> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.duitpos.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Stock Counts
> A structured, auditable physical count — generate a count sheet, fill it in, and let the system calculate the variance.
A **Stock Count** is a formal, structured process for physically counting what's actually on the shelf and reconciling it against what the system thinks you have — the auditable alternative to eyeballing a discrepancy and fixing it with a quick [Stock Adjustment](/retail/stock-adjustments). It has a distinct three-step lifecycle: **Generate → Fill → Submit**.
## The lifecycle
### 1. Generate
Create a new count sheet for a location — the system snapshots the current "system quantity" for every product included, so it's locked in at the moment counting starts (not changing under you while you count).
| Field | Required | Description |
| -------------- | -------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Location** | Yes | Which branch/location is being counted |
| **Count Type** | No | `Full` (every tracked product) or `Cycle` (a subset — useful for counting a section at a time) |
| **Blind** | No | See "Blind counting" below |
| **Products** | No | For a Cycle count, which specific products to include. Leave blank for Full |
### 2. Fill
Enter the actual counted quantity for each item, as you physically go through the shelf. You can save progress and come back — filling doesn't have to happen in one sitting.
### 3. Submit
Once every item has a counted quantity, submit. The system calculates the **variance** (counted minus system quantity) per item and automatically posts the correcting stock adjustments — you don't create separate adjustments yourself.
## Blind counting
If **Blind** is turned on, the person doing the physical count **cannot see the system's expected quantity** while entering counts — they only see product names and an input field. This prevents unconscious bias (counting to match what you expect to see, rather than what's actually there), which is standard practice for a trustworthy physical count.
Turn Blind on for counts where accuracy matters most (e.g. periodic full audits) and off for quick, informal spot-checks where speed matters more than rigor.
## Understanding variance
Once submitted, each item shows its **variance** — the difference between counted and system quantity, color-coded so you can scan it quickly: **over** (you have more than expected — usually good, but worth investigating why), **under** (you have less — potential loss/damage/theft), or **exact match**.
## Create a Stock Count
Under Retail — Stock Operations.
Choose the Location, Count Type, and whether it's Blind.
Go through the shelf and enter what you actually count for each item. Save and resume as needed.
The system calculates variance per item and posts the correcting adjustments automatically.
## Frequently Asked Questions
Nothing changes yet — stock only updates when you Submit the completed count. You can safely take your time filling it in.
Yes — the Fill stage can be saved and edited repeatedly until you submit.
A Stock Adjustment is a quick, manual, one-line correction for when you already know exactly what changed. A Stock Count is the structured, blind-capable, audit-friendly process for a genuine physical recount of many items at once — and it calculates and posts the variance for you rather than you doing the math.
## Related
For quick one-off corrections instead
Check current quantities before counting
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