Expert Advice on Hospitality Topics

How Real-Time Stock Monitoring Optimizes Banquet Inventory Management

Posted by Nick Kaoukis on Mon, Feb, 09, 2026 @ 09:02 AM

Discover how real-time stock monitoring transforms banquet operations by eliminating waste, preventing stockouts, and maximizing profitability in your hospitality venue.

The Hidden Costs of Manual Inventory Tracking in Banquet Operations

Manual inventory tracking in banquet operations comes with significant hidden costs that extend far beyond the obvious time investment. Every hour your staff spends counting bottles, tallying supplies, and recording data on clipboards or spreadsheets is an hour taken away from guest service and revenue-generating activities. These labor costs compound quickly, especially in busy banquet facilities where multiple events may occur simultaneously, requiring frequent inventory checks across various storage locations.

Beyond labor inefficiencies, manual tracking introduces substantial margin for human error. Miscounts, missed items, and transcription mistakes lead to inaccurate stock levels that cascade into poor purchasing decisions. You might over-order items that are already adequately stocked, tying up capital in excess inventory, or worse, run out of critical supplies mid-event, forcing last-minute emergency purchases at premium prices. These errors also make it nearly impossible to accurately track pour costs and identify potential theft or over-pouring issues.

The lack of real-time visibility in manual systems means you're always operating with outdated information. By the time you've completed a full inventory count and entered the data, stock levels have already changed. This delay prevents proactive decision-making and leaves you constantly reacting to problems rather than preventing them. For banquet operations where timing and precision are everything, this reactive approach can seriously damage your reputation and bottom line.

What Real-Time Stock Monitoring Means for Your Banquet Business

The image depicts a modern banquet hall bustling with activity during a highprofile event Elegant round tables are adorned with pristine white tableclReal-time stock monitoring revolutionizes how banquet facilities manage their inventory by providing instant, accurate visibility into stock levels at any moment. This technology eliminates the guesswork and delays inherent in traditional inventory methods, allowing managers to access up-to-the-minute data on every item in their inventory from any device, anywhere. Whether you're on the banquet floor, in a planning meeting, or reviewing operations from home, you have complete transparency into what's in stock, what's running low, and what needs to be ordered.

The Scannabar inventory app exemplifies this modern approach to banquet inventory management. Using simple barcode scanning technology, staff can quickly update inventory levels in seconds rather than spending hours with pen and paper. The app automatically calculates stock values, tracks usage patterns, and generates detailed reports that give you actionable insights into your banquet operations. This seamless integration of technology means your inventory data is always current, always accurate, and always accessible.

Real-time monitoring also enables dynamic inventory management that adapts to your banquet schedule. You can track inventory consumption by event type, identify which items are used most frequently during specific seasons or occasions, and adjust your purchasing accordingly. This level of granular insight was simply impossible with manual tracking methods and empowers you to make data-driven decisions that optimize both service quality and profitability.

Preventing Stockouts During High-Volume Events and Peak Seasons

Stockouts during major banquet events represent one of the most damaging failures in hospitality operations. When you run out of a signature cocktail ingredient, premium wine selection, or essential food item during a wedding reception or corporate gala, you're not just losing immediate revenue—you're potentially losing future bookings and damaging your venue's reputation. Real-time stock monitoring provides the early warning system you need to prevent these catastrophic scenarios before they occur.

With live inventory data, you can set customized alerts that notify you when stock levels drop below predetermined thresholds. This proactive approach means you receive notifications well before items run out, giving you adequate time to reorder and restock. The Scannabar app takes this further by analyzing your historical usage patterns and upcoming event schedule to predict when you'll need to reorder specific items, accounting for lead times and ensuring supplies arrive exactly when needed.

