Recording Inventory Events Using the Wrong Unit of Measurement

Overview

Inventory events in SUPY (such as wastage, production, transfers) must be recorded using the correct unit of measurement. A common mistake occurs when users select the wrong unit — for example, recording 200 kg instead of 200 grams.

Because SUPY strictly follows the unit entered by the user, this type of error can dramatically distort stock levels and reporting.

Used the Wrong UOM

Used the Correct UOM

^{(Wrong UOM VS Correct UOM)}

What Happens (Impact)

When inventory events are recorded using the wrong unit:

• Large, unrealistic stock reductions or increases occur

• Stock may instantly go negative or inflate significantly

• Variance spikes sharply for the affected period

• COGS becomes inaccurate

• Teams lose trust in inventory data

SUPY processes the entry exactly as recorded — the system does not auto-correct unit mistakes.

Typical Indicators

You may notice:

• Sudden, extreme stock movement on a single day

• Very high variance caused by a single inventory event

• Stock balances turning negative unexpectedly

• Event quantities that look unusually large or small

• Comments like: “We only wasted a little, but the system shows a huge amount”

Root Cause (How It Happens in SUPY)

In SUPY:

• Inventory events allow users to select different units of measurement

• The system converts the entered quantity into the item’s base unit

• If the wrong unit is selected, SUPY applies the conversion exactly as configured

This typically happens when:

• Users enter quantities quickly without checking the unit

• Grams vs kilograms (or ml vs liters) are confused

• Teams are not aligned on which unit should be used for each event type

• Items have multiple available units, increasing the chance of selection errors

Best Practice (How to Prevent This)

To prevent unit-related errors:

1. Standardize units per process

   • Define which units should be used for wastage, production, and transfers

2. Train teams on base units

   • Ensure users understand the item’s base unit and common conversions

3. Use smaller units for small quantities

   • For example, use grams instead of kilograms for minor wastage or adjustments

4. Encourage double-checking before saving

   • Especially for high-impact events like wastage and adjustments

How to Fix

1. Identify the incorrect inventory event

2. Reverse or correct the event (if permissions allow)

3. Re-enter the event using the correct unit and quantity

4. Review stock levels and variance after correction

5. Reinforce unit usage guidelines with the team involved

Important: Correct unit errors as soon as they are identified to minimize reporting impact.

Operational Tip

If you see unusually large stock movements, always check the unit used before investigating deeper issues. Unit errors are often the simplest explanation.

Why This Matters

Correct unit usage ensures:

• Accurate stock movements

• Reliable variance and COGS reporting

• Faster issue resolution

• Confidence in operational data

Even small unit mistakes can create very large reporting problems.

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