A person who specializes in tracking inventory in a retail establishment, factory, warehouse, or other business is known as an inventory taker. The inventory taker may work for that company or for an independent inventorying company that will come to a business for a set period of time to inventory all of the items in that space. These experts will then compile a master list of all items in the store or business, including their values, as well as any items that aren’t sellable or usable.
The inventory taker may sometimes conduct the inventorying process by hand, which means he or she will physically handle each item and record it on paper. In other cases, the inventory taker will scan the barcodes on each item with a scanning device, and the items will be automatically logged in a computer system. The latter method is much faster and requires less work in the long run, but it necessitates that every item in a store or business be labeled with a barcode. If an item does not have a barcode that can be scanned, it can be manually entered into the computer or a barcode can be generated for the item, but this will take more time and effort.
To become an inventory taker, a person must meet only a few requirements. The only basic requirement is usually a high school diploma or equivalent qualification, though on-the-job training will be required to learn how to use scanning devices, inventory items, and adhere to all other practices instituted by the inventorying company. Some companies may require an inventory taker to have a driver’s license in order for him or her to travel to different locations for inventorying. Basic math skills, as well as basic communication skills, will be required for this position. Inventory takers will use computerized hand units as well as various computer software, so computer skills are usually desired or required.
Starting pay for an inventory taker position is typically low. For such a position, minimum wage is common, though many companies pay slightly more for inventory taking services. Inventory takers can quickly advance to supervisory or other more advanced positions if they receive the necessary training and demonstrate a strong work ethic.