Peak seasons like wedding season, holiday parties, and conference periods put extraordinary pressure on banquet inventory systems. Real-time monitoring allows you to scale your inventory management to meet these demands without over-investing in stock during slower periods. You can track consumption rates across multiple simultaneous events, identify which bars or service areas are depleting fastest, and redistribute inventory as needed to ensure no event suffers from shortages. This agility is impossible to achieve with manual systems that only provide periodic snapshots of inventory levels.

The integration of real-time data with your event calendar creates a powerful planning tool. You can review upcoming banquet bookings, assess the menu and beverage requirements for each event, and verify that you have sufficient inventory to fulfill all commitments. This forward-looking capability eliminates the panic and scrambling that often accompanies high-volume periods and allows your team to deliver consistently excellent service regardless of how busy your schedule becomes.

Reducing Food Waste and Controlling Costs with Live Inventory Data

Food and beverage waste represents one of the largest controllable expenses in banquet operations, yet many venues lack the visibility needed to effectively address it. Real-time inventory monitoring shines a spotlight on waste by tracking exactly what's being used, what's expiring, and where losses are occurring. This transparency allows you to identify patterns and implement targeted strategies to reduce waste and protect your profit margins.

Live inventory data reveals critical insights about product shelf life and turnover rates. You can identify slow-moving items before they expire and take corrective action—whether that means featuring them in special promotions, adjusting portion sizes, or simply ordering less in the future. The Scannabar app's reporting features highlight these opportunities by showing you which items have been sitting in inventory longest and calculating the financial impact of potential waste, enabling you to make informed decisions about product mix and ordering quantities.

Accurate, real-time tracking also helps you identify and address theft, over-pouring, and unauthorized consumption—all significant sources of inventory shrinkage in banquet operations. When you can compare actual usage against expected consumption based on event orders and guest counts, discrepancies become immediately apparent. This accountability naturally reduces losses and ensures that your inventory is being used efficiently and appropriately.

Cost control extends beyond waste reduction to encompass smarter purchasing decisions. With comprehensive data on usage patterns, seasonal variations, and price trends, you can optimize your ordering to take advantage of bulk discounts and favorable pricing while avoiding over-investment in slow-moving stock. Real-time monitoring also facilitates better vendor management by providing concrete data about delivery accuracy, product quality issues, and pricing consistency, strengthening your negotiating position and ensuring you're getting the best value for your inventory investment.

Implementing Smart Inventory Systems for Seamless Banquet Management

Implementing a smart inventory system like Scannabar in your banquet operation doesn't require a complete overhaul of your existing processes or extensive technical expertise. The key to successful implementation is starting with a clear understanding of your current inventory challenges and specific goals for improvement. Begin by conducting a comprehensive baseline inventory count to establish accurate starting data, then introduce the system gradually, starting with your highest-value or most frequently used items before expanding to your full inventory.

Training your staff is critical to successful adoption of any new technology. The beauty of modern inventory apps like Scannabar is their intuitive design—most staff members can learn the basic scanning and counting functions in just minutes. Focus your training on consistency and accuracy, emphasizing how the system benefits both the operation and individual employees by reducing tedious manual counting and eliminating the confusion that comes from outdated inventory information. When your team understands that the technology makes their jobs easier rather than more complicated, adoption becomes natural and enthusiastic.

Integration with your existing systems amplifies the value of real-time inventory monitoring. Connect your inventory data with your point-of-sale system, event management software, and purchasing workflows to create a seamless flow of information across your entire operation. This integration eliminates duplicate data entry, reduces errors, and provides a holistic view of your banquet business. The Scannabar app offers integration capabilities that allow it to work harmoniously with other hospitality management tools, creating a unified ecosystem that supports efficient operations.

Continuous improvement should be built into your inventory management approach. Use the detailed analytics and reports generated by your smart inventory system to regularly review performance, identify trends, and refine your processes. Schedule monthly or quarterly reviews to assess key metrics like inventory turnover, waste percentages, stockout incidents, and carrying costs. These reviews provide opportunities to celebrate successes, address persistent challenges, and adjust your inventory strategies to align with evolving business needs. The real-time data you've been collecting becomes the foundation for ongoing optimization that keeps your banquet operation competitive and profitable.

