Fishbowl Inventory is a phenomenal software, but users can run into obstacles that prevent it from running smoothly and accurately. That’s where a Fishbowl inventory consultant can assist. Consultants help businesses remove stumbling blocks and navigate through issues or conflicts, thereby enhancing the software experience. In this article, you’ll discover ways that a Fishbowl Inventory consultant can help your company do more.
1. Integration and Implementation
Organizations need inventory solutions that work for the given situation. Therefore, Fishbowl Inventory must seamlessly work with your point of sale, QuickBooks set up, merchant services, and any other necessary aspect across all store locations.
Additionally, butchered software implementation can cost thousands or millions in damages. Working with a Fishbowl Inventory consultant mitigates risks and can help you get the most from your investment. Consultants help ensure everything is working accordingly to prevent downtimes and other costly errors.
2. Database Setup and Design
With Fishbowl Inventory, the database is separate from the software you use at the workstation. Plus, getting everything set up and ready to support your business is no small task. A consultant can help set up and design your database so problems don’t arise during daily use.
The professional can ensure all your customers, items, vendors, and other essential information are correctly registered in the database. That includes pulling data from QuickBooks if it was your previous inventory management system. Also, a capable Fishbowl Inventory consultant can design your database in a way that better streamlines processes and prevents errors.
3. Staff Training
An expert consultant can simplify and expedite the learning of the Fishbowl Inventory software. The person can train you and your employees on the system, so costly debacles are avoided. For example, an untrained employee can easily break your database by accident, causing time-consuming and money-draining problems.
Furthermore, your consultant can customize the service to fit business goals and accommodate employee needs. Most consultants offer on-site training.
4. ‘Reorder level’ and ‘Order Up to Level’
No one wants to tie up cash flow because of improper stock levels. An expert can help determine, including set your Reorder Point and Order Up to Level. The former refers to the minimum quantity to reach before item reorders are required. The latter refers to the maximum number of products you can have on hand.
Quantity will vary from one product to the next based on demand. Ideally, historical data should be utilized to determine the appropriate numbers, something a Fishbowl Inventory consultant can help do.
5. Fishbowl Inventory Reports
There are more than 100 standard reports available in the Fishbowl Inventory software. Some of which include inventory asset values, sales and purchases, manufacturing activities, and other reports. Understanding each one can provide informative insights into your company’s operations, and a consultant can teach you everything.
Sometimes, you may need to create a custom report, something a Fishbowl Inventory consultant can get done. Consultants offer experience and support, allowing you to derive better meaning from data.
6. Barcode System Implementation
Mistakes can happen even with a streamlined order entry process. For example, picking specific items from a warehouse with many similar products can lead to errors. That’s why a barcode system is vital. A good barcoding system can eliminate or reduce mistakes like the one described earlier.
Your Fishbowl Inventory consultant can help you set up a barcode system that works for your business. For example, LilyPad Mobile Warehouse is a Fishbowl third-party integration that lets you scan barcodes when performing warehouse functions and during the picking process. The system also notifies users whenever the wrong item is scanned and redirects to the correct item.
7. Multi-language Support
Fishbowl only comes in English, which means warehouses with employees that speak different languages may find it challenging to use. However, with the right integration, Fishbowl Inventory can support multiple languages. You can talk with the consultant about your business and its operations to find a great fit.
Everyone must understand the inventory software to decrease costly mistakes. Multi-language support is one of the best ways to get everyone up to speed.
8. Customer Portal Setup
A consultant can help your business provide consumers with more accessibility via a customer portal. When your products are accessible, customers can place orders that go directly to your database. That makes things more convenient for customers, and the business will run more efficiently with few order related errors.
For instance, it’s not uncommon for employees to mistype orders that end up costing the company lots of money and making customers unhappy.
Make Inventory Management Easier
Any company-wide software implementation is a challenging endeavor. Thankfully, most of the headaches involved can be eliminated with a capable Fishbowl Inventory consultant on your side. You shouldn’t go it alone. A consultant can help with everything your business requires during the transition and beyond.