1-22-14
Introduction
Automated systems exist to ease the effort required by manual system e.g. writing a letter by hand can be easily done through several existing word processors that provide various formatting and paging options.
In case of automated inventory system, the whole inventory management and re-stocking can easily be done. Moreover, there is less likelihood of errors while handling stocks and hence, less strain.
Automated inventory systems provide instant notifications of sale, purchases, in-stock requirements etc and may help a small business to flourish through proper guidance.
The following document shall detail about different requirements needed to setup an automated inventory system for a small business.
Requirements
Following are the requirements
1) Proper equipment both electronic and digital e.g. point-of-sale checking and computers.
2) Costing software e.g. spreadsheet like MS Excel
3) Current inventory count and data migration from manual files to databases
4) Maintenance requirements for hardware and software
Equipment
1) A quad-core system for acting as a database server, having an appropriate OS e.g. Windows Server 2012 and relational database e.g.MS SQL Server 2012.
2) Computer/Laptop for your sister to oversee tasks.
3) A basic Inventory system e.g. ASAP system allowing management of inventory
4) Barcode reader
5) Urgent power supply (UPS) as an alternate power source in case of emergency shutdown.
6) LAN cables for networking between the server and your sister’s laptop.
Cost
1) Quad-core Database Server : $1000 (tigerdirect.com)
2) Laptop: $500 (Walmart.com)
3) Basic inventory system: $750 (Googleshop.com)
4) Barcode Reader: $100 (amazon.com)
5) UPS: $50 (ebay.com)
6) LAN cable: $5 (Walmart.com)
Total cost: approx $2500
Maintenance
Automated system is sure going to be very effective and will make things much easier but maintenance is going to be a must job and cannot be