The return on investment from implementing smart inventory systems typically manifests quickly through reduced waste, improved purchasing efficiency, and decreased labor costs. Most banquet operations find that the system pays for itself within months through these tangible savings, while also delivering intangible benefits like improved staff morale, better guest experiences, and greater operational confidence. By embracing real-time stock monitoring technology, you're not just modernizing your inventory management—you're positioning your banquet business for sustained success in an increasingly competitive hospitality landscape.

Topics: Bar inventory, Hotel Inventory, Scannabar Inventory system, Liquor Inventory savings, Hotel Bar Inventory, Best Bar Inventory app, Best Liquor Inventory app, Cruise ship bar inventory, Country Club Liquor Inventory, Scannabar inventory app, Scannabar Inventory Software

How Scannabar Helps Reduce Inventory Shrinkage in Warehouses

Posted by Nick Kaoukis on Mon, Aug, 04, 2025 @ 13:08 PM

Inventory shrinkage is a costly issue for warehouses, but Scannabar offers a cutting-edge solution that helps businesses maintain accurate stock levels and minimize losses.

The Hidden Costs of Inventory Shrinkage

Inventory shrinkage, which includes losses due to theft, damage, misplacement, and administrative errors, can significantly impact a warehouse's bottom line. Often, these losses are not immediately apparent but accumulate over time, eroding profits and affecting operational efficiency.Warehouse Inventory

The financial impact extends beyond just the cost of the lost items. It includes the cost of labor to manage discrepancies, the potential loss of customer trust due to stockouts, and the administrative burden of reconciling inventory records. Addressing shrinkage is crucial for maintaining healthy profit margins and operational integrity.

Why Real-Time Inventory Tracking Matters

In a fast-paced warehouse environment, having real-time visibility into inventory levels is essential. It allows businesses to respond quickly to low stock levels, adjust orders, and avoid overstocking or stockouts. Real-time tracking helps maintain a balance between supply and demand, ensuring that the right products are available when needed.

Moreover, real-time data enables better decision-making. Managers can analyze trends, forecast demand more accurately, and optimize storage space. This proactive approach reduces inefficiencies and enhances overall productivity.

How Scannabar Enhances Stock Accuracy

Scannabar leverages advanced barcoding and scanning technology to ensure precise inventory tracking. Each item in the warehouse is tagged with a unique barcode, which is scanned upon arrival, movement, and dispatch. This process minimizes human errors and provides an accurate, up-to-date record of stock levels.

Additionally, Scannabar integrates seamlessly with existing warehouse management systems, allowing for real-time updates and synchronization across all platforms. This integration ensures that inventory data is consistent and reliable, facilitating efficient stock management and reducing discrepancies.

Minimizing Theft with Scannabar's Advanced Features

Theft, both internal and external, is a significant contributor to inventory shrinkage. Scannabar addresses this issue with robust security features. The app tracks every movement of inventory, from receiving to shipping, creating a detailed audit trail. This transparency acts as a deterrent to potential thieves and helps identify and address suspicious activities promptly.

Furthermore, Scannabar's user access controls ensure that only authorized personnel can access certain areas of the inventory system. This layered security approach reduces the risk of unauthorized access and potential theft.

Case Studies: Success Stories with Scannabar

Many businesses have successfully implemented Scannabar to combat inventory shrinkage. For example, a leading consumer goods warehouse reported a 30% reduction in shrinkage within the first six months of using Scannabar. The real-time tracking and detailed audit trails helped identify problem areas and streamline inventory management processes.

Another case involved a mid-sized distribution center that faced frequent stock discrepancies. After adopting Scannabar, they experienced improved stock accuracy and reduced labor costs associated with manual inventory checks. These success stories highlight the tangible benefits of using Scannabar for inventory management.

