Start with a real count
Before any system, do a physical count of everything you have. Write down product, variant and quantity. That's your starting point and it will show you things you didn't know: forgotten products, shortages and surpluses.
Habits that keep stock up to date
Inventory gets out of control when it's updated now and then. Make it part of your routine:
- Deduct stock as soon as you confirm an order, not at the end of the week
- Set a minimum stock per product so you know when to restock
- Mark what ran out as sold out so you don't get impossible orders
- Do a quick monthly count of your best sellers
Learn from your turnover
Inventory is also information. If a product hasn't moved in months, it may need a promotion or to stop being bought. If another always sells out first, stock more of it.
That way you turn stock control into better buying decisions and avoid having money tied up in storage.
Managing inventory isn't bureaucracy: it's protecting your sales and reputation. An initial count, consistent habits and attention to turnover are enough for a small business.