Doesn’t matter if it’s B2B or B2C, if your platforms aren’t synced, you’ll oversell on one and stock out on another.
Overselling, stockouts, missed orders…they all start with bad data.
If your inventory isn’t tracked in real-time across every channel you’re operating without control.
A recent survey by BDO revealed that 29% of mid-sized UK businesses face challenges with delayed deliveries and inventory shortages directly impacting their ability to meet customer demand. (Source: The Times, BDO Survey, 2024)
1. Centralise Your Inventory Data
Disparate systems lead to errors. Centralising inventory data ensures a single source of truth, reducing discrepancies and improving decision making.
KPMG highlights that consolidating inventory data into a single system not only eliminates manual errors but also improves forecasting accuracy and speeds up replenishment decisions.(Source: KPMG, 2024)
2. Automate Inventory Updates Across All Channels
Manual updates cause delays, errors and lost sales. Automating inventory updates ensures real-time accuracy across all platforms – reducing the risk of overselling, order delays and customer complaints.
According to a 2023 PwC UK report, companies with automated inventory processes are 33% more likely to meet on time delivery targets and reduce stock discrepancies. (Source: PwC UK, “Digital Supply Chain Trends,” 2023)
3. Implement Real-Time Tracking Technologies
Barcoding is a fast and reliable way to track stock in real time…whether it’s being received, picked or packed. Pair it with Stok.ly’s mobile Stock App and your team can update inventory as it moves, without needing to be tied to a desktop or paper based process.
A study by Accenture found that businesses using mobile barcode scanning and real-time tracking improved inventory accuracy by 30% and reduced fulfilment errors by 25%. (Source: Accenture UK, Supply Chain Insights, 2023)
4. Integrate Your ERP with Sales and Fulfilment Platforms
Your ERP system should be the backbone of your inventory management. Integrating it with sales channels and fulfilment systems ensures seamless data flow, reducing delays and improving order fulfilment rates.
PwC’s Working Capital Study shows that businesses with integrated ERP and fulfilment platforms cut working capital by up to 20% and reduce inventory write-offs. (Source: PwC UK, Working Capital Study, 2023)
5. Use Predictive Analytics for Demand Forecasting
If you don’t know what demand is coming, it’s almost impossible to plan your stock correctly – especially when juggling both B2B and B2C. You need to forecast with accuracy, not guesswork.
That’s why Stok.ly is rolling out new AI and Machine Learning tools designed to help you plan smarter. You’ll be able to analyse past sales, forecast future demand by date range and generate editable purchase orders – all using clean, accurate data.
BDO’s Manufacturing Outlook Report also emphasises the role of data analytics in improving demand forecasting and inventory management, enabling businesses to respond swiftly to market changes. (Source: BDO UK, Manufacturing Outlook, 2023)
Why Real-Time Integration Matters
Integrating real-time inventory tracking across B2B and B2C channels is essential if you want to protect your margins. By centralising data, automating updates, implementing tracking technologies, integrating systems and leveraging predictive analytics, you’ll reduce errors, avoid lost sales, speed up fulfilment and keep your bottom line healthy.
Scale faster. Work smarter. Full control across every part of your business.
Click here for more information about Inventory Management
Call us on 01432 804333
Author: Iain Coplans CEO Stok.ly