Section 5: Cycle Counts (Tablet)

General

Mobile/Tablet

Introduction

How to perform a cycle count using CloudBox Link on your tablet. In this section, we’ll walk you through how to efficiently complete your cycle counts, update inventory in real time, and reconcile any discrepancies found in your ERP or WMS system. CloudBox simplifies this process by combining scale-based accuracy with flexibility for quick manual updates when needed.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Prepare for Cycle Counting
- If removing containers from shelves, remove them in small groups rather than one by one for better organization and workflow.
- Before starting, ensure your scale is tared (set to zero) for accurate readings.
Weighing and Scanning Containers
- Place a container with inventory on the scale.
- Scan the CloudBox label (RFID, barcode, or QR code) attached to the container.
- Once the “Container Detected” screen appears, the inventory data is automatically updated in your CloudBox database.
- You can then swap containers quickly—remove the previous one, set the next on the scale, and scan again.
- Each container’s updated unit or weight information is instantly saved, streamlining your cycle count process.
Manual Entry (No Scale Needed)
- If you come across a container where the quantity is obvious and doesn’t require weighing, you can use the CloudBox mobile app instead.
- Tap the Link icon, then select Continue Without Scale.
- Scan the QR code on the CloudBox label and manually enter the quantity of units for that SKU.
- CloudBox will instantly save the updated count, giving you flexibility to choose between scale-based or manual updates depending on your workflow.
Reviewing and Reconciling Counts in the Web App
- Once you’ve completed your cycle count, open the CloudBox Web App and navigate to Inventory → Cycle Count.
- This section allows you to compare your newly captured data against your ERP or WMS inventory to find discrepancies.
- To reconcile, simply upload your exported inventory CSV file.
- If you used the CloudBox CSV template, your data will auto-map automatically.
- If using an export directly from your ERP or WMS, you’ll need to manually map each column:
  1. Name → Product or SKU name
  2. Tracking ID → SKU’s serial or internal ID (used to link containers and SKUs for barcode scanning)
  3. Current Weight → Only map this if your containers are in weight mode
  4. Units → Quantity available for that SKU
Setting Discrepancy Tolerances
- The discrepancy threshold determines how much variation you’ll allow before CloudBox flags an issue.
- For example, if a SKU has 20 units and you set a 10% tolerance, CloudBox will only flag discrepancies greater than 2 units.
- This helps account for acceptable shrinkage or small handling variances.
Reconciling and Exporting Results
- Once mapping and tolerance settings are complete, click Start.
- CloudBox will display any discrepancies between your counts and ERP/WMS data.
- You can then reconcile discrepancies, export the report, or start a new count as needed.

Tips & Tricks

Always tare the scale before each new container for precise measurements.
Group containers by product type, SKU, or storage location to make counts faster.
Use manual entry mode for clearly labeled or pre-packaged products.
Regularly save and export your cycle count reports for auditing and internal tracking.
Use unit mode for packaged goods and weight mode for bulk materials or variable products.
Set realistic tolerance thresholds that reflect your facility’s shrink or variance policy.

Still Need Help?

If you are having trouble setting up your CloudBox Link please don't hesitate to email us at: support@cloudboxapp.com and a team member will assist you.