How to Be Inventory Control Associate - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 5, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Inventory control associates are responsible for managing and monitoring inventory levels, which can have a significant impact on business success. When inventory is accurately tracked and properly managed, it can help to reduce costs, prevent overstocking, ensure availability of goods, and improve customer satisfaction. On the other hand, poor inventory control can lead to loss of sales, increased costs, and stock shortages that can damage customer loyalty.

Inventory control associates must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to use various software programs to accurately track stock levels. They must also be able to work with other departments, such as purchasing, sales, and customer service, to ensure that proper inventory levels are maintained.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent such as a GED. Most employers require at least a high school diploma or its equivalent for inventory control associates.
Consider pursuing a degree in a related field such as logistics, supply chain management, business management or accounting. This can be beneficial in getting a job as an inventory control associate.
Find an entry-level position as an inventory control associate. Many companies hire entry-level inventory control associates, so look for postings in newspapers, job boards and career websites.
Study the companys inventory policies and procedures. Make sure you understand the companys inventory system and how to use it.
Perform inventory audits and take corrective action when necessary. Check for inaccuracies, overstock and shortages in the inventory.
Ensure that all products are properly stored and labeled. Take note of the shelf life of the products and their locations.
Calculate stock levels and prepare reports on the inventory. Use computer programs such as Excel or Access to keep track of the inventory.
Set up stock replenishment systems. Monitor the inventory to ensure that stock levels are maintained at the desired level.
Purchase items when necessary and update the stock levels accordingly. Check prices and availability to ensure you get the best deals.
Negotiate with suppliers to get lower prices when possible. Develop relationships with suppliers to ensure a steady flow of supplies at the lowest possible cost.

Inventory Control Associates are responsible for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of their companys supply chain. This is done by accurately tracking and monitoring the inventory, identifying any discrepancies, and quickly resolving any issues that arise. To ensure reliability, associates must maintain accurate records, use up-to-date software, and regularly review data to identify any irregularities.

By improving the accuracy and speed of inventory tracking, associates can reduce the number of out-of-stock items, reduce costs associated with overstocking, and improve customer satisfaction. efficient inventory management can help ensure that the company is able to meet customer demand by having the right products available in the right quantities at the right time.

You may want to check Production Control Analyst, Process Control Inspector, and Document Control Coordinator for alternative.

Job Description

Receive and store incoming inventory in an organized and efficient manner.
Use computerized systems to track and monitor inventory levels, purchases, and shipments.
Place orders for new inventory when needed.
Monitor inventory levels to ensure that stock is adequate but not excessive.
Perform regular physical counts of inventory and reconcile discrepancies with computerized records.
Create and maintain accurate records of all inventory transactions.
Assist in the organization of warehouse storage areas.
Assist in the preparation of regular and special reports on inventory levels and transactions.
Assist in the maintenance of accurate product information including descriptions, item numbers, and pricing information.
Assist in maintaining a safe and orderly work environment.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Proficiency in inventory management software
Expertise in inventory analysis and forecasting
Knowledge of inventory replenishment techniques
Ability to identify and troubleshoot inventory discrepancies
Familiarity with various inventory control systems
Experience with warehouse management systems
Ability to track and monitor stock levels
Skilled in preparing inventory reports
Excellent communication and organizational skills
High attention to detail and accuracy
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office
Ability to lift and move heavy objects

Inventory control associates are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and availability of items in stock. To be successful, they must possess a variety of skills, including strong organizational and analytical skills. These skills enable the associate to accurately track the movement of stock, identify discrepancies, and take appropriate action.

Organization is key for inventory control associates as their primary responsibility is to ensure that inventory is properly managed and accounted for. Analytical skills are also essential in order to assess trends and predict needs for items that are in high demand or have a limited shelf life. Having these skills allows the associate to make informed decisions on how to best manage the inventory levels, leading to improved customer satisfaction and cost savings.