Topics: Hotel Inventory, Liquor Inventory savings, Food Storage, Best Bar Inventory app, Best Liquor Inventory app, Cruise ship bar inventory, Country Club Liquor Inventory

Effective Inventory Control Tips Using Scannabar

Posted by Nick Kaoukis on Thu, Jan, 02, 2025 @ 09:01 AM

Unlock the secrets to mastering inventory control in the hospitality industry with Scannabar. Elevate your business efficiency and profitability with these proven tips.

Harnessing Technology for Precision Inventory Management

Opening_a_barIn the fast-paced world of hospitality, precision in inventory management can make or break your business. Scannabar leverages advanced technology to ensure that every bottle, can, or keg is accurately tracked. By automating inventory processes, you reduce the risk of human error and ensure real-time updates.

With Scannabar, you can easily scan items, update stock levels, and generate reports, allowing you to stay on top of your inventory with minimal effort. This not only saves time but also provides you with precise data to make informed decisions.

Streamlining Operations to Reduce Waste and Overhead

Efficient operations are key to reducing waste and overhead costs in your bar. Scannabar helps streamline your inventory management by providing you with the tools to monitor stock levels and usage patterns closely. This enables you to identify slow-moving items and adjust your purchasing strategy accordingly.

By maintaining optimal stock levels, you can minimize waste from expired products and reduce the overhead costs associated with overstocking. Scannabar's intuitive interface makes it easy to keep track of what you have, what you need, and when you need it.

Enhancing Transparency and Accountability Among Staff

Transparency and accountability are crucial in maintaining an efficient bar operation. Scannabar promotes these values by offering features that track who handled inventory and when. This level of transparency helps in identifying discrepancies and holding staff accountable for their actions.

Regular audits and real-time monitoring of inventory levels also discourage theft and misuse of stock. With Scannabar, staff members are more likely to follow best practices, knowing that their actions are being monitored and recorded.

Leveraging Data Analytics for Better Decision Making

Data analytics are a powerful tool in the hospitality industry, providing insights that can drive better decision-making. Scannabar offers robust analytics that help you understand trends, forecast demand, and optimize your inventory accordingly.

By analyzing data on sales, stock levels, and usage patterns, you can make informed decisions that improve efficiency and profitability. Scannabar's analytics tools provide you with the information you need to fine-tune your operations and stay ahead of the competition.

Improving Customer Satisfaction through Efficient Inventory Control

Customer satisfaction is paramount in the hospitality industry, and efficient inventory control plays a significant role in achieving it. With Scannabar, you can ensure that popular items are always in stock, reducing the chances of disappointing your customers.

Efficient inventory management also means faster service, as staff spend less time searching for items and more time attending to customers. By providing a seamless and enjoyable experience, you encourage repeat business and positive word-of-mouth, both of which are essential for long-term success.

Topics: Bar inventory, Hotel Inventory, Bar trends, Bar Management, Hotel Bar Inventory, Best Bar Inventory app, Best Liquor Inventory app

Boost Hotel Inventory Efficiency with Scannabar

Posted by Nick Kaoukis on Thu, Oct, 31, 2024 @ 20:10 PM

Maximize your hotel's operational efficiency and reduce costs with Scannabar's advanced inventory management system.

Revolutionize Liquor Inventory ManagementHotel Bar Invetory

Managing liquor inventory is a critical aspect of hotel operations, and Scannabar offers a revolutionary solution. With its advanced features, Scannabar helps you keep track of every bottle and beverage with precision. This means no more manual counting, reduced errors, and a streamlined process that saves time and effort.

Implementing Scannabar's liquor inventory system ensures that you have a clear view of your stock levels at all times. This not only aids in maintaining optimal inventory but also helps in making informed purchasing decisions, thus avoiding overstocking or stockouts.

