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Scope & Limitations in Inventory Systems by Kathy Adams McIntosh; Updated September 26, 2017
Many companies use inventory systems in their production or retail operations to manage inventory levels. Inventory might be one of the most valuable assets a company owns and systems to manage it provide the foundation to meet customer demand. Each inventory system falls within a specific scope and exhibits certain limitations that management must understand in order to choose the best system for the company.
Inventory Systems Inventory systems provide a basis for recording sales, purchases. and the quantity for each item at the end of the accounting period. The two primary inventory systems are the periodic system and the perpetual system. The periodic system records the inventory only at the end of each period, leaving the balance unchanged throughout the period. The perpetual system adjusts the inventory balance each time a transaction, such as an inventory purchase or a sale, occurs.
Scope The scope of an inventory system defines which needs it addresses, including valuing the inventory, measuring the change in inventory and planning for future inventory levels. The value of the inventory at the end of each period provides a basis for financial reporting on the balance sheet. Measuring the change in inventory allows the company to determine the cost of inventory sold during the period. Together, inventory values and level changes allow the company to plan for future inventory needs.
Limitations of Periodic System The limitations of the periodic system include not knowing an exact inventory level in the middle of the period and running the risk of stockouts. With the periodic system, the company knows the inventory level with certainty only when it physically counts the inventory at the end of each period. Throughout the period, the company takes customer orders without knowing the exact inventory count or whether enough products are available to meet customer demand.
Limitations of Perpetual System The limitations of a perpetual inventory system include a false sense of reliability and dependence on human entry. Although a perpetual system updates each time a transaction enters the system, it might lack information regarding stolen, damaged or scrapped units. The company remains unaware of the theft or waste, known as shrinkage, until it performs a physical count at least once per year. The other limitation is that an employee might enter data incorrectly, introducing inaccurate information that can compromise decision-making.
References - Accounting Study Guide: Perpetual vs. Periodic Inventory System - Oblivious Investor: Periodic vs. Perpetual Method of Inventory - College Accounting Coach: The Difference Between Periodic Inventory System and Perpetual Inventory System