Furthermore, good communication and interpersonal skills are important for inventory control associates as they collaborate with different departments within the organization to ensure efficient workflow.

Traffic Control Officer, Inventory Control Clerk, and Water Control Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How would you describe your experience in inventory control?
What do you find most challenging about managing inventory?
How do you ensure accuracy when ordering and tracking inventory?
How do you stay organized when tracking multiple inventories?
What strategies do you use to reduce inventory costs?
How do you handle discrepancies in inventory levels?
How do you monitor inventory levels to anticipate customer needs?
How do you handle fulfillment and shipping of orders?
What techniques do you use to manage the physical location of inventory?
How do you ensure compliance with inventory regulations?

Common Tools in Industry

Inventory Management Software. Software that helps manage and track inventory levels, orders, and deliveries. (Example: Fishbowl Inventory)
Barcode Scanner. A handheld device that reads barcodes and relays the data to an inventory system. (Example: Honeywell Voyager)
Radio-frequency Identification (RFID). A system that uses radio waves to read tags containing inventory information. (Example: Impinj Speedway Revolution)
Inventory Cycle Counting. A process of regularly counting inventory to ensure accuracy and check for discrepancies. (Example: Cycle Counting Software)
Warehouse Management System (WMS). A system to help manage, track, and optimize warehouse operations. (Example: SAP WM)
Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS). A system that automates the storage and retrieval of inventory. (Example: Kiva System)
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Software that integrates multiple business processes into a single system. (Example: Oracle ERP Cloud)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS)
International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA)
Supply Chain Council (SCC)
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
Institute for Supply Management (ISM)
Association for Operations Management (APOM)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
National Association of Purchasing and Materials Management (NAPM)
International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
International Trade Administration (ITA)

We also have Process Control Engineer, Quality Control Supervisor, and Process Control Coordinator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Inventory Management. A set of processes used to track and manage the ordering, storage, and use of materials, goods, and products.
Stock Keeping Units (SKUs). Unique numbers assigned to specific products or services that can be used to track and manage inventory.
Reordering Point. The level of inventory at which an organization should reorder stock to prevent stockouts from occurring.
Stockout. A situation in which an item or product is not available for purchase due to lack of inventory or supply.
Cycle Counting. A method of inventory management that involves counting a specific number of items from inventory on a regular schedule to ensure accuracy.
Barcoding. A system in which items are labelled with barcodes that can be scanned and processed for inventory tracking and management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Inventory Control Associate?

An Inventory Control Associate is responsible for managing the inventory of a company, ensuring that products are stocked and tracked accurately. This includes tracking stock levels, monitoring stock movement, forecasting future demand and replenishing supplies.

What responsibilities does an Inventory Control Associate have?

An Inventory Control Associate is responsible for overseeing the storage, movement, and maintenance of inventory. This includes receiving and verifying inventory, locating and retrieving inventory items, entering stock data into the system, and managing inventory databases.

What skills and qualifications are required to be an Inventory Control Associate?

To be an Inventory Control Associate, you should have excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as accuracy and attention to detail. Knowledge of inventory management systems, Microsoft Office, and basic math is also necessary. A college degree in business or logistics may be beneficial.

What are the benefits of being an Inventory Control Associate?

Being an Inventory Control Associate provides a variety of benefits, including gaining knowledge of inventory management systems, developing strong organizational and problem-solving skills, and exposure to a variety of business operations. Additionally, it also offers the opportunity to work with diverse teams and build relationships with vendors and suppliers.

What is the average salary for an Inventory Control Associate?

The average salary for an Inventory Control Associate is approximately $40,000 per year. Salary can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.

Web Resources

Inventory Control / Capitalization | Accounting Office accountingoffice.uconn.edu
Inventory Control Manager | NC State Online and Distance online-distance.ncsu.edu
Inventory Control and Distribution Specialist | PSU Human hr.psu.edu