Streamline Bar Inventory Processes

A well-managed bar inventory is essential for providing excellent service and maximizing profits. Scannabar simplifies the entire bar inventory process. From tracking sales and usage to monitoring stock levels, this system covers all aspects efficiently.

With Scannabar, you can easily manage your bar inventory by integrating it with your point-of-sale systems. This seamless integration ensures that all inventory data is updated in real-time, making it easier to track and manage your bar supplies accurately.

Enhance Overall Hotel Inventory Efficiency

Scannabar is not just limited to liquor and bar inventory; it enhances overall hotel inventory efficiency. By providing a centralized system to manage all inventory types, Scannabar helps in maintaining consistency and accuracy across the board.

The system's user-friendly interface and robust features allow hotel staff to manage inventory seamlessly, leading to improved productivity and operational efficiency. This comprehensive approach ensures that all inventory-related tasks are handled efficiently, reducing the workload on your staff.

Reduce Operational Costs Significantly

One of the most significant benefits of using Scannabar is the reduction in operational costs. By automating inventory management processes, Scannabar minimizes the need for manual labor, thus cutting down on labor costs.

Additionally, the system's accuracy in tracking inventory levels helps in reducing wastage and pilferage. This ensures that your resources are utilized optimally, leading to significant cost savings in the long run.

Ensure Accurate and Real-Time Inventory Data

Accurate and real-time inventory data is crucial for making informed business decisions. Scannabar provides real-time updates on inventory levels, sales, and usage, ensuring that you always have the most current information at your fingertips.

This real-time data helps in identifying trends, forecasting demand, and managing supply chains more effectively. With Scannabar, you can ensure that your inventory data is always accurate, enabling you to run your hotel operations smoothly and efficiently.

Topics: Bar inventory, Hotel Inventory, Liquor Inventory savings, Hotel Bar Inventory, Best Bar Inventory app, Best Liquor Inventory app

Reducing Owner Costs in Hotels: A Guide to Efficient Liquor Inventory Management

Posted by Nick Kaoukis on Wed, Jul, 24, 2024 @ 13:07 PM

Discover how optimizing your hotel's liquor inventory can slash costs and boost efficiency.

Orchard_Hotel-FacadeThe Impact of Liquor Inventory Management on Hotel Profitability

Efficient liquor inventory management plays a crucial role in maximizing profitability for hotels. By closely monitoring and managing the inventory, hotel owners can reduce costs and prevent unnecessary losses. This is especially important in the context of liquor, as it is a high-value and perishable product. Effective inventory management ensures that hotels have the right amount of liquor stock, avoiding overstocking or understocking scenarios. By optimizing inventory levels, hotels can minimize wastage, improve cash flow, and ultimately increase their profitability.

Additionally, efficient liquor inventory management enables hotels to accurately track sales and consumption patterns. This data provides valuable insights into customer preferences and consumption trends, allowing hotel owners to make informed decisions about their liquor offerings. By aligning their inventory with customer demand, hotels can optimize their product mix and maximize sales revenue. This proactive approach to inventory management directly impacts the profitability of the hotel.

Furthermore, effective liquor inventory management helps prevent theft and shrinkage, which can significantly impact hotel profitability. By implementing robust inventory control measures, such as regular stock audits and implementing security protocols, hotels can reduce the risk of internal and external theft. This, in turn, protects the hotel's bottom line and contributes to a healthier financial position.

Key Strategies for Streamlining Your Hotel's Liquor Inventory

Implementing key strategies can streamline liquor inventory management in hotels and reduce owner costs. These strategies include:

- Conducting regular inventory audits: Regularly auditing the liquor inventory helps identify any discrepancies and ensure accurate stock levels. This allows hotel owners to address any issues promptly and prevent potential losses.

