Taking stock

Inventory control clerks maintain inventories of parts, equipment or stock in an establishment. They are employed in offices, factories, warehouses and other organizations throughout the private and public sectors.

Your duties may involve gathering information and maintaining records on the amount, type and value of the parts, material, equipment or stock on hand. To do so, yo may use a filing system or a computerized inventory system. You keep track of changing inventory levels as equipment or stock is issued, transferred within an establishment, or sold to the public. When more equipment or stock is needed, you fill out requisition forms to re-order.

You also prepare and maintain files and reports on inventory balances, prices and shortages. By analyzing office records on sales, purchasing, shipping, production, stock or equipment, you can determine how much stock you should have. You can then compare these figures to direct counts made by other workers. If there is a discrepancy, you need to find out where the mistakes was made. You also may assist in preparing statistical reports.

Many inventory control clerks use computers in their work. You may use scanners that read bar codes on the products, automatically entering information into the computer. You may also use robots that track down and pick up whatever products you order.

Do You Have What It Takes?

The duties of purchasing and inventory control clerks may overlap in some work places. With seniority, inventory control clerks can progress into supervisory roles. They are paid an hourly wage.

This is a job for people who are well organized. It also helps if you have a good memory. The more you are able to remember what you have on hand, what the stock numbers are, and where they are located, the faster you'll be able to do your job.

You need to be comfortable handling computers and machines and learning the mathematical and technical skills involved in inventory and classification systems.

An understanding of the products with which you're working will help you to figure out what it is that your clients want. Some do not know what parts are called; others may use different names for things.

Working as an inventory control clerk can be a physically demanding job. In some workplaces, yo might be asked to lift heavy objects.

What You Need

• a high school diploma is usually required
• a two- or three-year program in materials management at a community college is recommended
• part-time summer work is a good lead-in to full-time employment after graduation
• an ability to operate a computer or computerized inventory system may be required
• no licences, certificates or registration are required

To Find Out More, Contact

• your high school guidance counsellor
• your local public library
• a community college which offers a program in materials handling or inventory control
• local organizations such as factories, warehouses and consumer products companies which hire inventory control clerks
• the Canadian Association of Production and Inventory