Recommendations

While controlling inventory, one of the most critical parts of the process is counting. As simple as it sounds, counting inventory when it comes in, when it is used and at the end of the night, is crucial. A slight mistake or mishap can alter the number cause by human error. Everyone makes mistakes, but a simple mistake of miscounting can affect the restaurants overall production. Our team has develop a recommendation for Bahama Breeze to make the counting process easier, more effective, and mistake proof. The recommendation that we suggest is to implement a scanner system, which counts and tracks inventory as the restaurant recieves orders and does daily counting.

The primary reason why this would be a beneficial move at Bahama Breeze is because they would save time on counting inventory. Every night and every time a shipment comes in, inventory is count. Employees have to stay after their shifts to count inventory. With a scanner every item will have their own personalized code so as soon as it’s scanned the item is counted and entered into the system.

Next, the result of saved time produces less wages. Any hours employees work over their shift hours result in payroll expenses. If employees have already fulfilled their 40 hours over time kicks in. With this new system, time spent counting inventory will be reduced tremendously which will result in less payroll expenses.

Lastly, the new system will decrease human error. Counting everything manually with pen and paper could result in miscounted or double counting items. This could result in ordering more or less inventory than needed. The scanner would minimize human error so the inventory is running smoothly. The bottom line is computers don’t make errors.

In sum, a scanner system implemented to complement the I-Kitchen system would strengthen Bahama Breeze’s inventory management system and would save them time and money in the long run. Although the start up expenses and equipment could be costly, but the return on this investment could be recovered quickly with the money they save.

After analyzing Bahama Breeze's inventory management and speaking with two managers from two different locations, we have found that their system is created and approved by top management and is operated smoothly. However, we feel this recommendation would result in an improved and more efficient inventory management system.