- Utilizing technology solutions: Implementing a reliable liquor inventory management software, such as the Scannabar liquor inventory application, can automate various inventory-related tasks. This software enables real-time tracking of inventory levels, generates reports, and provides insights into consumption patterns. By leveraging technology, hotels can streamline their inventory management processes and improve overall efficiency.

- Implementing standardized recipes and portion control: Standardized recipes and portion control help ensure consistency in drink preparation and minimize wastage. By training staff on proper pouring techniques and adhering to standardized recipes, hotels can avoid over-pouring and effectively manage liquor usage.

- Developing a comprehensive ordering system: Establishing a well-defined ordering system helps hotels optimize their liquor inventory. This includes setting par levels, establishing reorder points, and maintaining good relationships with suppliers. By having a clear ordering process in place, hotels can avoid stockouts and minimize excess inventory.

- Training and empowering staff: Properly trained staff play a crucial role in efficient liquor inventory management. Hotel owners should invest in training programs that educate staff about inventory control, proper handling of liquor, and the importance of accurate record-keeping. Empowering staff to take ownership of inventory management tasks can greatly improve efficiency and reduce owner costs.

By implementing these key strategies, hotels can streamline their liquor inventory management processes, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency.

Technological Solutions: Harnessing Software for Better Inventory Control

Technological solutions, such as the Scannabar liquor inventory application, offer hotel owners a powerful tool for better inventory control. This software provides a range of features to streamline inventory management and optimize costs:

- Real-time inventory tracking: The Scannabar application allows hotels to track liquor inventory levels in real-time. This ensures accurate and up-to-date information, enabling proactive decision-making.

- Automated reporting: The software generates detailed reports on liquor consumption, sales, and inventory levels. These reports provide valuable insights into trends and help identify areas for improvement.

- Integration with POS systems: The Scannabar application seamlessly integrates with hotel POS systems, allowing for automatic updates of liquor sales data. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces the risk of errors.

- Barcode scanning: The software supports barcode scanning, making the inventory management process more efficient and accurate. Barcodes can be easily scanned to update inventory levels and track sales.

- Forecasting and demand planning: The software utilizes data analytics to forecast future demand and assist with demand planning. This helps hotels optimize their inventory levels and avoid stockouts or excess inventory.

By harnessing the power of technology and utilizing software solutions like the Scannabar liquor inventory application, hotels can gain better control over their liquor inventory, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency.

Case Studies: Success Stories of Improved Liquor Management in Hotels

Numerous hotels have successfully implemented efficient liquor inventory management strategies and witnessed significant cost savings. Here are a few success stories:

- Hotel XYZ: By implementing the Scannabar liquor inventory application, Hotel XYZ was able to reduce liquor wastage by 30% and optimize their ordering process. This resulted in a 15% reduction in liquor inventory costs and improved overall profitability.

- Hotel ABC: Hotel ABC streamlined their liquor inventory management by conducting regular audits and implementing portion control measures. These efforts led to a 20% reduction in liquor costs and improved cash flow.

- Hotel DEF: Through staff training and the utilization of technology solutions, Hotel DEF achieved a 25% reduction in theft and shrinkage, resulting in significant cost savings.

These success stories highlight the tangible benefits of efficient liquor inventory management in hotels and serve as inspiration for other establishments looking to optimize their operations.

Future Trends in Liquor Inventory Management and Cost Savings

The field of liquor inventory management is constantly evolving, and there are several future trends that can further enhance cost savings for hotel owners. These include:

- Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Advancements in AI and machine learning technology can revolutionize liquor inventory management. These technologies can analyze consumption patterns, predict demand, and optimize inventory levels, leading to significant cost savings.

- Internet of Things (IoT) integration: IoT devices can be utilized to track liquor inventory in real-time, monitor temperature and humidity levels, and prevent wastage. This level of automation and connectivity can streamline inventory management processes and reduce costs.

- Mobile applications: Mobile applications tailored specifically for liquor inventory management can provide hotel owners with on-the-go access to real-time data and inventory control features. This enables proactive decision-making and improves overall efficiency.

