Mobile Cycle Counting

How to complete the physical cycle counting process on Flexe mobile devices. 

IN THIS TOPIC

• Before you start
• Mobile Cycle Counting
  • For SKUs
  • For LPNs
• Mobile Initiated Cycle Counting
• Issues During the Counting Process

You can access active, in progress cycle counts via the Cycle Counts feature on Flexe mobile devices. With this feature, you can physically scan all locations and items included in the count, then submit the count for review in the Flexe web platform. 

Note: To learn more about getting started with Flexe mobile devices, including creating mobile users and signing in, go to Mobile Device Setup. 

Before you start

Make sure you've made all necessary preparations for the cycle counting process. Working on fulfillment or inventory tasks at the same time as a cycle count will invalidate the count, and you'll need to start over. 

Here are some things to keep in mind: 

• Plan to perform the count at the end-of-shift, beginning-of-shift or another time when no fulfillment activity is occurring. 
• All inbounds and outbounds for impacted SKUs and/or locations should be temporarily paused.
• The system will automatically lock all locations and/or SKUs included in the count(s), so they cannot be used for fulfillment or inventory-related activities. 
• Only one mobile user can work on a single count at any given time. However, you have the option to break counts up into smaller individual counts, so that different users can work on them separately. For additional information, go to Creating Cycle Counts, then select the type of cycle count you want to create. 

To learn more, go to Preparing for Cycle Counts. 

Mobile Cycle Counting

To cycle count on Flexe mobile devices:  

1. Select Cycle Counts from the home screen. 

2. Select the count(s) you’ll be working on. 

All active counts are listed on the Cycle Counts screen. Make sure to select the specific count(s) you've been assigned to work on.  

Note: If you’re not sure which to select, reach out to your floor supervisor or manager. 

3. Scan a location shown on screen.

Go to one of the locations shown on screen, and scan the location barcode. 

4. Scan each item in the location, then add the quantity. Review what you entered at          the bottom of the screen, then select Submit.

For SKUs (Loose Goods)

Scan the SKU to enter the quantity at the location.

For LPNs

Scan the LPN in the location. You will be prompted to scan the SKU barcode associated with the LPN that was previously scanned. Enter the quantity you counted for the LPN and press submit quantity.

5. Once back to the "Scan a SKU or LPN" screen, repeat the above process until all unique SKUs or LPNs have been scanned. 

The "Scan a SKU or LPN" page updates after each entry, so you can track your progress.

6. When all scans are finished, select Complete Location. 

Once you’ve scanned all items at the location, select Complete Location. This will take you back to the “Scan a Location” screen, so you can scan the next location in the count. 

Note: If a SKU or location has no physical inventory, you’ll still need to scan it as part of the count. Scan the location barcode and select Complete Location. This will indicate that there isn't any inventory at the location. 

7. Count all locations in the cycle count. 

Repeat the steps above until you’ve completed all locations in the count. 

8. Once all locations have been counted, select Done. 

Once you’ve counted all locations, select Done. Then select Submit Progress. 

Note: If you need to go back to check or re-scan anything, select Keep Counting. 

Once submitted, a notification shows at the bottom of the screen to confirm. The count will then be reviewed and completed by warehouse management in the Flexe web platform. To learn more, go to Reviewing & Approving Cycle Counts. 

Mobile Initiated Cycle Counting

To create a cycle count from a Flexe mobile device:

1. Select Cycle Counts from the home screen. 

2. Select +Create New Cycle Count

3. Scan a location

NOTE: Only one location can be counted at a time using the mobile initiated cycle count process.

4. Scan a SKU or LPN

5. Enter the quantity counted

Count the inventory and enter the quantity in cartons or eaches.

6. Count additional SKUs

If there are any remaining SKUs/LPNs in the location, add them by scanning additional barcodes and entering counts, using the same steps listed above.

7. Complete Location

Once all SKUs/LPNs have been counted, complete the location by selecting Complete Location.

Issues During the Counting Process

Here are some common issues during the counting process, as well as guidance on how to resolve them: 

Issue	How to Resolve
SKU Found at Unexpected Location A SKU is found in an unexpected location (i.e. a location not included in the count).	For SKU-based counts, if you find a SKU in an unexpected location, that location will need to be added to the count from the Flexe web platform. First, submit your current progress for the count by selecting the Back arrow in the bottom menu. From the "Scan a Location" screen, select Done. Then select Submit Progress. Next, make sure to report the location(s) where the SKU was found to a manager or supervisor with access to the cycle count in the Flexe web platform.  From the Flexe web platform, the location can be added to the count using the +Add Location option. To learn more, go to Reviewing & Approving Cycle Counts.
Incorrect Item or Quantity Entered - Incomplete Location The wrong SKU/LPN was scanned or an incorrect quantity was entered during the count and the location has not yet been completed.  The cycle count has not been submitted for review.	If you accidentally scan the wrong item(s), or enter the incorrect item quantity during a count, you can fix the issue by simply rescanning the correct item or re-entering the accurate amount. This will override previous entries for the item or quantity, and can be done up until you submit the count for review. Alternatively, a user can select the 3 dots to the right of the SKU and select Edit Count and make any necessary changes. After a count has submitted, incorrect items or quantities can only be adjusted for the count from the Flexe web platform. To learn more, go to Reviewing & Approving Cycle Counts.
Incorrect Item or Quantity Entered - Complete Location The wrong SKU/LPN was scanned or an incorrect quantity was entered during the count, but the location has been completed by the counter. The cycle count has not been submitted for review.	If you have already completed a location and need to make edits to items or quantities, you can access a completed location by sliding up on the white bar at the bottom of the mobile device.  Edits can then be made according to the steps listed in the section above Incorrect Item or Quantity Entered - Incomplete Location.
Scanning an Unexpected SKU	Contact Flexe Support for instructions on how to proceed, and provide Flexe with the LPN and SKU they are trying to scan.