Run a stock count

Run a stock count when you need to compare Shopify's expected quantity with what is physically on the shelf and then decide whether to adjust Shopify inventory.

Plan Requirement

Ops plan or higher.

Role Or Permission Requirement

Use a BackstockOps role with manage_counts to create and count. Use a role with approve_apply_adjustments to approve and apply inventory adjustments.

App Path

Shopify Admin > Apps > BackstockOps > Stock counts.

Direct app path: /app/stock-counts.

Before You Start

Confirm the correct Shopify location is active.
Confirm products have usable SKUs or barcodes if you plan to scan.
Decide whether the count is a Cycle count, Partial count, or Full stocktake.
Decide whether to include zero-quantity synced lines.
Decide who will approve adjustments if your approval settings require separation of duties.

Steps

Open Stock counts.
In Start a stock count, enter a Count name.
Choose the Location.
Choose Count type.
Optionally filter by Supplier, Vendor, Product type, Collection, ABC grade, Include tags, or Exclude tags.
Turn on Include synced zero-quantity lines that match this scope only when zero-quantity products should be counted.
Select Create count.
Open the new count from the Count column.
If inventory changed immediately before counting, select Refresh Shopify data.
Use Search count lines and Line status to focus the table.
Enter counted quantities directly in rows or use SKU, barcode, or name, Counted quantity, and Set count.
Review Expected, Counted, and discrepancy values.
Zero missed lines only after confirming those missed units should be treated as zero.
Choose an Adjustment reason and add an Adjustment note if needed.
Select Approve adjustments when the discrepancy review is ready.
Select Apply adjustments or Apply approved adjustments after approval.

Shopify Read And Write Behavior

BackstockOps reads Shopify inventory for the selected location and count scope. Counting and reviewing stay inside BackstockOps. Applying approved adjustments writes inventory adjustments to Shopify.

Expected Success State

The count detail page shows saved counted quantities, reviewed discrepancy values, the selected adjustment reason, and an adjusted or completed status. Shopify inventory at the counted location reflects applied adjustments.

Common Troubleshooting

The count has no lines: check the selected location and filters.
A product is missing: check Shopify product status, SKU/barcode, tags, tracking, and Settings filters.
A scan enters the wrong line: search by name and review duplicate SKU/barcode behavior.
You cannot approve: your BackstockOps role may not include approve_apply_adjustments.
You cannot apply: the count may still be active or awaiting approval.

Stock Counts
Count inventory with SKU or barcode entry
Zero missed stock count lines
Approve and apply stock count adjustments
How BackstockOps Uses Shopify Inventory

Search Keywords

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