What is cycle counting in inventory control?

Cycle counting in inventory control is a process where a small subset of inventory is counted on a specific day instead of performing a full physical inventory count. This method helps organizations maintain accurate inventory records by regularly checking and correcting discrepancies. Cycle counting is less disruptive than full inventory counts and can be scheduled so that all items are counted over a set period. It improves inventory accuracy, supports better decision-making, and helps identify issues like theft or misplacement early. Many companies use cycle counting as part of their ongoing inventory management strategy.