Question

Explain merits and demerits of perpetual inventory system

Answer 1

Merits of perpetual inventory control:

1. It ensures availability  of material as & when required.
2. There will be continuity in the flow of production.Only required quantity of material will be purchased.
3. It avoids physical verification of each and every item of store.
4.Investment in purchasing raw materials will be minimized.
5. A proper system of material control will save the  organisation from losses like wastage and obsolescence.
6. A detailed & reliable check on the store is obtained.
7. Planning of the production can be done as the management is continuously in forward about the store position.

Demerits of perpetual inventory system:

1. This method is introduced by big organisation as the cost of maintenance is high.
2. There is a possibility of clerical errors. Because many records are to be maintained synonymously.
3. Besides recording day to day records physical verification of stock also required. It is a delayed procedure.
4. If physical verification does not agree with the balance of bin card and store ledger there is a suspicion for there, is appropriation etc.
5. Each and every item of materials is not verified keeping in confidence with the stock records, so there may be changes of mismanagement in record keeping.