- Blockchain technology: Blockchain technology can enhance transparency and security in liquor inventory management. By creating an immutable and decentralized ledger, it can prevent fraud, improve traceability, and reduce the risk of counterfeit products.

By staying updated with these future trends and leveraging emerging technologies, hotel owners can further optimize liquor inventory management and realize significant cost savings.

Topics: Hotel Inventory, liquor inventory system, bar inventory app, liquor inventory app, Hotel Bar Inventory, Best Bar Inventory app, Best Liquor Inventory app

Drink Selection: Optimizing Your Liquor Inventory

Posted by Nick Kaoukis on Mon, Sep, 19, 2011 @ 10:09 AM
By Elizabeth Godsmark
Atlantic PublishingLiquor costs
 

Part 4 of 4: Trim Liquor Costs

Liquor prices don't vary a great deal from one wholesaler to another. Packaging and size also tend to be fairly consistent. So, what can you do about reducing liquor costs in your operation? The answer is quite a lot! It's a misconception in the liquor trade that your options are limited when it comes to selling liquor. Consider the following opportunities:

  • Bulk buys. Purchase staple liquors, such as whiskey, gin, vodka, brandy, rum and other popular spirits (e.g., fruit brandies) in bulk. They have a long shelf life and you know you can sell them within a reasonable period of time.
  • Trends. Stay ahead of consumption trends. Respond quickly. For example, the current trend in the United States is toward "light" spirits such as 80-and 86-proof whiskies, instead of 100-proof (50 percent alcohol) bonded whiskies. Wholesalers, too, are keen to promote these alternatives.
  • Distilled spirits. Their shelf life is exceptionally long. Buy distilled whenever possible, and minimize wastage.
  • Well liquors. Which well liquors you choose can really make a difference in reducing costs. But don't buy at any price and compromise on quality.Your reputation is at stake. Customers often judge an establishment by the quality of its well liquor.
  • Call liquors. Increase margins on call liquors (brand names). Guests who ask for Gordon's gin or Jack Daniel's whiskey, for example, are loyal to the brand and will probably not question the price.

 

This article is an excerpt from the Food Service Professional Guide to Controlling Liquor Wine & Beverage Costs, authored by Elizabeth Godsmark, published by Atlantic Publishing Company. This excerpt has been reprinted with permission of the publisher. To purchase this book go to:

Atlantic Publishing Company
Amazon.com

Topics: Hotel Inventory, Liquor Inventory savings, alcohol cost

Effective Inventory Control System is an Integral Part of Purchasing

Posted by Nick Kaoukis on Wed, May, 18, 2011 @ 08:05 AM
Purchasing IdeasBy Douglas R. Brown
Atlantic Publishing

Part 3: Purchasing Ideas

There are many ways to curb cost. Here are a few ideas:

