Ryman has improved the accuracy of its stocktaking process after implementing an auditing system.

The Nucleus IS Stock Audit application from Zetes has been rolled out across the Ryman Group’s 235 outlets.

It is being used by the company’s stock audit team when they complete stock counts at each store, between one and three times a year. Zetes has integrated the application with Ryman’s central stock management system, so that accurate data is available in real time.

The system went live at the beginning of June and has improved the accuracy of stock counts already, as well as highlighted improvements that could be made to tackle stock accuracy levels.

Ryman head of risk management Ray Winter said that the system allows the auditors to check stock counts more easily and that they have been able to prove that this increases accuracy. He added that it would allow the company to manage shrinkage better.

“It lets us identify problems with procedures and particular products,” he said. “We have already made a couple of observations that might change how we display or deliver particular products.”

Winter had a positive impression of the system already, having used it while working for other retailers. However, Ryman examined alternative suppliers and the Zetes system came out top in a competitive tendering process.

Winter added that the supplier’s training skills were excellent, which was important because many staff have had to learn new processes.