ability To Tailor Writing Voice To Match The Message Of The Brand. Cynthia Is Also A Published Fantasy Author And Former Fitness Competitor. p_author_facebook: //www.facebook.com/HubWorksApp p_author_twitter: https://twitter.com/HubworksApp p_author_linkedin: p_author_instagram: feature_snippet: p_type: text t_title: t_description: content: heading: t_title: 5 Best Practices for Restaurant Inventory Management t_description: An effective restaurant inventory management system will analyze food supply and help reduce food costs to maximize profits. image: i_image: 5-best-practices-for-restaurant-inventory-management-1615479752-2074.png t_image_description: management restaurant inventory restaurant email address v_image_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/pasta-fettuccine-fresh-pasta-1181189/ v_image_license: Creative Commons Zero v_video: paragraphs: - t_headline: What is Restaurant Inventory Management? t_text: Inventory tracking is an essential component of restaurant management. Calculating food costs are one of the biggest factors when it comes to budgeting. Accurate restaurant inventory management will keep track of all ingredients for the restaurant food as well as other supplies.

Food inventory done by hand can be time consuming. Having restaurant inventory software will take out some of the hassle. The inventory management system will vary based on the restaurant's individual needs. Most restaurants will track any food waste to ensure costs don't become inflated. Managing inventory through the use of software is often used to monitor those issues. p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: what-is-restaurant-inventory-management-1615498454-4387.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/restaurant-cooking-chef-kitchen-1284351/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/restaurant-cooking-chef-kitchen-1284351/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_headline: 5 Restaurant Inventory Management Best Practices t_text: To track inventory correctly means to know the exact inventory amount in order to minimize loss and maximize profits. Here are 5 best practices to follow for a successful inventory process.

1. Use a POS system
A restaurant POS system is an integral part to the success of any restaurant business. This type of restaurant inventory management software provides data such as order planning reports, integrated accounting, and automated inventory tracking. A POS can also be customized for other needs such as inputting any waste or spillage that should be noted.

2. Keep a Consistent Inventory Schedule
Take inventory at the same time- daily weekly monthly. The results will be more accurate, highlighting when ingredients are used and to what degree. Knowing these numbers will help when making adjustments for the next purchase order.


3. Use Past Inventory Data When Ordering
Keeping a consistent inventory schedule will also become helpful when it's time to order new supplies. Studying the data that is derived from the inventory of ingredients will help come time for ordering. The data from tracking inventory will cut down on guessing and will provide trends for future economic decisions.

4. Follow the First In, First Out (FIFO) Method
Make sure storage areas are organized with the FIFO method. First in, first out ensures that the inventory that has come into the restaurant first, will be used first. This minimizes spoilage and waste which can become costly if not monitored. Using the FIFO method for proper food storage is especially important for perishable items.

5. Minimize Food Waste
If an inventory report yields excess for some ingredients, use them for existing menu dishes or create specials. Sitting inventory should never go to waste. There are always opportunities to avoid wasting food or potential sales. Just ensure to let guests know of any menu changes. p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: t_description: v_attribution: v_license: video: v_video: U1_djfLcLiQ v_video_language: default t_name: How to Do Inventory in a Restaurant to Lower Food Cost - Restaurant Business Tip #restaurantsystems t_description: If you have any questions or for membership inquiries, please contact Gregg Sourbeck at 1-877-457-6278 ext 106 or Gregg@RestaurantSystemsPro.net. To schedule a call or a free 20 minute software demo //calendly.com/gregg-3/free-software-demo//restaurantsystemspro.net/pricing/ Pricing page v_url: //youtu.be/U1_djfLcLiQ i_thumbnail: //i.ytimg.com/vi/U1_djfLcLiQ/default.jpg i_thumbnail_1x1: //i.ytimg.com/vi/U1_djfLcLiQ/default.jpg i_thumbnail_4x3: //i.ytimg.com/vi/U1_djfLcLiQ/mqdefault.jpg i_thumbnail_16x9: //i.ytimg.com/vi/U1_djfLcLiQ/sddefault.jpg v_upload_date: 3-13-2019 v_length_minutes: 8 v_length_seconds: 4 v_view_count: 15731 callout_text: - t_headline: Tips for Managing Restaurant Inventory Systems t_text: Inventory control is one of the top priorities of restaurant management next to having exceptional customer service. Proper food inventory management helps restaurants and any small business maximize the ROI of supplies purchased. Keeping close tabs on inventory is especially important in the restaurant industry where every little bit counts towards profit margins.

Organize food storage
A storage area in disarray will not only be a food safety issue but will also cause miscounts during inventory. No matter how busy the restaurant gets, the food storage should remain clean and organized. A pantry or walk-in freezer have the following-

Assign an inventory team
As mentioned, inventory counts should be done at the same time each day to retain consistency. That's also why a specific team of staff members should be taking inventory. Once the team is assembled, an inventory counting schedule will let them know when they should count inventory. All of this will cut out confusion.

Create an inventory consumption sheet
An inventory consumption sheet can be created inside a POS system. This inventory sheet will track how much of an item is used each day. Tracking inventory daily, with a consumption sheet to refer back to, provides a better understanding of how much of a specific ingredient comes in and goes out of the restaurant. Knowing this information will help to adjust the quantities of low inventory on the upcoming purchase orders.

Each restaurant will have their own consumption sheet depending on the menu, but most sheets will have these items on it-


Having these precise numbers provides more accuracy and is highly advisable for restaurant inventory management.

Track your sales every day
Sales should be monitored every day in real time. It puts the restaurant in a better position to make changes before they impact overhead. For example, if a menu item is a more popular seller than expected, and ingredients are running low, an order can be adjusted to meet the demand for those menu items.

Use the right restaurant technology
Tracking inventory by hand can be time-consuming and not always accurate. The technological advances in the restaurant industry have provided many solutions to make restaurant inventory management run smoother with more accurate data. Inventory management software can even be cloud based to keep from losing important data. p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: tips-for-managing-restaurant-inventory-systems-1615505312-9322.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/mediterranean-cuisine-eat-food-2378758/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/mediterranean-cuisine-eat-food-2378758/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_headline: Restaurant Inventory Systems Bottom Line t_text: p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: restaurant-inventory-systems-bottom-line-1615505312-4088.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/meal-food-dinner-lunch-restaurant-918639/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/meal-food-dinner-lunch-restaurant-918639/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: event_body: json-ld_event: t_name: Employee Scheduling for Restaurant Managers t_description: Attendees will learn how create excellent schedules. The class teaches managers how to estimate the number of employees they need to staff their locations; how to accurately forecast their customer demand; how to quickly and accuaratly write and communicate schedules to employees; and how to evaluate the accuracy and optimization of their schedules to make adjustments. v_start_date: 2022-08-08 i_image: p_location_name: Altametrics Online Webinar Course p_address: webinar.hubworks.com?site=altametrics v_price: 10.00 t_offer_description: Priority Registration v_registration_url: webinar.hubworks.com?site=altametrics ---