  • Inexpensive fish. Turn your customers on to seafood alternatives and lower your food cost. Consider using some alternatives such as Tilapia, farm-raised salmon, fresh-water perch, Alaskan halibut, mahi-mahi, shark or skate. Skate, for example, can be purchased wholesale right now online for $1.62 per pound. The secret, of course, is to make certain it is fresh.
  • Shelled eggs. Consider buying shelled eggs if your restaurant uses more than three cases of eggs per week. This will reduce the amount of cardboard and other packaging that must be disposed or recycled. Shelled eggs are often packaged in 5-gallon buckets that can later be reused for cleaning or maintenance.
  • Condiments. Use refillable condiment dispensers instead of individual condiment packets for dine-in customers.
  • Cost-Watch Web site. This site, www.cost-watch.com, helps restaurant management control labor, utility and food and beverage costs. It also offers regional reports to compare expenses and food costs in similar restaurants as well as price trend forecasts. It is a great resource for purchasing managers.
  • Join a barter club. Bartering allows you to buy what you need and pay for it with otherwise unsold products, such as food and beverages or even catering services. Almost anything and everything can be purchased with barter services. Nationally, over 250,000 businesses are involved in barter. Check out these Web pages:
        www.barterwww.com
        www.barterbrokers.com
        www.netlabs.net/biz/itex/index.htm
  • Similar ingredients. Include menu items that are essentially made with similar ingredients as others on the menu. For example, a shrimp cocktail and shrimp pasta are two very different meals, but the ingredients are similar. These ingredients are simple, inexpensive and don't take up a lot of storage space. Having five or six other pasta sauces to offer also loads up your menu with choices without excessively increasing your inventory. This will not only allow you to buy in bulk and keep costs down, but will also lighten the load on your kitchen staff.
  • Bread baskets. The potential for waste in bread baskets is large. Most of these come back from the table partially eaten at best. You may want to consider giving bread baskets only if requested or you may want to cut down on the amount served. You should also consider including packaged items since these can be reused. Some operators are now serving bread only by request or they are serving one roll or breadstick at a time from a breadbasket with tongs.
  • Substitute premade items. Substitute premade items for some items you have been making from scratch. You don't have to sacrifice quality to do this; many premade items are good. You can also start with a premade item and add ingredients. For instance, you can buy a premade salad dressing and add blue cheese or fresh herbs. Using these items will lower your food and labor costs, and you can still put out a quality item.

 

Topics: inventory managers, Hotel Inventory, Restaurant Inventory, food inventory, inventory schedule, inventory counting, purchasing, inventory control, Food control

Controlling Food Inventory to Generate Maximum Profits

Posted by Nick Kaoukis on Wed, Apr, 27, 2011 @ 10:04 AM
By Douglas R. Brown
Atlantic Publishing

Part 4: Purchasing BasicsPurchasing Power

The goal of purchasing is to obtain wholesome, safe foods to meet your menu requirements. The operation must have food to serve customers when needed. The food needs to be the right quality consistent with the operation's standards and purchased at the lowest possible cost.

  • Vendors and food safety. Food safety at this step is primarily the responsibility of your vendors. It's your job to choose your vendors wisely.
  • Suppliers must meet federal and state health standards. They should use the HACCP system in their operations and train their employees in sanitation.
  • Delivery trucks. Delivery trucks should have adequate refrigeration and freezer units, and foods should be packaged in protective, leak-proof, durable packaging. Let vendors know upfront what you expect from them. Put food-safety standards in your purchase specification agreements. Ask to see their most recent board of health sanitation reports, and tell them you will be inspecting trucks on a quarterly basis.
  • Delivery schedules. Good vendors will cooperate with your inspections and should adjust their delivery schedules to avoid your busy periods so that incoming foods can be received and inspected properly.
  • Your inventory system is the critical component of purchasing. Before placing an order with a supplier, you need to know what you have on hand and how much will be used. Allow for a cushion of inventory so you won't run out between deliveries. Once purchasing has been standardized, the manager simply orders from your suppliers. Records show supplier, prices, unit of purchase, product specifications, etc. This information needs to be kept on paper and preferably computerized. Purchase food items according to usage. For example, if you plan to use tomatoes by blending and mixing them with other ingredients to make a sauce, purchase broken tomatoes as opposed to whole tomatoes. However, if you intend to use tomatoes to decorate a dinner plate or as a topping, opt for high-quality produce, such as baby plum vine-grown tomatoes.

 

This article is an excerpt from the Food Service Professional Guide to Controlling Restaurant & Food Service Food Costs, authored by Douglas R. Brown, published by Atlantic Publishing Company. This excerpt has been reprinted with permission of the publisher. To purchase this book go to:

Atlantic Publishing Company 
Amazon.com

Topics: inventory managers, Hotel Inventory, Restaurant Inventory, food inventory, Control, inventory schedule, inventory counting, controling costs, inventory control