If you frequently find that you’re low on supplies, you’re overbuying, or ingredients frequently go out of date before you can use them, then better inventory management might be the answer.
What is digital inventory management?
Digital inventory management streamlines stock taking and ordering using tools like apps and software. It uses barcodes and a shared database to track things like what supplies an organisation has, and the use-by dates on perishables.
There are free apps that your volunteers can use on smartphones or tablets, and printable barcodes that you can stick to packets and boxes to scan.
Why should we use digital inventory management?
To those who are less comfortable with digital tools, digital inventory management can seem intimidating, but it is straightforward and intuitive. It means that everyone who needs to can see how much of every ingredient the kitchen has, and when they are due to go out of date.
Used right, it should eliminate wasted money and wasted food, as well as last minute panics when someone realises that something has run out and they need to source a replacement. It also saves time, since volunteers can simply check the database rather than having to dig through shelves and drawers.
It is probably wise to have someone who takes ultimate responsibility for the initiative, so that it stays streamlined and standardised, and so that they can make sure everyone is using it right. That said, it is important that everyone knows how to use the system, so the whole team should be familiar with it.
How can kitchen design help your inventory management?
Inventory management is easier and more effective when there is suitable storage to complement it. Ample, intelligent storage space makes logical ordering easier, and prevents supplies ending up out of sight and out of mind.
Aside from quantity of storage, placement of storage areas is fundamental as well. Naturally, volunteers need to be able to access items physically as well as logging them digitally, and things like high-up storage can be prohibitive, especially for any team members with physical disabilities. Consider whether you need to rethink your layout to keep the kitchen accessible and your inventory management effective.
A lot of kitchen designs also make very inefficient use of space, so their storage opportunities are limited. If you think your space could benefit from smarter layouts, then a design consultation may help establish the kitchen’s full potential.
Steelplan Kitchens’ design experts are always happy to advise. We can even assess your kitchen (with photos and dimensions, or in-person if you’re not too far away), discuss your ambitions for the kitchen, and even prepare a free 3D visualisation of the proposed design, so you can see what it would look like in situ.
For a no-obligation chat with one of our team, call 020 8254 0900, or email [email protected].
